Work Visa in Japan for IT Engineers｜Latest Updates and Key Points

What Is a Work Visa for IT Engineers?

Most foreign engineers working in Japan obtain the status of residence called Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (commonly referred to as “技人国”). This category covers occupations that require specialized knowledge such as system development, network administration, and database management.

Additionally, those who meet criteria related to salary or academic background may qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) category, which offers advantages such as eligibility for permanent residency in as little as one year. While demand for IT professionals continues to grow due to Japan’s shortage of tech workers, immigration screening has become increasingly strict. Particular emphasis is placed on whether the applicant’s academic background and job duties formally match.

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Basic Requirements for Application

To obtain a work visa, the applicant’s educational background and work experience must align with the actual duties to be performed. For IT engineers, this typically means either holding a degree in information technology or having at least ten years of relevant work experience. Immigration authorities also evaluate whether the employment contract provides stable working conditions.

Requirement	Content	Key Notes
Educational Background	University degree (preferably IT-related) or vocational school diploma	Non-IT degrees require a detailed explanation of how the field relates to the IT job
Work Experience	Generally 10+ years of relevant work experience	University graduates may be subject to lighter experience requirements
Employment Contract	Stable salary and working conditions	Contracts that are too short-term increase the risk of refusal

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Key Points in the Examination

Immigration authorities primarily examine stability and legal compliance. For IT engineers, particular attention is paid to:

• Credibility of the employer
  → Large or publicly listed companies are advantageous. For newly established firms, business plans and capital strength are often requested as supplementary evidence.
• Salary level
  → Around 3 million JPY per year is generally considered the minimum threshold. Significantly lower salaries may result in refusal.
• Clarity of job duties
  → Even if labeled “IT engineer,” tasks that resemble simple labor (e.g., data entry, call center work) will not qualify.

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Common Reasons for Refusal

In practice, visa refusals often follow predictable patterns:

• Academic background does not match the duties (e.g., literature degree → IT engineer)
• Employer is too small and employment stability is doubtful
• Salary level is low or inconsistent compared to Japanese employees
• Frequent job changes raise concerns about retention
• Job description appears to involve “simple labor”

In particular, SES (system engineering services / client-site dispatch) arrangements face stricter scrutiny. Applicants are often required to submit contracts between dispatching and client companies, as well as detailed outsourcing agreements.

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Renewal and Job Change Considerations

When renewing a visa, documents such as employment certificates, salary slips, and tax certificates must be submitted to prove stable ongoing employment.

If changing jobs, a change of status application may be necessary depending on the new duties. For example, moving from system development to marketing—even within the same company—might no longer meet the requirements of the original visa category.

Failing to report a job change may negatively impact the next renewal application, so proper notification is essential.

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Trends at Osaka Immigration Bureau

At the Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau, applicants are often asked to provide detailed evidence regarding company size and the specifics of job duties. For newly established IT firms or SES companies, the following supplementary documents are highly recommended:

• Company brochures or website materials
• Copies of contracts for development projects or received orders
• Detailed job description of the applicant’s duties

In Osaka, the focus tends to be on substantive evidence rather than formal documentation. The more concrete supporting materials you provide, the more persuasive your case will be.

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Career Path Beyond the Work Visa

Once an IT engineer has secured a work visa, maintaining stable income and a solid record of tax and pension contributions can open the door to permanent residency or even naturalization.

By meeting the 80-point threshold of the Highly Skilled Professional system—through factors such as a doctoral degree, high salary, or Japanese language proficiency—applicants may qualify to apply for permanent residency after only one year.

👉 It is important to view the work visa not just as a short-term permit, but as the foundation of a long-term career and life in Japan.

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Conclusion

Work visas for IT engineers are in high demand in Japan, but the process is far from simple. Without the necessary academic background, work experience, and a stable employment contract, even highly skilled professionals may be refused. At the Osaka Immigration Bureau in particular, the emphasis lies less on formal paperwork and more on whether the actual circumstances are backed by credible documentation.

For IT engineers aiming to secure a work visa, it is crucial to approach the process strategically, not merely as a formality but as part of a broader career plan:

• Short-term: Clarify job duties and prepare objective documents demonstrating salary and employment terms.
• Medium-term: Maintain stable employment and income, and accumulate a consistent record of employment certificates and tax contributions.
• Long-term: Leverage the Highly Skilled Professional system or pursue permanent residency/naturalization to establish a stable future in Japan.

By preparing with these steps in mind, applicants can go beyond simply “obtaining a visa” and instead build a secure, lasting career and life in Japan.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

If you would like to renew or change your work visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our extensive experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your work visa renewal or change of status smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule

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