Based on the latest announcement from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, this guide
provides a clear and straightforward explanation of the major operational changes applied to
applications submitted on or after April 15, 2026 (Reiwa 8), for the Engineer/Specialist in
Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku) visa.
Key Updates and Additional Required Documents
Under the new rules, Category 3 and Category 4 sponsoring organizations (primarily Small
and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and newly established corporations) are now
required to submit additional supporting documents when sponsoring this visa.
Because this significantly impacts practical application procedures, please carefully review the
specific requirements below.
<Additional Required Documents; Specific Rules for Categories 3 & 4>
① Declaration Form Concerning the Representative of the Sponsoring Organization
Official Template: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001460262.pdf
② Documentation Proving Language Proficiency (Equivalent to CEFR B2)
Applies to: Applicants who will primarily engage in duties that heavily involve face-to-face communication
or language skills.
This language proficiency document must be submitted for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
applications, Change of Status applications, and Acquisition of Status applications if the duties
primarily rely on language skills—such as Translation/Interpretation or & Front Desk/Hospitality
Services at hotels.
Furthermore, even for those currently residing in Japan, if they switch to a role that primarily
requires these language-based duties due to a job change or internal promotion, they must
submit this proof during their Extension of Period of Stay (Visa Renewal) application.
<Check! The 5 Standards to Meet CEFR B2 Equivalent>
1. JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test): Passed N2 level or higher.
2. BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test): Scored 400 points or higher.
3. Long-term Residency: Has resided in Japan as a mid-to-long-term resident for 20 years or more.
4. Higher Education in Japan: Graduated from a Japanese university, or completed a
specialized/advanced course at a Japanese college of technology or professional
training college.
5. Compulsory Education in Japan: Completed compulsory education in Japan and graduated from a
Japanese high school.
<Notes; Exceptions for Visa Renewal (Extension)>
1.No Resubmission Needed for Continuous Roles: If you are applying for a visa renewal and continuously performing the exact same duties as before, you generally do not need to resubmit the language proficiency documents. However, immigration officers may still request them during individual screenings if deemed necessary.
Potential Requests for Other Job Types: Even if you apply for a job category other than Translation/Interpretation or Hospitality; and do not submit the document initially, Immigration may ask you to provide it later (when needed / as required) based on their review of your actual business operations and corporate structure.
2. Essential Action Plan for Hiring, Entrepreneurship, and Job seeking in Japan
1) Screen Candidates Strictly for Exemptions and Criteria
When hiring foreign staff for hospitality or interpretation roles, immediately verify their resumes
and graduation certificates to check if they fulfill the criteria—such as holding a JLPT N2
certificate or a degree from a Japanese university/vocational school.
2) SMEs and Startups Must Prove a Clean and Stable Structure
When a newly established company (Category 4) hires foreign staff, they must not only submit
the Declaration Form Concerning the Representative but also provide a solid business plan.
This plan must logically demonstrate that the position offers professional and advanced duties
that align perfectly with the visa requirements.
Summary
While the Japanese government actively encourages foreign entrepreneurship and startup
attraction, Immigration’s oversight regarding the actual substance of employment—specifically
ensuring it does not mask unskilled manual labor—has become stricter than ever.
For sponsoring companies (especially Categories 3 and 4), establishing a proper business plan
and a compliant employment structure in accordance with these new rules is the definitive first
step toward sustainable business success in Japan.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Status of Residence: & Engineer/Specialist in
Humanities/International Services