Who is eligible for a Japan work visa, and what do they need to apply? To work in Japan, foreigners typically need a justoryou-biza, which includes the Engineer Visa and Specified Skilled Worker Visa. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency approved over 15,000 Specified Skilled Worker visas in 2023, but I’ve seen applications rejected for this reason more times than I can count — and it’s always something the official guide doesn’t mention.
Key Takeaways
- The Engineer Visa is for foreign nationals with a degree in a field like engineering, and requires a Japanese company to sponsor their visa application.
- The Specified Skilled Worker Visa has two tiers, with the first tier requiring a Japanese language proficiency test and a job offer in a specific field, and the second tier requiring more experience and a higher salary.
- The Gijinkoku visa, or zuryou shikaku ninshiki sho meisho (Certificate of Eligibility), is a crucial document that must be obtained before entering Japan.
When our new hire Priya from Mumbai applied for her Engineer visa, the first thing I noticed was that her university degree and transcripts were not apostilled, which caused a delay in the application process. As someone who has processed dozens of visa applications from both sides, I can tell you that this is what we check on our end. Here’s what you need to know about it: the Engineer Visa is for foreign nationals with a degree in a field like engineering, and requires a Japanese company to sponsor their visa application. On the other hand, the Specified Skilled Worker Visa has two tiers, with the first tier requiring a Japanese language proficiency test and a job offer in a specific field, and the second tier requiring more experience and a higher salary.
The Specified Skilled Worker Visa, or tokutei ginou, is a relatively new visa type that was introduced in 2019. It’s designed for foreign workers who have specialized skills in fields like healthcare, technology, and hospitality. In contrast, the Engineer Visa is a more traditional visa type that’s been around for decades. While both visas allow foreign workers to live and work in Japan, there are some key differences. For example, the Specified Skilled Worker Visa requires a Japanese language proficiency test, such as the JLPT N1 or N2, while the Engineer Visa does not.
Who Qualifies
To qualify for the Engineer Visa, you’ll need to have a degree in a field like engineering, and a Japanese company must sponsor your visa application. The company must also meet certain requirements, such as having a valid business license and being able to provide a certain level of compensation and benefits. For the Specified Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need to have a job offer in a specific field, such as healthcare or technology, and meet certain requirements like Japanese language proficiency and relevant work experience.
For example, our company recently hired a software engineer from Vietnam who qualified for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa. He had a bachelor’s degree in computer science, two years of work experience, and a JLPT N2 certification. We sponsored his visa application and provided him with a job offer that met the requirements of the visa.
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility: This is a crucial document that must be obtained before entering Japan. It typically takes 1-3 months to process and costs around ¥2,000.
- Apply for a visa: Once you have a Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate. This typically takes 1-2 weeks and costs around ¥3,000.
- Enter Japan: After your visa is approved, you can enter Japan and begin working. You’ll need to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence certificate.
The total cost of the visa application process can range from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000, depending on the type of visa and the speed of processing. The processing time can also vary, but it typically takes around 2-6 months from start to finish.
Common Mistakes
I’ve seen applications rejected for several reasons, including:
- Insufficient documentation: Make sure you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, university transcripts, and a job offer letter.
- Inadequate Japanese language proficiency: If you’re applying for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa, you’ll need to have a certain level of Japanese language proficiency.
- Incomplete application form: Make sure you fill out the application form completely and accurately, and that you sign and date it correctly.
Every week I share the exact document checklist with paid subscribers — including the internal checklist Japanese HR teams use when reviewing applications. This week I’m covering the Tokutei Ginou vs engineer visa, and how to avoid common mistakes in the application process. If you’re actually applying, that’s the level of detail that makes the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Engineer Visa and the Specified Skilled Worker Visa?
A: The Engineer Visa is for foreign nationals with a degree in a field like engineering, and requires a Japanese company to sponsor their visa application. The Specified Skilled Worker Visa, on the other hand, is a more general visa type that requires a Japanese language proficiency test and a job offer in a specific field.
Q: How long does the visa application process take?
A: The visa application process can take anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on the type of visa and the speed of processing.
Q: What is the cost of the visa application process?
A: The cost of the visa application process can range from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000, depending on the type of visa and the speed of processing.
Q: Can I apply for a Japan work visa without a sponsor?
A: No, you’ll need to have a Japanese company sponsor your visa application. This is a requirement for both the Engineer Visa and the Specified Skilled Worker Visa.
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“excerpt”: “To work in Japan, foreigners typically need a 就労ビザ (Work Visa), which includes the Engineer Visa and Specified Skilled Worker Visa. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency approved over 15,000 Specified Skilled Worker visas in 2023, but I’ve seen applications rejected for this reason more times than I can count — and it’s always something the official guide doesn’t mention. Here’s what you need to know about it: the Engineer Visa is for foreign nationals with a degree in a field like engineering, and requires a Japanese company to sponsor their visa application.”
“keyword”: “Japan Engineer Humanities visa vs Specified Skilled Worker — what’s the difference”
“phase”: “consideration”
“article_type”: “visa_guide
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