Working Visa
Key Points for Hiring Foreign Nationals for Interpretation and Translation Roles
Many companies, such as those in the hospitality industry, employ foreign nationals for front-desk operations and similar roles. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Japanese government released updated guidelines regarding the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" status of residence. Specifically, these updates clarify the requirements for "interpersonal duties involving linguistic skills, such as translation and interpretation."The […]
New Required Documents for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa Applications
For applications submitted on or after Wednesday, April 15, 2026, organizations falling under Category 3 or 4 are now required to submit the following additional documents: Regarding Japanese language proficiency, applicants will be deemed to possess proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 if they meet any of the following criteria:
New Documentation Requirements for "Intra-company Transferee" Status
Starting April 1, 2026, individuals residing in Japan under the "Intra-company Transferee" status will be required to submit the following additional documents: Previously, immigration authorities occasionally requested photographs or other materials regarding the overseas office. However, moving forward, it is mandatory to present documents confirming the physical and operational existence of both the office prior to the transfer and the office in […]
Key Considerations When Accepting "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa Holders via Temporary Staffing
Some companies choose to accept foreign nationals holding the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" residence status through temporary staffing agencies (haken) rather than direct employment.The critical point to remember is that the specific duties performed at the host company must fall within the scope of activities permitted under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa.If the worker is assigned to tasks […]
Changing from "Student" Status of Residence to a Work Status starting in April
If you currently hold the "Student" status of residence, are attending a school in Japan, and plan to change to a work status for employment starting in April, you can apply for permission to change your status of residence starting from December 1st.Previously, only the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau accepted applications from December. However, […]
Intra-company Transferee(ⅱ) will be established.
It has been decided that the Immigration Control Act will be amended in June 2024 to create a new category of Intra-company Transferee(ⅱ).The law is scheduled to come into effect within three years from the date of promulgation.Currently, opinions on the content of the law are being solicited through the public comment system.According to the […]
The validity period of Certificate of Eligibility for Myanmar nationals will be extended to six months.
Due to the effects of the earthquake that occurred in central Myanmar, there have been delays in the issuance of Overseas Employment Identification Cards (OWIC) issued by the Myanmar Ministry of Labour.Therefore, for the time being, the validity period of the Certificate of Eligibility for work for Myanmar nationals who hold a valid visa issued […]
Companies that employ even one worker are required to enroll in employment insurance.
With the exception of some agricultural, forestry and fisheries businesses, any company that employs even one worker is subject to employment insurance and is required to enroll in employment insurance.For this reason, application forms for employment-related residence status include a section for entering the employment insurance applicable business number along with the corporate number of […]
Category of affiliated institution
When applying for a work visa, not only the foreign national himself/herself will be screened, but also his/her affiliated institution (place of employment).As a result, documents related to the affiliated institution must be submitted, but affiliated institutions are divided into four categories, and the documents to be submitted will vary depending on the category to […]
Important points to note when changing jobs as a foreigner working in Japan
If a foreigner working in Japan with a work visa quits their employer, they must notify the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days of quitting.It is not much of a problem if the foreign national changes jobs to another company immediately after quitting, but care is needed if it has been some time since they […]