Introduction

The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence (hereinafter referred to as “Engineer/Humanities/International Services Visa”) is one of the most commonly used work visas for foreigners working in Japan. The number of applications by vocational school graduates has been increasing in recent years, but compared to university graduates, the screening criteria tend to be stricter, and there are many points to pay attention to. This article explains the key points for vocational school graduates to keep in mind when applying for this visa, based on the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Justice.

Overview and Basic Requirements

The Engineer/Humanities/International Services Visa is a status of residence for working in Japanese companies using specialized knowledge or skills. Eligible jobs include those requiring expertise in natural sciences or humanities, as well as jobs that require sensitivity based on foreign cultures (such as interpretation, translation, and language instruction).

The main requirements are as follows:

• Academic background (graduation from a university or a Japanese vocational school, or a certain number of years of work experience)
• Relevance between academic background/work experience and job duties
• Stability of the receiving company
• Salary level equivalent to or higher than that of Japanese employees

Academic Requirements and Points for Vocational School Graduates

Graduation from a Japanese Vocational School Is Essential

To meet the academic requirement, vocational school graduates must have obtained the title of “Senmonshi” (Specialist) from a Japanese vocational school. Graduation from an overseas vocational school is not accepted.

Relevance Between Major and Job Duties

For vocational school graduates, the relevance between the specialized field studied and the job duties is examined more strictly than for university graduates. Specifically, more than 30% of the subjects studied must be related to the intended job duties. If the relevance is weak or the job is considered simple labor, the risk of denial increases.

Academic Performance and Attendance

Grades and attendance at vocational school are also examined. Poor grades or low attendance may be judged as insufficient acquisition of specialized knowledge or skills, increasing the likelihood of denial.

Level of Courses Taken

For example, when applying for interpretation/translation jobs, the Japanese language courses taken at vocational school must be at a business level. If the content is only at an elementary or daily conversation level, it may be considered insufficient.

Application Documents and Methods of Proof

Required Documents

• Graduation certificate (with the title of “Senmonshi” indicated)
• Academic transcript
• List of subjects or syllabus (to prove relevance to the job)
• Employment contract (clearly stating salary at or above the level of Japanese employees)
• Company financial statements and company brochure (to prove business stability)

Preparation of a Statement of Reasons

Attaching a statement of reasons that clearly explains the relevance between the job duties and the specialized field studied makes it easier for examiners to understand your intent.

Company Requirements

The stability of the receiving company is also examined. If the company is running at a loss or is newly established, a business plan and explanation of future stability may be required.

Common Approval and Denial Cases

Approved Cases

• Those who studied specialized interpretation/translation subjects in the Interpretation and Translation Department and work as translators at a publishing company
• Those who studied many business and language subjects in the International Liberal Arts Department and can prove business-level language proficiency

Denied Cases

• When there are few subjects related to the job duties
• When grades in Japanese language subjects are low or do not reach business level
• When the job duties are simple labor or the amount of work is insufficient

Key Points When Applying

• Graduation from a Japanese vocational school with the title of “Senmonshi” is essential
• Clearly prove the relevance between major and job duties
• Academic performance and attendance are important
• State salary level in the employment contract and prove company stability
• Prepare sufficient documents, such as a statement of reasons and syllabus, to show relevance
• If you have concerns, consult an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) or other expert

Conclusion

Even if vocational school graduates meet the academic requirements, the screening for the Engineer/Humanities/International Services Visa is multifaceted, including the relevance between major and job duties, academic performance, and company stability. The criteria are stricter than for university graduates, so it is important to prepare the necessary documents in advance and specifically prove your relevance and abilities. Check the latest laws and guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency and proceed with the application carefully.