Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Main visa for white-collar professionals
Overview
The primary work visa for white-collar professionals including software engineers, IT specialists, marketing, HR, translation, and accounting professionals. Requires a bachelor's degree OR 10+ years relevant experience (3 years for International Services category). Income must be equal to Japanese nationals doing similar work (~¥200,000-250,000/month = $1,275-1,590 USD). Requires sponsorship from a Japanese company. This is a dual-intent visa that counts toward permanent residency.
Who It's For
Software engineers, IT specialists, marketers, HR professionals, translators, accountants, other white-collar professionals
Requirements
Income Requirement
$1,275/monthly
Must be equal to Japanese nationals - typically ¥200,000-250,000/month
Required Documents
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photos
- Diploma/degree certificate
- Employment contract
- Company registration documents
Application Process
- 1
Secure job offer
Get employment contract from Japanese company
- 2
Employer applies for COE
Company submits COE application to Immigration Bureau
- 3
Receive COE
Processing takes 1-3 months
- 4
Apply for visa at embassy
Submit COE and documents to Japanese embassy
- 5
Receive visa stamp
Takes 1-2 weeks
Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $0COE application is free |
| Visa Fee | $19 |
Path Forward
Path to Permanent Residency
Yes - 10 years residence (at least 5 on work status), or faster via HSP points system (1-3 years)
Path to Citizenship
After PR: 5 years continuous residence for naturalization (may increase to 10 years)
Tips
- Ensure job description clearly matches your degree field
- Keep all employment and education documents organized
- Start early - COE processing can take months
- Consider HSP points if you qualify for faster PR
Common Mistakes
- Job duties not matching educational background
- Applying for manual labor positions (not eligible)
- Using 10-year experience route without proper documentation
DIY vs. Hiring a Lawyer
DIY feasible for straightforward cases; lawyer recommended for 10-year experience route
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