Quick Answer
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is Japan's most common work visa. It requires a university degree (or 10 years of experience) and a job offer in engineering, business, translation, or related fields. Salary should typically be comparable to Japanese nationals in similar roles.
Who Is This Visa For?
This visa category (技術・人文知識・国際業務) covers three overlapping areas: technical engineering work, knowledge-based humanities work, and international services requiring specific cultural/language skills. It is by far the most widely held work visa among foreign residents.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | University degree (bachelor's or higher) OR 10+ years of relevant work experience |
| Job relevance | Your degree/experience typically need to be related to the job duties |
| Employer | typically need to have a formal employment contract with a Japanese company |
| Salary | Equal to or above what a Japanese national would receive for the same work |
| Company stability | The employer typically need to demonstrate business stability and ability to pay |
Eligible Job Categories
| Sub-Category | Example Occupations | Typical Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer (技術) | Software developer, systems engineer, mechanical engineer, data scientist | CS, Engineering, Math/Science |
| Specialist in Humanities (人文知識) | Marketing, accounting, HR, legal affairs, trade operations | Business, Economics, Law, Liberal Arts |
| International Services (国際業務) | Translator, interpreter, language instructor at company, overseas sales | Any (3+ years experience for this sub-category) |
🚨 Common Rejection Reasons
1. Degree-job mismatch: A literature degree applying for an engineering role.
2. Simple labor: Job duties that don't require specialized knowledge (factory line work, cleaning).
3. Small/unstable employer: New companies with no revenue history may need additional documentation.
4. Low salary: Below-market compensation raises red flags.
Renewal Process
- Apply 3 months before your current status expires
- If same employer: relatively straightforward with tax certificates and employment letter
- If changing employers: treated more like a new application — ensure job relevance to your qualifications
- Period granted: 1, 3, or 5 years (based on compliance history and employer category)
ℹ️ Tip: Employer Category Matters
ISA classifies employers into categories 1-4 based on size and compliance. Category 1 (listed companies, government) requires fewer documents and gets faster processing. Ask your HR department which category your company falls under.
⚠️ Legal Notice
This is not legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration consultant (行政書士 / gyoseishoshi) for advice specific to your situation.
