The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa ("gijinkoku") is Japan's standard work visa for university graduates in office, engineering and specialist jobs. It has no total time limit and allows family sponsorship.
Key facts
- Education
- University degree or equivalent
- Alternative to degree
- 10 years work experience*
- Visa periods
- 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable
- Family
- Spouse & children allowed
- Job restriction
- Must relate to your field
- PR path
- Yes
Timeline from offer to entry (2026)
| Step | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: the job offer | An employer decides to sponsor you — the whole timeline starts on this day | P2J estimate |
| Step 2: papers (1–2 weeks) | You supply diploma and CV; the company supplies registry and financial documents — the checklist splits into four company-size categories | ISA (official) |
| Step 3: COE application (filed by the company) | Screening commonly runs 1–3 months (experience range; no official promise) — changing jobs mid-way restarts the clock | P2J estimate |
| Step 4: COE issued and mailed (days) | Check the spelling of name and birth date immediately — a typo stalls at the embassy stage | P2J estimate |
| Step 5: visa at the embassy (about 1 week) | Varies by post; you must enter Japan within 3 months of issuance | P2J estimate |
| Step 6: entry and notifications | Residence card issued at the airport; afterwards, every job start, leave or change must be notified to ISA within 14 days | ISA (official) |
What is the “gijinkoku” visa?
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務, abbreviated gijinkoku) is the work visa most white-collar foreign professionals in Japan hold. It combines three job families under one status:
| Category | Typical jobs |
|---|---|
| Engineer | Software developer, network engineer, mechanical/electrical design |
| Specialist in Humanities | Accounting, HR, legal, marketing, planning |
| International Services | Translation, interpretation, overseas trade, language teaching at companies |
Why it is usually the best option for graduates
Compared with the Specified Skilled Worker visa, gijinkoku has no cumulative time cap, allows you to sponsor a spouse and children from day one, and counts fully toward the 10-year residency track for permanent residency. Salaries in eligible jobs are generally higher — see software engineer salaries for an example.
Common routes to this visa
- Direct hire from abroad — most common in IT, where English-speaking positions exist.
- Study route — graduate from a Japanese university or vocational school, then change status from Student.
- Intra-company transfer — technically a separate visa, but similar requirements.
Japanese you will use on this page (tap ▶)
| 就労資格証明書を申請したいです。 Shūrō shikaku shōmeisho o shinsei shitai desu. I would like to apply for a certificate of authorized employment. | |
| 会社が変わりました。この用紙でいいですか。 Kaisha ga kawarimashita. Kono yōshi de ii desu ka. My company changed — is this the right form? | |
| 更新の結果が出るまで働けますか。 Kōshin no kekka ga deru made hatarakemasu ka. Can I keep working until the renewal result comes? | |
| 在留期間の更新に来ました。 Zairyū kikan no kōshin ni kimashita. I am here to renew my period of stay. | |
| 必要な書類を教えてください。 Hitsuyō na shorui o oshiete kudasai. Please tell me which documents I need. | |
| 結果はいつ頃わかりますか。 Kekka wa itsu goro wakarimasu ka. When will I know the result? |
Audio synthesized with VOICEVOX:Meimei Himari at standard pace for shadowing; real conversations run faster and carry accents.
Step by step
- Get a qualifying job offer
The job must require your degree or specialist knowledge — for example software development, mechanical design, accounting, marketing, translation or overseas trade.
- Employer prepares the COE application
The company submits the Certificate of Eligibility application with your diploma, CV and the employment contract.
- Apply for the visa at the embassy
Once the COE is issued (in practice often 1–3 months — an experience-based range, not an official commitment), apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. If you are already in Japan (e.g. as a student), apply for a change of status instead.
Common mistakes & warnings
- The job must genuinely match your educational background. A degree in economics with a job in factory-line work will be refused.
- Manual labor positions (construction work, kitchen staff, factory operators) are not covered — those fall under the Specified Skilled Worker system.
- Visa renewal is not automatic; unstable employment or unpaid taxes can lead to shorter periods or refusals.
Frequently asked questions
What does "10 years work experience" mean as a degree alternative?
For engineering and humanities roles, 10 years of documented professional experience in the field can replace a degree (3 years for some international-services roles such as translation). Documentation requirements are strict.
Can I change jobs on this visa?
Yes, freely — as long as the new job still matches the visa category. Notify immigration within 14 days of changing employers.
Does a Japanese vocational school diploma count?
Yes, a "senmonshi" diploma from a Japanese vocational school satisfies the education requirement, which is why many students take the language school → vocational school → work visa route.
Official sources
- ISA — Engineer / Humanities / Int’l Services status page (2026-07-18) — Basis for the status overview, permitted activities and the periods of stay (5 years / 3 years / 1 year / 3 months)
- ISA — Landing permission criteria (PDF) (2026-07-18) — Degree and work-experience requirements, and how job duties must relate to your studies
- ISA — Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application (2026-07-18) — COE procedure and documents; processing time is an experience-based range — the ISA does not guarantee a fixed period
- ISA — Extension of period of stay (2026-07-18) — Renewal procedure and when to file
- ISA — Notifications about your organization (2026-07-18) — The 14-day notification duty when you change or leave an employer
- ISA — Dependent status page (2026-07-18) — Conditions for bringing a spouse and children
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.