Eligibility, Requirements, Required Documents, and Typical Jobs Explained
What is the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa?
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (E/H/IS) Visa is one of the most common work-related statuses of residence in Japan. It allows foreign nationals to engage in professional work that requires specialized knowledge or skills.
Typical occupations include:
- Software Engineers
- IT Professionals
- Accountants
- Marketing Specialists
- Sales Representatives
- Translators
- Interpreters
- International Business Staff
Although many people refer to it simply as a Work Visa, the official legal name of this status of residence is Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services.
Three Categories of Activities
1. Engineer
This category covers occupations requiring knowledge in the natural sciences, such as:
- Software Engineer
- Programmer
- AI Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Architect
2. Specialist in Humanities
This category covers work requiring knowledge in the humanities or social sciences, including:
- Accounting
- Human Resources
- General Affairs
- Sales
- Marketing
- International Trade
- Legal Affairs
- Business Planning
3. International Services
This category includes work requiring knowledge of foreign cultures or languages, such as:
- Interpreter
- Translator
- Overseas Sales
- Language Instructor (Private Sector)
- Designer
- International Public Relations
Main Requirements
Applicants generally must satisfy the following requirements.
Appropriate Job Duties
The job must require professional knowledge or specialized skills.
Typical examples include:
- IT Engineer
- Accountant
- Marketing Specialist
- Interpreter
Jobs consisting mainly of simple labor, such as factory work, warehouse work, or cleaning, generally do not qualify.
Educational Background or Professional Experience
Applicants usually need:
- A university degree related to the job;
- Graduation from a qualified Japanese vocational school; or
- Relevant professional work experience where permitted.
The relationship between the applicant's education and the proposed job is an important factor.
Salary and Working Conditions
Foreign employees must receive compensation equivalent to that of Japanese employees performing comparable work.
Required Documents
The required documents vary depending on the employer's category and the type of application.
Applicant
- Application Form
- Passport
- Residence Card (for change of status applications)
- Photograph
- Graduation Certificate
- Academic Transcript
Employer
- Employment Contract
- Certificate of Company Registration
- Financial Statements
- Company Brochure
Additional documents may be required depending on the individual case.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Applications may face difficulties when:
- The applicant's academic background is unrelated to the proposed job.
- The actual duties mainly consist of simple labor.
- The employment contract does not clearly explain the job responsibilities.
Providing detailed explanations and supporting evidence is often essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can humanities graduates apply?
Yes.
Graduates working in fields such as sales, accounting, marketing, or international trade may qualify under the Specialist in Humanities category.
Can vocational school graduates apply?
Yes, provided certain legal requirements are met and the field of study is related to the proposed employment.
What happens if I change jobs?
Changing employers is generally possible. However, the new position must fall within the scope of your current status of residence. Depending on the circumstances, additional immigration procedures may be required.
Conclusion
The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa is one of Japan's most important work-related statuses of residence.
Immigration authorities examine factors such as:
- Job duties
- Educational background
- Work experience
- Salary
- Employer's business activities
At Trust Shimizu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide comprehensive support for:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications
- Change of Status applications
- Visa Extensions (Renewals)
- Job Change Procedures
Please feel free to contact us for professional assistance.