The "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" residence status is a work visa for foreigners who want to work in Japan utilizing their specialized knowledge and skills. It covers a wide range of occupations, including interpreters/translators, IT engineers, designers, trade administrators, accountants, and marketers.
What are Technical, Humanities, and International Services?
This residence status is broadly divided into three categories.
• Technical: Tasks requiring technical skills and knowledge in natural science fields such as physics and engineering (e.g., system engineers, programmers, mechanical designers)
• Humanities knowledge: Tasks requiring knowledge in humanities fields such as law, economics, and social sciences (accounting, human resources, planning, sales, etc.)
• International work: Tasks that require thinking and sensitivity based on foreign cultures (interpreting/translation, language teaching, design, etc.)
Eligibility requirements
Those who meet any of the following criteria are eligible to apply.
[Educational Requirements]
• Those who have graduated from a Japanese university or graduate school.
• Those who have graduated from a university or graduate school overseas
- Graduates of vocational schools in Japan (with a major related to their residence status)
[Work experience requirements]
- Candidates with 10 or more years of work experience (including time spent studying at a university or vocational school)
【others】
• Japanese language proficiency (for interpreting and translation work)
- The job description you are applying for must be relevant to your educational and work experience.
Required documents
[Documents to be prepared by the applicant]
• Passport (valid)
- Residence card (if you are already residing in Japan)
• Passport-style photograph (4cm x 3cm)
• Graduation certificate and academic transcript of your highest level of education
• Documents proving work experience (such as employment certificates)
Documents provided by the hiring company
Certificate of Registered Matters
Documents that clarify the company's overview (brochures, etc.)
Employment contract
・Reason for hiring
• Most recent financial statements (income statement and balance sheet)
Summary of statutory records such as withholding tax slips
Procedure flow
① Consultation and document review (free of charge)
Please feel free to contact us first. We will inquire about your current situation and determine if you are eligible to apply.
② Collection of necessary documents
You and your employer will need to prepare the necessary documents. We will also provide clear instructions on how to obtain these documents.
③ Preparation of application documents
Our office will prepare the application documents. Please review the contents carefully before submitting the application.
Application to the Immigration Services Agency
I will submit the application as soon as the necessary documents are ready (online applications are also accepted).
⑤ Review and approval
The standard review period is approximately 1 to 3 months. We will contact you as soon as approval is granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply even if I graduated from a vocational school?
A. Yes, you can apply. However, there must be a connection between your major and the work you will be doing at your prospective employer.
Q. If I change jobs, do I need to change my residence status?
A. If the job duties at your new workplace fall within the scope of your current residence status, no change is necessary. However, if the industry changes significantly, we recommend obtaining a "Certificate of Eligibility for Employment."
Q. How long does it take from application to approval?
A. The standard processing time is 1 to 3 months, but this may vary depending on the review status. If you are in a hurry, please contact us as soon as possible.
Q. What happens if my application is denied?
A. After reviewing the reasons for the denial, we will suggest the possibility of reapplying. Please contact us first for a consultation.
Rates and Fees
Certificate of Eligibility Application (New): ¥88,000~ (tax included)
Visa Extension Application: ¥55,000~ (tax included)
Application for Change of Status of Residence: ¥66,000~ (tax included)
*The above is the basic fee. Additional charges may apply depending on the complexity of the documents or if translation is required.
*The initial consultation is free. Please feel free to contact us.