Working Visa – Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (IT)

What type of visa is required to work in IT-related occupations?

If you possess the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status, it is possible to work in IT-related positions. IT occupations fall under the “Technology” category. Specific examples include jobs that require knowledge in the field of IT, such as:

Here are some examples:

・Systems Engineer

・Programmer

・Software Developer

Other tasks related to the IT sector

★ Even for those with a background in the humanities, it is possible to work in IT-related positions.

While jobs in the IT field are often associated with scientific knowledge, there are instances where knowledge in the field of humanities is required. This means that individuals with a humanities background can also pursue careers in IT, falling under the category of  “Humanities/International Services” rather than “Engineer”.

For example:

Development of translation software

Even if you majored in humanities at university and wish to work in IT-related positions such as computer software development, you don’t necessarily have to give up on roles in the ‘Engineer’ category. If you can demonstrate the relevance of your job tasks to your academic background, there is a possibility of getting IT positions falling under the ‘Humanities, International Services ‘ category.

Requirements for obtaining an “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa for positions in IT

☑ Educational Requirements

➡University Graduates:：

Individuals who have graduated, and majored in subjects relevant to the job.

* Including those who graduated from universities, as well as short-term universities, graduate schools, and research institutes affiliated with universities in Japan and abroad.

*Including individuals holding the DOEACC qualifications of levels A, B, or C in India.

➡ Vocational School Graduates:

Those who have completed a specialized course in Japan, majoring in subjects relevant to the job, and hold the title of “Specialist” or “Advanced Specialist”

☑Work Experience Requirements

The individual must have over 10 years of practical work experience in the relevant field and have acquired the necessary knowledge.

*If the individual majored in subjects related to the job at a university, technical college, etc., the duration of that study can be included in the practical experience.

It is important to note the relevance of the experience to the job.

To prove practical experience, a certificate of employment is required.

As falsification of employment certificates is common, immigration authorities conduct a thorough examination.

★For individuals with qualifications in information processing technologies specified in the Minister of Justice Ordinance (IT Ordinance), educational and work experience requirements are waived. In such cases, it is necessary to submit evidence of passing an examination or a certificate of qualification listed below.

Reference source：https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/laws/nyukan_hourei_h09.html

If you have any concerns about the relevance of your work experience, please feel free to contact us

☑　Compensation

The compensation should be equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive for the same role

Summary

This time, we shared the points of obtaining the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status for working in IT-related jobs, as well as the types of employment and their requirements.

In recent years, Japan has faced a shortage of IT engineers, prompting many foreigners to acquire the specified visa and engage in IT-related work. If you are considering working in IT in Japan, you might want to explore obtaining the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status.

If you have any concerns about the relevance of your work experience or if you feel uncertain about the application process, please feel free to contact our office for assistance.

Related Blogs

We are Yanagi group, which have offices in Osaka (Abeno and Tennoji), and our affiliated offices in Tokyo (Shibuya and Ebisu) are also available for an on-site consultation. We have handled many applications for permanent residence permits, naturalization permits, work visas, college student visas, management visas, etc., as well as visa renewal procedures related to the status of residence with the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) as a one-stop service. Our experienced administrative scriveners are also available to help you with any problems you may have.

We also have staff members who can speak each of the native languages and can assist you in obtaining a visa.

※If you wish to be consulted in Nepali or Bengali, please inform us in advance via our website or social media, and the translator will contact you ahead of time.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your status of residence or visa, even if they are trivial.

Toll-free number: 0120-138-552

For English speakers: 080-9346-2991

For Chinese speakers: 090-8456-6196

For Korean speakers: 090-8448-2133

For Vietnamese speakers: 080-5510-2593