Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services(ESI)

"Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” is defined as activities to engage in the following work based on contracts with public and private institutions in Japan.

• Work that requires technology or knowledge belonging to the fields of science, engineering and other natural sciences
• Work that requires skills or knowledge belonging to the fields of law, economics, sociology and other humanities
• Work that requires thinking or sensitivity based on foreign culture

The applicant must meet any of the following. (Except when a foreign lawyer engages in procedures for international arbitration cases and international mediation cases)

1. When the applicant engages in work that requires technology or knowledge belonging to the field of natural sciences or humanities
   Regarding the work to be engaged in, it is necessary to fall under any of the following and have acquired the necessary skills or knowledge. (There are exception rule if the applicant engages in work that requires technology or knowledge related to information processing.)
   (ⅰ) The applicant must have graduated from a university by majoring in a subject related to the relevant technique or knowledge, or have received an education equivalent to or higher than this.
   (ⅱ) The applicant must have completed a specialized course at a vocational school in Japan by majoring in a subject related to the relevant technique or knowledge.
   (ⅲ) The applicant must have at least 10 years of work experience (including the period in which he / she majored in a subject related to the relevant technique or knowledge at a designated school).
2. If the applicant intends to engage in work that requires thinking or sensitivity based on a foreign culture, he / she must meet all of the following items.
   (ⅰ) The applicant shall be engaged in translation, interpretation, language instruction, public relations, promotion or overseas transaction business, design related to clothing or interior decoration, product development and other similar business.
   (ⅱ) The applicant must have at least 3 years of work experience in the work related to the work he / she intends to engage in. (If a university graduate is engaged in translation, interpretation, or language instruction, this work experience is not required.)
3. The applicant must receive a remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese person who has the same job.
   

The status of residence of "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" covers a wide range of fields.
Many people think that once their status of residence of "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" is granted, they can change jobs freely after that.
However, the status of residence of "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" is permitted in consideration of the applicant's place of employment, work history, job description, etc.
Therefore, if the applicant changes jobs during the period of stay, it may not be permitted at the next renewal.
If the applicant's job change destination is in the same industry and the job description is the same, it is highly likely that the next renewal will be permitted, but if not, it may be disapproved.
When an applicant changes jobs, the foreigner who changes jobs must notify the Immigration Services Agency of Japan within 14 days from the date of termination of the employment contract with the company before the change of job.
Therefore, we recommend that you apply for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility at the same time.
Those who have obtained the "Certificate of Eligibility" will be recognized as eligible for "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" in their duties after changing jobs, and the applicant will be carried renew their status of residence smoothly next time.