Highly skilled professional visa Q&A
Updated: July 2025, 1
Frequently asked questions regarding highly skilled human resources
No matter what kind of visa you have, can you apply as a highly skilled worker if you come to Japan and meet the conditions?
no. Visas that are permitted to be changed to highly skilled personnel are limited to those related to employment (``diplomatic'', ``official'', and ``technical intern training'' are not eligible).
What kind of visa should I apply for if I am entering Japan as a family member of someone who has been recognized as a highly skilled professional?
The visa requirements for the family of a "highly skilled professional" will vary depending on whether or not they will receive support from the "highly skilled professional."
①: For spouses and children living with dependents
⇒Apply for “family stay”.
②: For spouses who work on their own
⇒Apply for a status of residence according to the activity you are planning to engage in.
For example, "education", "research", "technology", "specialist in humanities/international affairs", and "entertainment".
③: For parents of "highly skilled human resources" who take care of their biological children under the age of 3
⇒Apply for “Specified Activities”.
Please note that even members of the same family may have different schedules depending on their activities in Japan.
I am currently residing in Japan on a "Student" visa, but is it still not possible for me to apply for a position as a highly skilled professional?
International students cannot apply for Highly Skilled Professionals with their international student status, but they may be able to apply for Highly Skilled Professionals by changing from a student visa to another working visa.
In this case, there are two main methods.
①: Return to Japan and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Residence Eligibility as a "Highly Skilled Foreign Professional," and enter the country with landing permission as a "Highly Skilled Foreign Professional."
②: Apply for a change from a “Student” visa to a “Highly Skilled Professional” visa.
However, this is based on the premise that the points for being a "highly skilled human resources" meet the criteria.
Once you are recognized as a highly skilled person, is it valid forever?
No.
Even if you are once recognized as a highly skilled professional, you may lose your status as a highly skilled professional depending on subsequent circumstances.
It's possible.
For example, when applying for permission to renew a visa after being certified as a highly skilled professional, if the points determined as a highly skilled professional are lower than the standard points at that time, the visa cannot be renewed as a highly skilled professional.
For example, if you apply for the renewal of a technical/specialist in humanities/international work visa as a highly skilled professional, and the visa renewal is approved but the application as a highly skilled worker is not approved, it will simply become a ``technical/specialist in humanities/international work'' visa. Only visa renewals will be allowed.
