Important administrative information has been released for foreign workers preparing to work in Japan's food service industry or already working under the Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) visa. On June 26, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan officially announced the latest review status for various applications related to the "Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry)" status of residence.
This announcement contains major changes, including the freezing or rejection of certain applications due to acceptance capacity (quota) limits in the food service sector. For foreign residents currently working in Japan's food service industry, or those preparing for job changes or new employment, we have compiled a detailed summary of the review criteria and countermeasures by application type.
Suspension of New COE Issuance and Restrictions on General Visa Changes (In Principle, Disapproval)
The most significant change is that visa issuance for new entry has effectively stopped, and applications for change of status submitted after a certain date will be rejected. This measure is due to exceeding the acceptance limit, and the details are as follows:
- New Applications for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Currently under a complete "suspension of issuance." As a result, foreign nationals waiting to enter Japan after securing employment in the food service industry from overseas will not be able to obtain new visas for the time being.
- Applications for Change of Status from Other Visas: For those wishing to change their status from another visa (such as Student) to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Food Service, only applications accepted by April 12, 2026 will be reviewed and approved normally. On the other hand, change applications accepted on or after April 13, 2026 will, in principle, be disapproved (rejected), so applicants must exercise extreme caution.
Exceptions Where Normal Review and Approval Are Maintained
However, not all visa changes are blocked. Exceptional cases, such as specific individuals already residing in Japan on the premise of transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker or job changes within the food service industry, will undergo normal review.
- Change Applications from Technical Intern Trainees: For those who have completed technical intern training in the food preparation category for medical and welfare facilities and apply to change to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in Food Service, applications accepted by May 31, 2026 will be approved once the normal review is completed.
- Change Applications from "Designated Activities" Visas: For those who apply to change to a formal Specified Skilled Worker visa from a "Designated Activities" visa granted to prepare for the transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service sector, applications accepted by May 31, 2026 will also undergo normal review and approval.
- Job Changes Within the Food Service Sector: For those who already hold a Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa in the food service sector and apply to change employers to another food service company, all applications will be reviewed and approved normally, regardless of the acceptance date. In other words, job changes within the industry are not restricted.
- Applications for Extension of Period of Stay: Simple extension applications to extend the period of stay for the currently held Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa in food service will proceed with normal sequential review and approval without any restrictions.
Measures to Prevent Illegal Stay for Those with Expiring Periods of Stay
As visa reviews may become prolonged or delayed, some applicants may face a situation where their current period of stay expires before their review results are released. To prevent such applicants from unintentionally falling into illegal stay (overstay) status, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has established and is guiding the following relief procedures.
For applicants whose period of stay is expected to expire before their turn for review arrives, the agency will individually guide them to propose changing their status of residence to "Designated Activities (Preparation for Specified Skilled Worker (i)) (Food Service Industry)" or to file a change in their existing application details to prevent illegal stay. Applicants who receive such guidance must promptly follow the instructions to safely maintain their status of residence in Japan.
Action Guidelines for Foreign Workers in the Food Service Industry
Since Japan's Specified Skilled Worker visa operates under acceptance limits set for each industry, administrative processing can change rapidly depending on whether the quota has been reached, as seen in this announcement. The food service sector, in particular, employs many foreign workers, so the impact is highly significant.
Foreign residents currently working or preparing to work in Japan's food service industry should thoroughly cross-check their visa application acceptance date and their current status of residence. In particular, those who applied to change from a general visa on or after April 13, 2026, are highly likely to receive a disapproval decision. Therefore, it is safest to immediately consult with their employer or an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) to quickly explore permissible alternatives, such as transitioning to a "Designated Activities" visa.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 出入国在留管理庁