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The “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” visa is one of the primary visas issued to foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan. This visa is required for individuals with specific expertise or skills to work for Japanese companies or organizations. It primarily covers the following three fields:
- Technical Fields: Professions in engineering, IT, mechanical design, and other technical roles.
- Humanities Fields: Professions in areas such as law, economics, marketing, and translation.
- International Services Fields: Professions such as interpretation, trade operations, foreign language teaching, and other roles that utilize foreign culture and sensitivities.
Features of the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” Visa
1. Covers a Wide Range of Industries
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa” covers a wide range of occupations and industries. Specifically, it allows for employment in professions such as IT engineers, system developers, marketing specialists, interpreters, and foreign language teachers, among others. This visa is intended for individuals possessing advanced specialized knowledge or skills required by companies in Japan.
2. Academic background and work experience are required.
To obtain this visa, applicants are required to have an academic background or work experience related to the job they will be engaged in. Generally, a university degree or higher is required. Specifically, for technical fields, a degree in engineering or natural sciences is necessary, while in humanities fields, knowledge or experience in areas such as law, economics, or sociology is essential.
Additionally, work experience can substitute for academic qualifications. Even without formal education, applicants with extensive practical experience may qualify for the visa. This is especially true in the field of international services, where practical experience is often highly valued.
3. An employment contract is mandatory.
An employment contract with a company or organization in Japan is mandatory for visa application. Based on this contract, the applicant is authorized to work legally in Japan. The applicant must engage in work that aligns with their academic background or professional experience. If the job responsibilities do not match, the visa may not be granted.
4. Period of stay.
The period of stay under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa” is granted for either 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. If the employment contract is ongoing, the visa can be renewed before its expiration. To renew the visa, it is required that the employment contract remains valid and that the applicant has fulfilled legal obligations such as tax payments.
Requirements for Obtaining the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa.
To obtain the visa, the following requirements must be met:
- Academic Background
Graduation from a university or vocational school and possession of a degree in a field related to the intended job are fundamental requirements. In technical fields, degrees in areas such as engineering or natural sciences are necessary, while in humanities fields, degrees in law, economics, sociology, or similar disciplines are commonly required. - Work Experience
Practical work experience can be recognized as a qualification in place of academic credentials. This is particularly true for international services, where work history is highly valued. Even without a formal degree, it is possible to obtain the visa depending on the extent and relevance of the applicant’s work experience. - Employment Contract
To work legally in Japan, the applicant must have an employment contract with a Japanese company or organization. The job description outlined in the employment contract must align with the applicant’s academic background or professional experience. - Remuneration
The applicant must receive remuneration that is equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would earn for performing the same job. This requirement is in place to prevent the unfair underpayment of foreign workers.
Procedures for Obtaining the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
- Securing Employment: First, the applicant must obtain a job offer or employment contract from a Japanese company or organization.
- Prepare required documents: Prepare the necessary documents such as your passport, photographs, employment contract, proof of educational and work history, salary certificate, etc.
- Application to the Immigration Services Agency: Once all required documents are prepared, the applicant submits the visa application to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. It is common for the employer to assist with the application process.
- Visa Issuance: Once the visa is approved, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa is issued, granting the applicant permission to stay and work in Japan.
Visa Renewal and Change
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa can be renewed as long as the contract remains active. Additionally, it is possible to obtain permanent residency or switch to another visa, such as the “Business/Management” visa, if certain conditions are met. When applying for permanent residency, a general requirement is a 10-year residency period. However, this period may be shortened under specific conditions.
The Benefits of the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Visa
- Few Work Restrictions: Holders of this visa can engage in specialized work and have relatively broad freedom in choosing jobs. However, employment is limited to roles that fall within the scope of the visa category.
- Long-Term Stay: By renewing the visa, holders can reside in Japan for an extended period, with the possibility of pursuing permanent residency in the future.
- Family Accompaniment: Under certain conditions, visa holders can bring their spouse and children to Japan to live together. Family members will need to apply for a “Dependent Visa.”
Points to Note About the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Visa.
- Relevance of Job Duties:
The applicant’s job duties must align with the visa category. If there are changes in the job role or scope of work, it may be necessary to reapply for the visa to ensure compliance. - Continuation of Employment Contract:
A valid employment contract is required for visa renewal. If the contract ends, renewing the visa may become difficult unless a new employment contract is secured. - Points to Consider When Changing Jobs:
When switching employers, it is essential to ensure that the new employer provides work that aligns with the visa category. If the job duties differ significantly, a visa change or reapplication may be required.
Summary
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa is a flexible option that allows individuals to work in a wide range of professions in Japan. It is particularly valuable for foreign nationals with technical expertise or specialized knowledge, serving as an essential qualification to leverage their careers and establish a stable foundation for living in Japan. Ensure careful attention to the application process and requirements, and prepare the necessary documents to facilitate a smooth application.