Introduction

The Highly Skilled Professional visa is a popular residency status for foreign nationals working in Japan and is assessed based on a total points system including education, work experience, annual income, and Japanese language ability. Insufficient Japanese skills can present hidden challenges at both the time of application and subsequent residency renewals. This article provides cautions and concrete solutions for situations where applicants fall short in Japanese language proficiency.

Relationship Between the HSP Visa and Japanese Language Ability

For the HSP visa, a minimum of 70 points is typically required. Japanese language ability is a bonus point category, scored as follows:

• JLPT N1 pass, or graduation from a university with a Japanese major, or BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test score of 480 or higher: “15 points”
• JLPT N2 pass, or BJT score of 400 or higher: “10 points”
  This official evaluation criteria and the details of point calculation are published by the Immigration Services Agency.

Cautions When Japanese Ability is Insufficient

1. Risk of Failing to Meet the Points Requirement: Without bonus points for Japanese skills, it may become difficult to reach the required 70 points through other categories.
2. Risks at Time of Residency Renewal: Even after the initial visa is granted, proof of 70 or more points is also required at renewal, and lack of Japanese language points can result in a denied extension.
3. Challenges in Workplace Communication and Adaptation: Basic Japanese is often necessary for daily work and life in Japan, affecting hiring and career progression.

Solutions

1. Improving Japanese Language Proficiency: Aim for JLPT N1 or N2, as N2 will yield 10 points, N1 gives 15. BJT scores can be substituted as well; take advantage of online courses or language schools as needed.
2. Strengthening Other Points Categories: Boost points in education, career, or salary to compensate for lack of Japanese bonus points.
3. Use Degree in Japanese as a Points Source: Those with a university degree in Japanese are eligible for the equivalent bonus points if proper documentation is submitted.
4. Careful Preparation of Certificates: Official documents (JLPT, BJT, diplomas, etc.) must be prepared and submitted with care.
5. Regular Self-Assessment with the Official Points Table: Use the official, up-to-date points calculation table (available online) and adjust your score plan as needed for both application and renewal.

Conclusion

Insufficient Japanese ability increases the risk of denial at both the application and renewal stages of the Highly Skilled Professional visa. However, careful, continual improvement of Japanese skills, strengthening other scoring areas, and thorough documentation can solve many problems. Always consult the most up-to-date points table and government resources when applying or renewing.