Work Visa Application Support

A work visa is a general term for the statuses of residence required to work for compensation in Japan. Representative categories include Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, and Specified Skilled Worker. Unskilled labor is generally not permitted, and specialized knowledge or skills are required.

This is a status of residence for work that makes use of specialized knowledge acquired at university or a similar institution, or international work that makes use of foreign language ability. Typical examples include IT, design, sales, accounting, and interpretation/translation. Unskilled labor is not covered.

After graduation, the student must obtain permission to change their status of residence from Student to a work-authorized status. The relevance of their field of study to the proposed job duties is important — if the role is judged to be merely an extension of part-time student work, the application may be denied.

As a general rule, relevance between your field of study and your job duties is required, but if this can be reasonably explained through work experience or training history, approval is still possible. What matters is whether you can logically demonstrate the necessary specialization.

There is no clear legal minimum amount, but as a general rule the compensation must be equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national in an equivalent position. If the salary is significantly below the going rate for the region or occupation, it raises doubts about the legitimacy of the position as a specialized role and can be a factor in denial.

You can apply, but short-term employment or an unstable contract may raise doubts about continuity. It is important that the employment contract be stable.

You can change jobs as long as your new duties fall within the scope of your current status of residence, but if the job content changes substantially, a change of status of residence is required. You must also notify the immigration authorities within 14 days of changing jobs.

No, renewal is not automatic. Your work status, your employer’s business condition, and your tax payment record are all reassessed. A stable employment track record is important.

You can reapply, but resubmitting without analyzing the reason for denial increases the likelihood of a second denial. You need to reinforce your application with an understanding of the specific points examiners focus on.

Yes, this is possible, but the job duties and management structure at both the staffing agency and the client company must be clearly documented. If the actual work is judged to be unskilled labor, the application may be denied.

As a general rule, a university degree or at least 10 years of relevant work experience is required. If specialized expertise can be demonstrated through work experience, approval is still possible, but strong supporting documentation is essential.

It is not a legal requirement, but you must be able to perform your job duties without hindrance. Depending on the nature of the job, a high level of Japanese proficiency may effectively be necessary.

As a general rule, unskilled labor is not permitted under a work visa. The job must make use of specialized knowledge or skills.

As a general rule, this is not permitted. It is only possible if you obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under your current status of residence, and even then, it must not interfere with your main job.

If you have secured a certain level of income and housing, you can bring your spouse or children to Japan under a family residency (Dependent) visa. Your income level will be examined.

It usually takes about one to three months, but this can take longer during busy periods or if additional documents are requested.

Once the period of stay expires, you become an overstayer, which is unlawful. Renewal applications must always be filed before the expiration date.

Your status of residence does not become invalid immediately after leaving your job, but if you do not engage in the activities permitted under your status for three months or more, it may become subject to revocation.

If you have a stable employment record and a good tax payment history, these will become positive factors when you apply for permanent residency in the future.

Yes, significantly. Fulfilling your tax obligations is an important factor in screening, and unpaid taxes will work against you in both renewal and permanent residency applications.

Yes, this is possible, but the stability of your employment — such as your contract term and whether renewal is expected — will be examined. A short-term contract can work against you.

Yes, this is possible, but your employment relationship with the Japanese company and its management of your work must be clearly documented.

There is no issue as long as it was within the scope of permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under your status of residence. However, a history of unlawful employment will significantly work against you.

Operating at a loss does not immediately result in denial, but the continuity of the business and its ability to pay salaries will be closely examined.

For work visas, demonstrating your specialized expertise is the core issue. The outcome can change depending on how the job duties and reasons for employment are presented. A strategic application makes a real difference to your approval rate.