2021.04.25Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
This type of visa is relevant to those that engage in activities which require technical skills and professional knowledge in the fields of natural science, social science, and humanities or activities which need thought and sense based on foreign culture and language. The fields are generally divided into two major areas namely:
a. Natural Science which include, among others, engineers, programmers, physicists, scientists, chemists, agriculturists, veterinarians, doctors, and pharmacists;
b. Social Science and Humanities which covers language specialists, translators, interpreters, copywriters, historians, legal practitioners, economists, and accountants, among others.
Holders of this visa are ensured full-time and long-term employment as well as competitive salaries that match the wages of Japanese colleagues employed in the same position. Depending on the nature of the profession, applicants for this visa may be required to have a high proficiency in the Japanese language.
Requirements:
I. Bachelor Degree, License, Post-graduate studies, or educational and work experience
1. Activity involves Natural Science, Social Science, or Humanities
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- Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional license relevant to the intended work/activity in Japan. For those that have acquired their degree or license in a foreign education system, it is recommended to confirm your educational background with the appropriate Japanese embassy; OR
- Having more than 10 years of work and educational experience in relation to the intended field of work/activity in Japan
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2. Activity involves information processing but no degree or license
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- Pass the examination on information processing designated by the Minister of Justice or obtain other similar qualifications
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3. Activity involves international services requiring thought and sense based on foreign culture and language
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- The foreign language must be the applicant’s native tongue OR the applicant has the qualifications and credentials to teach the language; AND
- Have work or educational experience in the relevant field of study OR holder of degree or license relevant to the intended work/activity
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II. Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Visa Status Holders of Residence Card in Japan need only process a change of visa status. For non-holders, application for certificate of eligibility is required.
III. General Documentary Requirements
a. Proof of applicant’s educational background, work experience, and professional qualifications (e.g. Resume, Diploma/Degree, Certificate of Employment, Japanese Language Proficiency Test Certificate, Professional License)
b. Documents supporting the applicant’s job in Japan (e.g. Employment Contract with employer)
c. Proof of existence of the employer (e.g. Certificate of Company Registration, among others)
d. Visa Sponsor (from Employer Company based in Japan)
e. Visa application form
f. Passport with at least two blank visa pages
g. Photo – 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm with white background, taken within 6 months, with applicant’s name and birthdate at the back, and pasted onto the visa application form
h. Birth certificate – issued within one year by PSA Main Office/Serbili Outlet Center; an incomplete birth certificate from PSA would require an additional birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar as a supplement; late registration would require an additional baptismal certificate and school record (Form 137) from high school or elementary and School Yearbook (if possible); if no PSA record, Certificate of Non-Record from PSA with birth certificate from Local Civil Registrar
i. Marriage certificate (if married applicant) – issued within one year by PSA Main Office/Serbili Outlet; if no PSA record, Certificate of Non-Record from PSA with marriage certificate from Local Civil Registrar
Documents for application must be A4 in size. For additional details on the documentary requirements, please contact the nearest Consulate/Embassy of Japan or visit their official website: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/
Duration of Visa Status:
Visa Holder:
The duration of visa status will be determined by the Immigration Officer between 3 months to as much as 5 years depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The duration of the visa may be extended by renewing prior to expiration. Those that qualify as Highly Skilled Professionals are granted visa status valid for 5 years.
Spouse and dependent children of Highly Skilled Professionals:
The visa duration for the immediate family of the highly skilled professional is between 1 to 5 years as determined by the Immigration Officer.
Parents of Highly Skilled Professionals:
Between 6 months to 1 year for parents who intend to take care of the children (under 7 years old) of highly skilled professionals or who intend to take care of pregnant highly skilled professionals/pregnant spouse.
Domestic Helpers of Highly Skilled Professionals:
1 year
References:
Japan to open up job fields for foreign graduates from universities
Highly skilled professional visa
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa for Teaching English in Japan