Reviewed by: Yuki Ando, Certified Immigration Legal Specialist (Gyoseishoshi)
This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.
This makes it the third most common visa status after Permanent Resident and Technical Intern Training.
This visa is one of the most widely used and highly sought-after work visas in Japan. However, for employers, it can also be one of the most complex, as determining whether a particular job falls within the permitted scope of activities is often challenging.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the requirements for obtaining the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, the types of eligible occupations and job responsibilities, and how this status relates to other visa categories.
Table of Contents
What Is the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Visa Status?
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa—commonly referred to as Gijinkoku—is a residence status granted to foreign nationals who engage in professional roles such as clerical, sales, or development positions based on a contract with a company or organization in Japan.However, the scope of work permitted under this visa is not directly tied to job titles. This means that even for an office-based position, certain tasks may be deemed outside the approved activities, while some hands-on roles may still be permitted depending on their nature.
In simpler terms, the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act defines activities under this visa as those that require either academic knowledge in science or humanities or foreign-specific ways of thinking and sensitivity that Japanese nationals typically do not possess.
According to the official internal guidelines set forth by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “academic knowledge in science or humanities” refers to specialized knowledge acquired through majoring in a relevant field at a university or similar institution. It does not include knowledge gained solely through work experience but rather requires scholarly and systematic understanding.
“Activities requiring foreign-specific ways of thinking and sensitivity” are interpreted as work that demands professional capabilities shaped by foreign societies, histories, and traditions.
To be eligible for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, the nature of the work must clearly fall within one of the above two activity categories.
Requirements for Obtaining the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, whether for a new entry into Japan, a change of status, or an extension of stay, the applicant must meet the following landing permission criteria.When Engaging in Work That Requires Academic Knowledge in Science or Humanities
When engaging in work that requires academic knowledge in science or humanities, the applicant must meet at least one of the following four conditions and receive compensation equal to or greater than that paid to a Japanese national performing the same work.Regarding item 2, “completion of a postsecondary course at a specialized training college” refers to programs certified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) that grant the titles of “Senmonshi” (Specialist) or “Kōdo Senmonshi” (Advanced Specialist).
To fulfill this requirement and obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, the specialized training course must have been completed within Japan.
When Engaging in Work That Requires Foreign-Specific Ways of Thinking and Sensitivity
When engaging in work that requires foreign-specific ways of thinking and sensitivity, the applicant must satisfy all of the following conditions:Regarding item 2, the required three years of work experience does not necessarily have to be in the exact same job role; experience in a related field is also considered acceptable.
When the Job Requires Both Academic Knowledge in Science or Humanities and Foreign-Specific Ways of Thinking and Sensitivity
Jobs that require academic knowledge in science or humanities may be approved even without work experience, as long as the applicant satisfies the educational requirements.On the other hand, jobs that require foreign-specific ways of thinking and sensitivity are generally limited to areas such as translation, interpretation, language instruction, public relations, advertising, international business operations, fashion or interior design, and product development. These typically require at least three years of relevant work experience.
While there are multiple sets of eligibility requirements under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category, if a position qualifies under both criteria—academic knowledge and foreign-specific thinking—the requirements for the academic knowledge category will take precedence. In such cases, as long as the educational background is sufficient, the applicant may obtain the visa even without work experience.
Common Eligibility Requirements Shared with Other Visa Categories
When applying for a residence status, certain requirements may vary depending on the type of application. The following conditions are not specific to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa but are common to all residence statuses and should be carefully understood.For applications such as Extension of Period of Stay or Change of Status of Residence, the applicant’s previous residence history in Japan will be reviewed. Several criteria are assessed, including:
In contrast, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application is generally submitted before a foreign national enters Japan, so previous residence history is not typically subject to review.
However, because it is necessary to prove that the proposed activities in Japan are not false, we recommend preparing supporting documents in advance to address any potential doubts the immigration officer may raise during the screening process.
Period of Stay for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
The period of stay granted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is typically one of the following: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.The specific duration is determined based on several factors, including the category of the host organization, the applicant’s residence and activity history, and the track record of the host organization.
There is no limit on the number of times the period of stay can be renewed under this visa status. Therefore, if the following conditions are met—holding a 3-year or 5-year visa, residing in Japan for over 10 consecutive years, and holding a work-based visa (excluding Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Technical Intern Training) for more than 5 years—the applicant may be eligible to change their visa status to Permanent Resident.
Eligible Occupations and Job Responsibilities Under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
The scope of occupations and job responsibilities permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is determined based on factors such as the specific duties involved, the foreign national’s academic background, and their work experience.As such, there is no strictly defined boundary.
However, the guidelines published by the Ministry of Justice provide useful references that help clarify the types of activities generally considered eligible under this visa category.
IT-Related Occupations
In the case of IT-related occupations, work is generally performed within an office setting and often involves development tasks, making this field highly compatible with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.Additionally, since individuals from both science and humanities backgrounds in Japan commonly engage in this type of work, the relevance between a university graduate’s major and their job responsibilities is typically assessed with greater flexibility.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has published examples of approved job types in this category, including:
Language-Related Occupations
Language-related occupations are highly compatible with the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.This field typically requires proficiency in foreign languages, making it less competitive with Japanese nationals and a favorable option for international students seeking employment in Japan.
Moreover, for interpretation and translation positions, the work experience requirements are often more relaxed, making this an accessible and practical category for visa approval.
The Immigration Services Agency has published examples of approved language-related occupations, including:
Marketing-Related Occupations
In recent years, as international business transactions have become more active, there has been a growing number of foreign nationals working in marketing and sales roles under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.To obtain approval for jobs in this category, applicants are generally required to have a high level of language proficiency, specialized knowledge related to the work, and a clear connection between their university major and the duties they will perform.
Examples of approved marketing-related positions include:
Technology Development-Related Occupations
Foreign nationals working in technology development roles at manufacturing companies—such as automobile manufacturers or electronics producers—may also be eligible for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.To obtain approval in this field, the applicant must possess specialized knowledge or technical expertise relevant to the position, and there must be a clear connection between their academic major and the job duties.
Since these roles are often based in factory settings, applicants may be required to submit documentation proving that they will not be engaged in tasks such as assembly line work, which falls outside the permitted scope of this visa category.
Examples of approved technology development positions include:
Clerical and Administrative Occupations
Clerical and administrative roles such as human resources, accounting, and legal affairs are often considered eligible under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category.However, in most Japanese companies, these positions are typically assigned to Japanese employees. As a result, foreign nationals working in this area often take on tasks that require language skills or are responsible for managing other foreign staff.
Examples of approved clerical and administrative positions include:
Other Occupations
In addition to the categories mentioned above, a wide range of occupations and job responsibilities may qualify for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has released examples of approved cases in this category, including:
Job Categories Not Permitted Under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
Under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, individuals are generally not permitted to engage in work outside of the two designated categories: jobs requiring academic knowledge in science or humanities and jobs requiring foreign-specific ways of thinking and sensitivity, with limited exceptions.For example, jobs classified under the Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training visa statuses are typical cases of work that cannot be performed under this visa category.
Below are examples of cases in which applications for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa were denied.
Examples of Cases Denied Due to Ineligibility Under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
The following are examples of cases that were denied on the grounds that the proposed activities did not fall within the permitted scope of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa:Examples of Cases Denied Due to Lack of Relevance to Academic Major
In the case of university graduates, the relevance between their major and job duties is generally assessed with more flexibility. However, stricter evaluations tend to apply to vocational school graduates. Below are examples of visa applications that were denied due to a lack of relevance between the applicant’s field of study and their intended job activities:Exceptional Cases Where Non-Eligible Activities May Be Permitted Under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
In principle, activities permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa are limited to those that require academic knowledge in the sciences or humanities and require a foreign national’s unique way of thinking or cultural sensitivity.However, there are exceptional cases where individuals may be allowed to engage in activities that do not strictly fall under these categories without changing their visa status. These exceptions are outlined below.
Exception 1: Emergency Response Duties
In emergency situations, it may be permissible to temporarily engage in duties that fall outside the scope of activities permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.However, if such non-qualifying activities are deemed to be your primary duties, this may result in the revocation of your visa status or denial of renewal. Therefore, it is crucial that these tasks are performed only as temporary emergency measures and that you return to your original responsibilities once the situation has been resolved.
Example 1: While working at a hotel front desk, you are asked to carry a guest’s luggage to their room due to the unexpected arrival of a large group.
Example 2: You are required to move outdoor installations indoors as a preventative measure before a typhoon hits.
Exception 2: Activities Conducted During Practical Training Period
When working in management or marketing roles under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, it may be permissible for new employees to temporarily engage in on-site tasks such as assembly line work or customer service as part of a practical training program.In such cases, it is essential to submit a detailed practical training plan during the visa application process. This plan should clearly outline the employee’s career progression after joining the company and describe the specific duties they will undertake at each stage.
It is important to note that when a practical training period is included, the immigration office will typically only grant a one-year period of stay initially. To avoid potential issues, you must not conceal the existence of the training program in order to apply for a longer stay.
If the immigration authorities determine that the individual has engaged in unauthorized work without prior approval, it may be deemed illegal employment, which could result in penalties for both the foreign employee and the employer.
Exception 3: Activities Conducted with Permission for Engaging in Activities Outside the Scope of the Visa
Foreign nationals holding the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services residence status may engage in additional work activities up to 28 hours per week by obtaining a Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (commonly referred to as “shikakugai katsudō kyoka”). With this permission, they may perform work activities falling under the “Instructor” or “Skilled Labor” residence categories.However, such activities are only permitted when based on employment with local governments or related public institutions. In addition, work activities under the “Skilled Labor” category are strictly limited to sports instruction; any other type of skilled labor is not allowed under this framework.
It is also important to note that a “Specified Permission” (kobetsu kyoka) system exists, which allows for case-by-case review and approval based on the specific nature of the activity. If such permission is granted, it may allow for engagement in activities beyond the general scope described above.
Exception 4: When Promoted to a Director or Executive Position
If a foreign national holding a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa is promoted to a director or executive position that would typically require a “Business Manager” visa, they may continue to engage in activities corresponding to the “Business Manager” category under their current visa status until the expiration of their current period of stay.However, in such cases, it is essential to apply for a change of status of residence to “Business Manager” before the current period of stay expires.
Relationship with Other Visa Categories
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa covers a wide range of activities, and its scope may overlap with those of other visa categories. In such cases, it is important to understand which visa type takes precedence. Below is an explanation of how this visa relates to other major residence statuses.Relationship with the “Business Manager” Residence Status
Business management and administrative activities typically require specialized academic knowledge in fields such as business administration, commerce, or law. As a result, these activities may partially overlap with those permitted under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category.However, when the nature of the work qualifies for both the Business Manager and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa categories, the Business Manager status generally takes precedence.
Relationship with the “Medical Services” Residence Status
The Medical Services residence status applies to foreign nationals who hold qualifications such as physician, dentist, pharmacist, public health nurse, midwife, nurse, associate nurse, dental hygienist, radiological technologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthoptist, clinical engineer, or prosthetist/orthotist, and who engage in medical services that legally require such credentials in Japan.However, among work related to healthcare, activities that do not require these specific qualifications may potentially fall under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category.
Relationship with the “Legal/Accounting Services” Residence Status
The “Legal/Accounting Services” residence status applies to foreign nationals who hold qualifications such as attorney, judicial scrivener, land and house investigator, registered foreign lawyer, certified public accountant, foreign certified public accountant, tax accountant, social insurance and labor consultant, patent attorney, maritime procedure agent, or administrative scrivener, and who are engaged in legal or accounting work that requires such qualifications under Japanese law.Even if a person holds one of these qualifications, if they are engaged in work that does not require the qualification, their activities may fall under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status instead.
Similarly, if a person is engaged in legal or accounting work as an assistant or clerical staff, the appropriate residence status would also likely be “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” rather than “Legal/Accounting Services.”
Relationship with the “Education” Residence Status
The “Education” residence status is designated for individuals engaged in language instruction or other educational activities at educational institutions in Japan, such as elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools.However, even if the activity involves language teaching, those working at private companies or conversation schools (e.g., English schools) are more likely to fall under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services category.
Relationship with the “Intra-Company Transferee” Residence Status
The scope of activities permitted under the “Intra-Company Transferee” residence status is the same as those allowed under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status.However, the “Intra-Company Transferee” status differs in that it applies specifically to employees who are temporarily transferred to a designated business location in Japan for a fixed period.
Additionally, to be eligible for the “Intra-Company Transferee” status, the applicant must have been continuously engaged in work corresponding to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” at a head office, branch, or other office located overseas for at least one year immediately prior to the transfer.
If this requirement is not met, the individual cannot obtain the “Intra-Company Transferee” status.
However, even if they are ineligible for this status, they may still be permitted to engage in the intended activities under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status, provided they meet its specific requirements.
Relationship with the “Nursing Care” Residence Status
The “Nursing Care” residence status is designated for foreign nationals who hold a certified care worker license and are employed in caregiving roles at hospitals or nursing care facilities within Japan. This status also applies to those working as care managers. Even if one is employed at a caregiving facility, if the individual is engaged in non-caregiving roles such as administrative or sales positions, the appropriate status may be “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.”It is important to note that under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status, even if the person holds a certified care worker qualification, they are not permitted to engage in direct caregiving duties.
Important Considerations When Hiring Foreign Nationals under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status allows for a broad range of permitted activities, enabling foreign nationals to engage in various types of professional work. However, the scope of permission is individually determined based on a comprehensive review of each applicant’s background, the specific nature of their work, and the terms of their employment contract with the sponsoring organization.Therefore, if there is a change in employment—such as a job transfer or a shift in assigned duties—it is essential to confirm in advance that the new role still falls within the approved scope of activities under the granted status. Failure to do so may result in engaging in unauthorized activities, which could lead to visa violations.
When Hiring a Mid-Career Job Changer
When hiring a foreign national who holds a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status and is changing jobs, it is important to confirm the relevance between the individual’s academic major at university and the duties they are expected to perform. As long as the new duties fall within the scope permitted by the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, there is no legal issue in accepting the foreign job changer.However, if the new job duties are not related to their academic background, the immigration authorities may determine that the applicant does not meet the landing permission criteria, which could result in a denial of their future application for extension of stay. Both the employer and the foreign employee should carefully assess this issue in anticipation of the future renewal application.
Additionally, foreign nationals who change jobs while holding this residence status are required to fulfill certain notification obligations. The foreign national must submit a “Notification of Affiliated Organization” to the Immigration Services Agency. Failure to do so may result in a monetary penalty.
On the employer’s side, companies that hire foreign nationals are also required to submit a “Notification of the Employment Status of Foreign Nationals” to Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office). Failure to submit this notification may also result in a fine.
Note that if the foreign national is enrolled in employment insurance, submitting a Notification of Acquisition of Insured Status under Employment Insurance to Hello Work will be deemed as fulfilling the requirement for the Notification of Employment Status of Foreign Nationals.
Job Transfers and New Duty Assignments
If you employ a foreign national holding the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status and plan to reassign them to a different position or assign them new duties, it is essential to assess the legal validity of such changes in advance.If the new duties fall within the scope of permitted activities under this visa category, assigning the work itself is not considered illegal.
However, if the new duties are not related to the employee’s academic background or field of study at a university or equivalent institution, there is a risk that the Immigration Bureau may determine the change does not meet the landing permission criteria. This could result in the denial of the individual’s future application to renew their period of stay.
Therefore, when assigning new responsibilities, it is important to plan based on the requirements of Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Obtain a Certificate of Employment Qualification if You Are Unsure
If you are unsure whether the new duties assigned to a foreign national—such as in the case of hiring a mid-career job changer or reassigning an employee—fall under the scope of activities permitted by the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status, you can apply for a Certificate of Employment Qualification to confirm eligibility in advance.The application should be submitted to the regional immigration services office (main office, branch, or local office) that has jurisdiction over the foreign national’s place of residence.
The standard processing time is approximately 1 to 3 months. However, please note that receiving this certificate does not guarantee approval for an extension of stay when the current residence period expires.
How to Obtain a Residence Status for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
There are three primary pathways to obtain work authorization under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status. While all applications must be submitted to the Immigration Services Office (main office, branch, or local office) that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s (or representative’s) place of residence, the specific type of application required depends on the hiring route.Hiring from Overseas and Bringing the Employee to Japan
When hiring a foreign national from outside Japan, the employer must first enter into an employment contract or similar agreement with the individual. After that, a company representative acting as the applicant’s proxy submits a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the Immigration Services Agency that has jurisdiction over the company’s location.Once the COE is issued, the foreign national applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
After receiving the visa, the individual can book a flight to Japan. Upon arrival at a Japanese airport, they must apply for landing permission with an immigration officer. If approved, they will be granted entry and obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services residence status.
Hiring a Mid-Career Job Changer within Japan
When hiring a mid-career foreign national already residing in Japan, the required procedures vary depending on the type of residence status the individual holds at the time of signing the employment contract.If the person already holds a status of residence under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and will continue to engage in activities that fall under the same category after joining your company, there is no need to file a residence status change or other immigration procedures.
However, if the individual holds a different status of residence at the time of contract signing, and the job they will undertake falls under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services category, a Change of Status of Residence application must be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency. In this case, the application must be submitted by the foreign national themselves, and in principle, companies do not have the authority to apply on their behalf.
That said, the application requires documentation to be prepared by the receiving organization (i.e., the company), so cooperation between the individual and the company is essential. The application period for the Change of Status of Residence begins from the time the change of circumstances arises and lasts until the expiration date of the current residence status.
Hiring International Students as New Graduates
When hiring international students, it is necessary to apply for a Change of Status of Residence from “Student” to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”. The applicant for the change is the foreign national themselves, and as a general rule, the employer is not authorized to file the application on their behalf. However, since the application includes documents that must be prepared by the host organization, both the student and the company must work together to complete the process.When hiring international students as new graduates, it is crucial to establish a well-planned schedule for the application process, counting backward from the intended start date of employment. Although the screening period for a Change of Status of Residence usually takes about 1 to 3 months, if the student’s current status expires during the review process and the employment start date passes, the student may remain in Japan under a grace period. However, during this grace period, the individual is not permitted to engage in work activities under the new status until the change is officially approved.
Summary
This article has explained the types of occupations and job duties permitted under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status, as well as the necessary procedures and key considerations when hiring. The scope of permitted activities under this residence status often overlaps with those of other visa categories, making it particularly complex. Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act not only stipulates criminal penalties but also includes various administrative sanctions such as denial of application, revocation of residence status, and deportation orders. As such, a misunderstanding of the permitted scope of activities could result in sudden and unexpected legal consequences. To ensure the safe and compliant employment of foreign nationals, it is essential for companies to continuously build their knowledge of foreign labor regulations. We hope this article serves as a helpful resource for both foreign employees and the companies that hire them.This article is a translation of the original Japanese version.