Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services - Required Documents
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services is the most commonly applied work-related visa status in Japan. It is obtained by those engaged in work requiring specialized knowledge or skills, such as IT engineers, interpreters, translators, marketing, and trade operations.
| Applicable Activities | Activities involving work requiring knowledge in natural sciences (science, engineering, etc.) or humanities (law, economics, sociology, etc.), or work requiring thinking or sensitivity based on foreign culture, based on contracts with public or private organizations in Japan |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months |
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays or denial of permission.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
- Required documents vary by category. Please confirm your applicable category before submitting documents.
Category Classification of Affiliated Organizations
| Category | Applicable Organizations |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Listed companies, mutual insurance companies, national/local governments, independent administrative agencies, special corporations/authorized corporations, companies eligible for bonus points under the highly skilled professional system, etc. |
| Category 2 | Organizations/individuals with total withholding tax of 10 million yen or more for employee salary income in the previous year, or organizations approved to use the online residence application system |
| Category 3 | Organizations/individuals that submitted the legal records summary table for employee salary income withholding statements for the previous year (excluding Category 2) |
| Category 4 | Organizations/individuals other than Categories 1-3 |
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This application is for those who wish to enter Japan with Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status for the first time.
Common Required Documents (All Categories)
📋 Document Checklist (All Categories) (PDF)
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | 4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear |
| 3 | Return envelope - 1 | Standard envelope with recipient address and registered mail stamps attached |
| 4 | Documents proving category eligibility | See below |
Additional Documents by Category
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Copy of securities report or listing certificate, establishment approval from supervising ministry, etc. |
| Category 2 | Copy of legal records summary table for employee salary withholding showing withholding tax of 10 million yen or more |
| Category 3 | Copy of legal records summary table for employee salary withholding |
| Category 4 | No submittable documents (automatically classified as Category 4) |
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
📋 Document Checklist (Categories 3 & 4) (PDF)
For Categories 3 and 4, additional documents from the above checklist must be submitted.
Categories 1 & 2: Other documents are generally not required Category 3: Other documents are generally not required
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This application is for those already residing in Japan with a different visa status who wish to change to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status.
Common Required Documents
📋 Document Checklist (All Categories) (PDF)
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | Not required for those under 16 years old |
| 3 | Passport and Residence Card | For presentation |
| 4 | Documents proving category eligibility | Same as new application |
When Changing from Student Status
📋 Explanation of Document Omission (Student to Engineer/Specialist) (Word)
Additional Documents for Categories 3 & 4
📋 Document Checklist (Categories 3 & 4) (PDF)
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This application is for those already residing in Japan with Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status who wish to extend their period of stay.
Common Required Documents
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | Not required for those under 16 or for extensions of 3 months or less |
| 3 | Passport and Residence Card | For presentation |
| 4 | Documents proving category eligibility | Same as new application |
Certified Course Graduates
For those who have completed a certified course designated by the Ministry of Education for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services:
📋 Certificate of Certified Course Completion (PDF)
Reference Links
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