[2026 Latest] Thorough explanation of acquisition requirements for the "Technical/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa | Regarding the addition of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 requirement
Visa AdminIntroduction
The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa (commonly known as the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa") is a representative work visa for foreigners to engage in specialized jobs in Japan such as interpreting/translation, IT technology, accounting, and sales.
Until now, there were no legal requirements for Japanese language proficiency to obtain a skilled worker visa, and the focus of the review was on educational background, work experience, and relevance to the job content. However, on April 15, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency changed its procedures, and if certain conditions are met,Proof of equivalent level to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2This has become a newly required feature.
This article provides a clear explanation of the basic requirements for obtaining a skilled worker visa and the key points of the system changes scheduled for 2026.
What is a Technical, Humanities, and International Services visa?
The Skilled Worker/Humanities Visa is a residence status that combines the following three activity categories:
- technologyIT engineers and mechanical designers requiring specialized knowledge in science and engineering.
- Humanities knowledgeAccounting, human resources, planning, marketing, etc., requiring knowledge of economics, business administration, law, etc.
- International businessForeign language interpretation and translation, trade operations, overseas sales, language instructor, etc.
Basic acquisition requirements
To obtain a skilled worker visa, you must primarily meet the following requirements:
- Educational RequirementsApplicants must have majored in a field related to their work and have graduated from a university or graduate school (or have obtained a "Specialist" qualification from a Japanese vocational school).
- Work experience requirementsIf the educational requirements are not met, the applicant must have at least 10 years of work experience (at least 3 years for international business).
- Business relevance: There must be a connection between your field of study/work experience and the actual work you will be performing.
- Compensation requirements: Compensation equal to or greater than that paid to a Japanese national performing the same work.
These requirements are intended to ensure that the residence status is for accepting professional and technical personnel.
[Important] Japanese language proficiency requirements added from April 15, 2026
What has changed?
From April 15, 2026 onwards, for skilled worker visa applications,"Declaration Form Regarding the Representative of the Affiliated Organization"In addition to submitting additional documents such as those listed above, if certain conditions are met,Documents demonstrating proficiency in the languages used in the course of work, equivalent to CEFR B2 (e.g., JLPT N2 or higher for Japanese).A new submission is now required.
Eligible conditions
The following requirements apply to this situation:If both conditions are metis.
| conditions | Content |
|---|---|
| ① Category of affiliated institution | If the receiving company falls under "Category 3" or "Category 4" |
| ② Business content | When primarily using language skills to engage in "interpersonal work" |
Not all skilled worker visa applications now require an N2 level of proficiency.If your work primarily involves in-house development and does not involve direct interaction with customers, it is highly likely that you will not be eligible for this measure.
Examples of "person-to-person work"
Examples of person-to-person duties as indicated by the Immigration Services Agency include the following:
- Translation and interpreting services
- Hotel and inn front desk staff, etc.
- In-person and telephone sales
- Multilingual customer support
- Business negotiations with overseas clients in Japanese
On the other hand, jobs that do not involve interpersonal interaction, such as IT system development and design (where English is the official company language), and research and technical positions, are likely to be excluded.
Proof methods considered equivalent to N2
The following methods are accepted as ways to demonstrate proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 (equivalent to N2 in Japanese):
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher
- BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or higher
- Completion of a specialized course at a Japanese university, college of technology, or vocational school.
- Having resided in Japan for more than 20 years as a mid- to long-term resident.
Cases in which the service applies and cases in which it is excluded.
- The main target is applicants who are coming to Japan for the first time.It is believed that cases of international students and others changing their residence status from within Japan will be excluded.
- The requirements for this project are:This will also affect renewal applications.Therefore, existing holders of skilled worker visas should also be careful.
Things companies should check right now
Companies that currently employ foreign talent, or are considering hiring them, are advised to check the following points.
- Check your company's acceptance institution category.(Does it fall under Category 3 or 4?)
- Inventory of the job duties of the foreign personnel to be targeted(Does this constitute a job involving interaction with people?)
- If applicable, please check whether you have a Japanese Language Proficiency Certificate (N2, etc.).
- Considering learning support and exam preparation assistance for those who have not yet obtained the necessary qualifications.
Since further details about the system may be released in the future, it is important to continuously check for the latest information.
summary
- Effective April 15, 2026, a Japanese language proficiency requirement (equivalent to CEFR B2 and JLPT N2) has been added to the Skilled Worker/International Visa.
- The target is,Companies in categories 3 and 4でInterpersonal workThis applies only if you are engaged in this activity.
- It is not required for all applications; individual judgments must be made based on the actual nature of the work.
- This could affect not only new applications but also renewal applications.
The requirements for residence status change year by year, so it is essential to prepare your application based on accurate and up-to-date information. If you are unsure whether your case meets the requirements, please feel free to contact our office for advice.
Oguri Administrative Scrivener Office
We offer consultations regarding work visas and residence status for foreign nationals. The initial consultation is free.
Contact us here
*This article is based on information as of July 2026. Please check the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for the latest information on the system.
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