①Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of the preceding Article, the change to the status of residence of "Highly Skilled Professional" (limited to those pertaining to item (ii) of the right-hand column under "Highly Skilled Professional" in the Appended Table I (2)) may not be granted, unless it is for a foreign national residing in Japan with the status of residence of "Highly Skilled Professional" (limited to those pertaining to item (i), sub-items (a) through (c) in the right-hand column pertaining to "Highly Skilled Professional" in the same Table).

②If the Minister of Justice receives an application from a foreign national for a change to the status of residence of "Highly Skilled Professional" (limited to those pertaining to item (ii) in the right-hand column pertaining to "Highly Skilled Professional" in the Appended Table I (2)) pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the Minister may not grant permission for the change unless the foreign national conforms to the standards provided for by Ministry of Justice Order.

③The Minister of Justice is to consult with the heads of the related administrative organs in advance, when seeking to establish the Ministry of Justice Order set forth in the preceding paragraph.