Introduction

The Highly Skilled Professional visa in Japan is granted to foreign nationals with proven expertise and achievements, allowing for eased requirements when applying for permanent residency. However, the process remains tough and denials are common. This article explains the major causes of disapproval and key points for retrying the application.

What is “Highly Skilled Professional”?

高度専門職 (Highly Skilled Professional) is a visa status judged by a points system based on academic background, work experience, income, and skills. Those who obtain this status may apply for permanent residency in as little as one or three years, compared to ten years for other statuses.

Main Reasons for Permanent Residency Denial

• Insufficient points or requirements not met
  Applicants must maintain at least 70 points at the time of application, otherwise, the request will be denied.
• Missing or incorrectly completed documents
  Incomplete paperwork or mistakes can disadvantage your review.
• Tax or social insurance delinquency
  Failure to pay resident taxes or public insurance (health, pension) is a major cause for denial.
• Employment history mismatch
  If the duties differ from what is described in the application or contracts, this may lead to refusal.
• Past violations or legal compliance issues
  Even minor violations like traffic tickets and late payments can affect the screening.

Cautions for Reapplying after Denial

• Analyze and improve on the reasons for denial
  Check the reason at the immigration office and only reapply after improvement.
• Allow sufficient time before reapplying
  Immediate reapplication after denial may be seen as insufficient effort; waiting at least one year is generally recommended.
• Submit proof of improvement
  Provide proof such as tax payment certificates and written explanation of improvements.
• Seek expert support
  Consulting administrative scriveners helps avoid mistakes and understand local immigration practices.

Example Case

Applicant A applied after working in Highly Skilled Professional status for 3 years, but was denied due to minor tax omission. After clearing the deficiency and submitting an explanation, reapplication 18 months later was approved.

Summary

Even with Highly Skilled Professional status, permanent residency applications can be denied due to lack of points, incomplete paperwork, tax or insurance delinquency, or employment history discrepancies. For reapplication, analyze the cause fully, allow time, submit proof of improvement, and prepare carefully with expert advice。