Obtaining "Technical/Humanities/International Services" status is an important step for foreign nationals seeking professional employment in Japan. Japan has established this visa system in order to accept personnel with advanced technical skills and an international perspective, but specific requirements and procedures are necessary to obtain this status. This article details the application process, required documents, and points to be aware of, and provides useful information for foreigners considering a career in Japan and Japanese companies wishing to hire capable foreigners.
Status of Residence, Technical/Humanities/International Services
Current Status of Activity-Related Status of Residence
The number of new foreign arrivals to Japan reached a record high of 31.19 million in 2019, and from 2020 to 2022, travel restrictions were imposed worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. This caused a sharp decline in the number of foreign arrivals, including foreign students and tourists. Subsequently, the number of new arrivals in 2023 reached 23.75 million, showing a rapid recovery, although it did not reach the level of 2019.
In 2024, over 17.77 million foreigners visited Japan from January to June of the year, which isThis is an increase of 65.91 TP3T over the same period last year.
Under such circumstances, among the qualifications for foreign nationals to enter Japan, the "Temporary Visitor Status" (for tourists, etc.) and "Resident Status" (Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Family Resident, Long-term Resident, and Special Permanent Resident) are excluded,Among "activity-related qualifications," "technical, humanities, and international services" is the third most common, after "technical training" and "study abroad."
(by the author, seeStatistics on Foreign Residents of Japan, Immigration and Naturalization Service)
What is the status of residence, Technical/Humanities/International Services?
Technical/Humanities/International Services" is one of the statuses of residence to engage in a specific specialized occupation in Japan. This visa is specifically forForeign nationals working in jobs requiring advanced skills and knowledge, such as technical or clerical work, international affairs, etc.It will be issued for
Eligible Operations
This status of residence covers the following types of work
- Technical Field:
Technicians and engineers, especially those with expertise in science and engineering. Examples of the main occupations are as follows
- IT engineer: System development, programming, software engineering, etc.
- Mechanical and Electronic Engineering: Work in manufacturing and technology development related to machine design and manufacturing process improvement.
- construction engineer: Engineers involved in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure.
An important qualification requirement in this field is a university degree in science and engineering or relevant work experience.
- Humanities and Knowledge:
This applies to work that utilizes expertise in the humanities. Examples of major tasks are as follows
- marketing: Engaged in market research and product promotion activities for a company.
- Legal & Consultant: Work providing legal or business advice, or business consulting.
- financial analyst: Providing advice based on analysis of financial markets and the financial condition of companies.
This field also requires knowledge and a degree related to the field of study at the university. Work that utilizes specialized knowledge in economics, law, sociology, etc. (e.g., consulting, marketing).
- international service:
This work requires global business and foreign language skills.
- Translation and Interpretation: Translation of foreign language documents and interpretation services at business meetings.
- trading business: Negotiations with overseas business partners and work related to import/export operations.
- Project Manager for International Affairs: Role involves managing global projects and working with international clients and partners.
Foreign language skills and international business experience are often required in this field.
Acquisition conditions
To obtain this certification, in each job,In addition to education, work experience in a related field is required.In most cases. In addition, employment in Japan is confirmedAn employment contract is required.The following conditions must be met
- Education or work experience: A bachelor's degree or higher in a related field or a minimum of 10 years of work experience in the same field is required.
Educational background:. The basic requirement is a university (bachelor's degree) or equivalent. The major must be in a field related to the work for which you are applying. For example, science and technology for technical fields, foreign languages or international business for international business fields, etc. You will need to obtain a diploma or other document to apply.
Work experience:. Applicants with a minimum of 10 years of work experience in their field of expertise may apply even if they do not have a bachelor's degree. This experience does not include part-time work or internships; the work must be based on a formal employment contract. Documentation such as a certificate of employment contract is required. - Employment Contracts: Must have a formal employment contract with a company or organization in JapanIt is.
This employment contract must be for a position corresponding to the status of residence for which the applicant is applying, and the applicant's skills and expertise must be utilized by the employer. - Salary conditions:
When Japanese nationals are engaged in similar work andReceive a salary of equal or greateris required. This ensures that foreign workers are not paid unfairly low wages and that they are employed under fair conditions. In addition to an employment contract specifying salary and other terms and conditions, documentation is required to prove the salary level of other employees.
period of stay
The period of stay is generally one, three, or five years and can be renewed.
Main Flow of Application Procedures
Applicants must first sign an employment contract with a company or organization in Japan. ThisIt is a prerequisite that the employment contract is for work appropriate to the status of residence.
Next, the employer applies for a "Certificate of Eligibility" from the Japanese Immigration Office (Immigration Bureau). This certificate is necessary for the applicant to work legally in Japan, and obtaining this certificate is an important step.
(Citation:Application for Certificate of Eligibility (sample))
- Documents to be submitted:
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Documents certifying the applicant's education and employment history (diplomas, certificates of employment)
- Copy of employment contract
- Documents showing information about the company, such as a certified copy of the company's registration and financial statements
- Copy of passport
- In addition to the above, various other documents are required depending on individual circumstances, such as a statement of reasons.
If your application is approved, a Certificate of Eligibility will be issued. Obtaining this certificate is normal,It may take several weeks to several months.
Applicants who are outside of Japan, with their Certificate of Eligibility, apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The following documents are required
- passport
- visa application form
- Certificate of Eligibility for Resident Status
An application for landing permission is one of the procedures required for foreigners to enter Japan.Application for permission to enter the country by an immigration inspectorIt is. Specifically, when a foreigner arrives in Japan, permission to land is requested at the immigration checkpoint at the airport or port of entry.
Foreign nationals wishing to land in Japan must apply in advance to theEven if you have a valid visa, you must undergo landing inspection upon entry.During this review, the following requirements will be verified
- Must possess a valid passport
- Must have the purpose of lawfully staying in Japan
- Not to be involved in criminal activities in Japan
- No reason for refusal to land is applicable.
- To be granted a status of residence appropriate to the duration and purpose of their stay in Japan after entry
Once landing permission is granted, you will be granted a "status of residence" that allows you to stay in Japan for a certain period of time. This allows you to engage in activities in Japan within the scope of the status of residence you have applied for, such as business, sightseeing, studying abroad, and working.
Once landing permission is granted, the applicant will enter Japan and receive a residence card at the airport. (except at some airports) This resident card will be used as identification during the applicant's stay in Japan.
You must submit a notification of moving-in to the nearest municipal office within 14 days of your arrival in Japan.
If you enter Japan from an airport, etc. where residence cards are not issued upon landing, a residence card will be mailed to you within approximately two weeks after you submit your notification of moving in.
Thus, the application process is a multi-step process,It is important to make sure that the required documents and procedures are in place.
Measures to take if your application for a residence permit is denied
If your application for a residence permit is denied, it is important to consider the following measures
- Confirmation of reasons for disapproval
Notified by the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Agency)Reason for non-approvalCheck theThis is the first step. If there are missing or incomplete documents or problems with the application, it is easier to take steps to resolve them. One way to check is to contact the Immigration Office directly for details of the denial notice or the Immigration Office. - reapplication
The reasons for disapproval are clear andIf the cause is resolvable,reapplicationWe will considerFor example, if a document is incomplete or incorrectly submitted, the applicant can apply again. For example, if a document is incomplete or submitted incorrectly, the applicant can prepare the correct document, correct the error, and reapply. At this time, you can increase the likelihood that your next application will be approved by thoroughly explaining the reasons for the denial and emphasizing that you have taken the appropriate action. - Consultation with Experts
Disapproval for complicated or unclear reasons,Administrative scriveners and lawyersIt is useful to consult with experts such asExperts can advise on reapplications and objections based on past similar cases and legal opinions.There are many administrative scriveners who specialize in foreign resident status, and expert assistance is key to a successful application the next time you apply. - objection
If there is an objection to the denial,objectioncan also be done.However, in the examination for Japanese residency status,The formal system of objections is not widely applied.Therefore, it may effectively be in the form of a reapplication or reexamination based on new evidence. It is important to add as much detail and evidence as possible to the objection and to resolve any issues. - Reapplication after leaving the country
If your period of stay has expired and you cannot reapply in time, or if it is difficult to reapply immediately, you must leave Japan temporarily,Certificate of Eligibility for Resident StatusThere is also a method to obtain a new visa and try to re-enter the country. This method requires a temporary break from working and living in Japan, but allows time to prepare for reapplication. - Consideration of other status of residence
One measure is to consider whether it is possible to stay in Japan with a status other than the status of residence applied for.For example, if the applicant fits another status, such as a college student visa or a family stay visa, he/she may apply for a change of status to that status. - Resolve the issue during the period of stay.
If you still have time left in your period of stay after receiving a notice of disapproval, you may resolve the reason for disapproval and attempt to reapply during that time. Resolving the problem within the period of stay and reapplying as soon as possible will increase your chances of being approved. - summary
If your application for a residence permit is denied, it is important to first ascertain the reason(s) and then take action to resolve the issue.If necessary, consult with a specialist and take appropriate measures for your next application.
Extension of Period of Stay
Before the expiration of your period of stay, you may apply for an extension of stay if necessary. In this case, too, the employment relationship with the company must continue.
When applying for an extension of stay, the following requirements must be met
- Continued activity.
Applicant,Continue to engage in activities based on the same status of residenceThe applicant must be performing the work. For example, if you are working in a "technical, humanities, or international services" capacity, you will be examined to determine if your duties are still ongoing. - The employment contract must be ongoing.
To apply for an extension of stay,The employment contract must be valid.is requiredIs. Documents such as employment certificates and pay stubs are submitted to prove that the employment relationship with the company is ongoing. - That appropriate compensation is being paid.
The applicant must be receiving compensation equal to or greater than that received by a Japanese national working in the same capacity. This is to ensure that the applicant is working under proper employment conditions. - Tax payment and social insurance coverage
Income and inhabitant taxesIt is important that you are in good tax status, such as Also, if you are working in Japan,social insurance(health insurance and pension) are also subject to examination. - Meeting application deadlines
The date of expiration of the period of stayFrom 3 months prior to the expiration dateYou are required to apply for an extension toAs a rule, applications submitted after the expiration date will not be accepted. - Documents to be submitted
The following documents are required to apply for an extension
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
- certificate of employmentor contract
- Tax-related documents(Tax payment certificate, taxation certificate)
- payslip
- Passport and resident card
- When to apply for renewal
Application for renewal of period of stay,3 months before the expiration date of the period of staySubmissions can be made fromTherefore, applicants are required to submit renewal applications between 3 months prior to the expiration date and the expiration date. It is recommended that the application be submitted well in advance, as an early application will facilitate the process.
- Applied too earlywill not be accepted. Three months prior to the expiration date is the earliest you can apply.
- Application after the expiration dateis basically inadmissible and may result in an illegal stay, so it is very important to apply on time.
By adhering to the application timeline and submitting all the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth renewal process.
- Application Results
If an extension of status of residence is granted, a new period of stay will be granted, but depending on the result of the examination, an extension may not be granted. In such cases, you will be notified of the reason, and in some cases, you may file an objection.
Fees required for residence permit applications
Fees associated with applications for residence permits vary depending on the type of application. The main fees are as follows
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Commission fee: No charge
- There is no fee for applying for the Certificate of Eligibility itself. However, after obtaining this certificate, a fee will be charged when applying for a visa.
- There is no fee for applying for the Certificate of Eligibility itself. However, after obtaining this certificate, a fee will be charged when applying for a visa.
- Commission fee: No charge
- application for permission to extend one's period of stay
- Commission fee: 4,000 yen
- When applying for an extension of stay, a renewal fee of 4,000 yen is required. This fee is paid after the application is approved. The method of payment isrevenue stampThe purchase will be made with the purchase of a
- When applying for an extension of stay, a renewal fee of 4,000 yen is required. This fee is paid after the application is approved. The method of payment isrevenue stampThe purchase will be made with the purchase of a
- Commission fee: 4,000 yen
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Commission fee: 4,000 yen
- A fee of 4,000 yen is also required when an application for change of status of residence is approved. This fee is also paid with revenue stamps.
- A fee of 4,000 yen is also required when an application for change of status of residence is approved. This fee is also paid with revenue stamps.
- Commission fee: 4,000 yen
- application for re-entry permit
- Fee: 3,000 yen (one-time permit) or 6,000 yen (multiple permits)
- A re-entry permit is required to leave Japan temporarily and re-enter the country; the fee differs between a one-time permit and a permit that allows multiple re-entries.
- Fee: 3,000 yen (one-time permit) or 6,000 yen (multiple permits)
Since the fee is paid when the application is approved, it is best to prepare in advance to ensure a smooth process.
summary
How was it?
In order for a foreigner to obtain a residence permit to stay in Japan as applied for without delay, very detailed and strict requirements are determined, and the final decision is made by the Immigration Bureau based on a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's situation.
This means that the Immigration Bureau (Immigration and Naturalization Service) will examine the application and, in the process of deciding the result of the application, it will decide whether or not to accept a certaindiscretionis exercised.
Whether or not a residence permit is granted will have a significant impact not only on the individual, but also on the Japanese host company that is planning to hire the individual. We strongly recommend that you seek professional help at an early stage.
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