Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
University-educated professionals in engineering, IT, the humanities or international/translation roles with a Japanese employer.
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant (change of status / extension); Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services is for
University-educated professionals in engineering, IT, the humanities or international/translation roles with a Japanese employer.
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence (shorter via Highly Skilled points).
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services - eligibility criteria
- Job offer from a Japanese employer
- Bachelor's degree or 10+ years relevant experience (3 for translation/teaching)
- Role matches the technical or humanities field of expertise
- Salary comparable to a Japanese national in the role
- Employer financially stable and willing to sponsor
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status / extension); Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 3 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Work only in the sponsored professional field |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status / extension); Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence (shorter via Highly Skilled points). |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence (shorter via Highly Skilled points).
Many applicants also compare HSP (i) · Highly Skilled Professional (i), Intra-company · Intra-company Transferee, Business Manager · Business Manager. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services pitfalls we fix
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services - frequently asked questions
How much does the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services cost?
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status / extension); Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the 10-year residence rule for permanent residence (shorter via Highly Skilled points).
Can I work on the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services?
Work rights: Work only in the sponsored professional field.
Who can apply for the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services?
University-educated professionals in engineering, IT, the humanities or international/translation roles with a Japanese employer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority