What Is a Work Visa?
A Work Visa is a general term for a status of residence that allows foreign nationals to work in Japan.
Foreign nationals cannot engage in any type of work freely in Japan. They may only work within the activities permitted under their specific status of residence.
There are various types of Work Visas depending on the job and activities involved, including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, Intra-company Transferee, and Skilled Labor.
When a company hires a foreign national, it is important to confirm that the job duties match the appropriate status of residence before applying. A Work Visa may not be approved if the job duties do not match the selected status.
Requirements for Obtaining a Work Visa
A Work Visa is not automatically approved simply by submitting an application.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan reviews not only the applicant, but also the employer, job duties, and other relevant circumstances before deciding whether to approve or deny the application.
Although the specific requirements vary depending on the type of Work Visa, the following points are commonly reviewed.
① The Job Duties Must Match the Status of Residence
To obtain a Work Visa, the applicant’s actual job duties must fall within the activities permitted under the status of residence being applied for.
For example, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status generally covers work requiring specialized knowledge or technical skills.
The Skilled Labor status generally covers work requiring advanced skills in specialized industrial fields.A Work Visa is not assessed solely by the job title. One of the key points in the review is whether the actual job duties match the activities permitted under the relevant status of residence.
② The Requirements for the Relevant Status Must Be Met
Applicants must meet the specific requirements established for the status of residence they are applying for.
For example, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status generally requires an educational background or professional experience related to the proposed work.
The Skilled Labor status generally requires a certain period of practical experience, depending on the type of work involved.Even among Work Visas, the requirements differ depending on the specific status of residence. It is therefore important to select the status that best matches the applicant’s background and circumstances.
③ The Employer Must Have an Appropriate Employment System
The employer is also reviewed as part of the Work Visa application process.
The Immigration Services Agency considers the company’s business activities, financial condition, need for hiring, and ability to employ the foreign worker properly and continuously.
It is important to confirm that the employer’s business activities, need for employment, and the applicant’s proposed job duties are consistent with the status of residence being applied for.
Depending on the employer’s circumstances, the Work Visa application may be denied.
④ The Employment Conditions and Salary Must Be Appropriate
A foreign worker must not be offered lower wages or less favorable working conditions solely because of their nationality.
For statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Skilled Labor, the applicant must generally receive compensation equal to or greater than that of a Japanese worker performing comparable duties.
The review also considers whether the overall employment conditions are appropriate, including the employment contract, working hours, benefits, and salary.
⑤ The Applicant Must Have a Proper Immigration and Conduct Record
The applicant’s current immigration status and conduct are also reviewed.
Applicants are expected to engage properly in the activities permitted under their current status of residence and to comply with Japanese laws and regulations.
Unauthorized employment, violations involving activities outside the permitted status, or serious legal violations may affect the approval of a Work Visa.
It is therefore important to maintain a proper immigration record and comply with all applicable laws.
⑥ The Submitted Documents Must Be Complete and Consistent
All documents submitted with a Work Visa application must be accurate, complete, consistent, and free from false information.
The Immigration Services Agency reviews not only the application form, but also the employment contract, company documents, job description, and other supporting materials. Additional documents may be requested when necessary.
If the documents contain inconsistencies or the actual job duties do not match the information stated in the application, the application may be denied.
It is therefore important to carefully review all documents for consistency before submission.
Who Is Eligible for a Work Visa?
A Work Visa is a status of residence for foreign nationals who intend to work in Japan.
There are several types of Work Visas. The appropriate status of residence depends on factors such as the applicant’s job duties, educational background, work experience, and the nature of the employer’s business.
Typical applicants include the following:
| Status of Residence | Examples of Eligible Applicants |
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services | Engineers, sales representatives, accountants, HR professionals, interpreters, translators, and other professionals engaged in specialized work |
| Highly Skilled Professional | Individuals with advanced expertise or technical skills who meet the requirements of Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional points-based system |
| Skilled Labor | Individuals engaged in work requiring specialized skills, such as foreign cuisine chefs and sports instructors |
| Intra-company Transferee | Employees transferred from an overseas office to a Japanese branch or affiliate |
| Others (Professor, Instructor, Researcher, Medical Services, Nursing Care, Entertainer, etc.) | Individuals engaged in professional activities permitted under their respective status of residence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I work in any job if I have a Work Visa?
A. No. Each Work Visa permits only specific activities based on the status of residence granted. You may work only within the scope of those authorized activities.
Q2. What is the difference between “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” and “Specified Skilled Worker”?
A. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services is intended for professional work requiring specialized knowledge or technical skills. In contrast, Specified Skilled Worker is a status of residence designed for foreign nationals who possess certain skills and Japanese language ability to work in industries facing labor shortages.
Q3. Can I continue working after changing jobs?
A. The required procedures depend on your new job duties and current status of residence. If your job duties change significantly, you may need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence or obtain a Certificate of Authorized Employment.
Q4. How long does the Work Visa review process take?
A. Processing times vary depending on the type of status of residence, the details of the application, and the workload of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Because some applications require additional review, it is recommended to prepare and apply well in advance.
Q5. Can I reapply if my application is denied?
A. Yes. After identifying the reason for the denial, you may submit a new application with additional supporting documents or revised application materials.
Common Reasons for Work Visa Denials
A Work Visa is not automatically approved simply because an application has been submitted. Applications may be denied for reasons such as the following:
• The proposed job duties do not match the status of residence being applied for.
• The applicant does not meet the requirements for the relevant status of residence, such as educational background, work experience, or examination requirements.
• The employer’s business activities or employment system are considered insufficient.
• The salary or employment conditions are not considered appropriate.
• The submitted documents contain omissions, inconsistencies, or false information.
• There are issues regarding the applicant’s immigration status or conduct.
When reviewing a Work Visa application, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan evaluates not only the applicant, but also the employer, job duties, and supporting documents as a whole before making a decision.
If you have concerns about your eligibility or have previously received a denial, it is advisable to consult with a professional before submitting your application.
