According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a normal mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is less than that in the normal mode and includes a processor. The processor is configured to acquire information about unexecuted print jobs via a communication interface or the like. The processor transitions the apparatus to the power saving mode after a preset standby time elapses after a completion of a print job by the apparatus if an unexecuted print job satisfies predetermined conditions that indicate that the unexecuted print job can be executed on the apparatus. The processor transitions the apparatus to the power saving mode sooner than the elapse of the preset standby time after the completion of the print job if none of the unexecuted print jobs satisfies the predetermined conditions.