New Examination Criteria for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa (Effective April 15, 2026)

Starting April 15, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will implement revised examination criteria for the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" status of residence. These changes will introduce stricter documentation requirements and more rigorous scrutiny, particularly for sponsoring organizations classified as Category 3 or 4.

Key Changes and Requirements:

1. Declaration Concerning the Representative of the Sponsoring Organization: Applicants must now submit a new "Declaration Form" regarding the representative of their employer. This measure aims to more strictly verify the suitability and management structure of the receiving company.

2. Standardized Language Proficiency (CEFR B2 Equivalent): For roles involving interpersonal duties that require language skills—such as interpreting, translation, customer service, or sales—applicants are now required to provide evidence of language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2.

   For Japanese language proficiency, the following qualifications are recognized as meeting the B2 standard:

   • JLPT N2 level or higher

   • BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 400 or higher

   • At least 20 years of residency in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident

   • Completion of a degree from a Japanese university, vocational college (Senmon Gakko), or professional training college

   • Completion of compulsory education and high school in Japan

Expert Insight:

These revisions signify a strategic shift towards more closely examining the "consistency between job duties and the applicant's qualifications" as well as the "eligibility of the host institution." Simply meeting formal requirements may no longer guarantee approval.

Organizations in Category 3 and 4 (including SMEs and startups) face a higher risk of visa denial if documents are incomplete or if the job description is inadequately explained. Therefore, more meticulous preparation than ever is required.

How Our Office Can Assist You:

Our office provides comprehensive support based on the latest laws and examination standards. We assist with everything from assessing the legality of job duties to organizing work descriptions and structuring supporting evidence.

If you are planning to apply for a visa under these new regulations, we recommend consulting with us as early as possible to ensure a smooth and compliant application process.