Are you a humanities professional looking to work in Japan? If so, you may be eligible for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa, also known as the International Services Visa. This visa is designed to allow foreign nationals with specialized knowledge or skills in the humanities field to work in Japan for a period of up to five years.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa, including its requirements, benefits, and application process.
Overview of the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa for Japan
The Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa is a type of visa available for foreign nationals who wish to engage in humanities or international services activities in Japan. This visa is designed to allow individuals to contribute to the cultural, academic, or social development of Japan, or to engage in activities that promote international relations between Japan and other countries.
The humanities category of this visa includes activities such as research, teaching, and conducting seminars in fields such as law, economics, social sciences, and humanities. On the other hand, the international services category includes activities such as international business, interpretation, translation, and other related services.
It is important to note that the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa is not intended for individuals seeking to work in Japan in unskilled or low-skilled jobs. Rather, this visa is designed for highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the development of Japan’s culture, education, and international relations.
To be eligible for the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa, individuals must have a sponsor in Japan who will be responsible for their activities and stay in Japan. Additionally, applicants must meet certain qualifications and requirements, which may vary depending on the nature of their activities in Japan. These requirements may include educational and professional qualifications, work experience, and other factors.
Requirements for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa
To be eligible for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Specialized knowledge or skills: You must have specialized knowledge or skills in the humanities field, such as history, literature, art, philosophy, or religion.
- Employment offer: You must have a job offer from a Japanese employer that is related to your specialized knowledge or skills.
- Educational background: You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to your specialized knowledge or skills.
- Work experience: You must have at least three years of work experience in the field related to your specialized knowledge or skills.
- Sufficient financial resources: You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Japan.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa
Are you interested in applying for the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa for Japan? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process and ensure that you have everything you need to successfully obtain this type of visa. From eligibility requirements to necessary documents and submission procedures, we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Find a Job Offer in Japan
The first step in obtaining the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa is to find a job offer in Japan that is related to your specialized knowledge or skills in the humanities field. It’s essential to note that you must have a job offer from a Japanese employer before applying for this visa. You can search for job opportunities on various job search websites, including u003ca href=u0022https://www.linkedin.com/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-type=u0022URLu0022 data-id=u0022https://www.linkedin.com/u0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eLinkedInu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htmu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-type=u0022URLu0022 data-id=u0022https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htmu0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eGlassdooru003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://indeed.com/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-type=u0022URLu0022 data-id=u0022https://indeed.com/u0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eIndeedu003c/au003e, and u003ca href=u0022https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/index/index/lang/enu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 data-type=u0022URLu0022 data-id=u0022https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/index/index/lang/enu0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eGaijinPotu003c/au003e.
Step 2: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you have received a job offer, your employer must apply for a u003ca href=u0022https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-1.htmlu0022 data-type=u0022URLu0022 data-id=u0022https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/procedures/16-1.htmlu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eCertificate of Eligibility (COE)u003c/au003e from the Japanese Ministry of Justice on your behalf. This certificate verifies that you meet the eligibility requirements for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eYour employer will need to provide the following documents to apply for the COE:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eu003cemu003eu003cmarku003e- A completed application formu003cbru003e- A copy of your passportu003cbru003e- A copy of your diploma or degree certificateu003cbru003e- A letter of recommendation from your previous employer or academic institutionu003cbru003e- Proof of your work experience in the relevant fieldu003cbru003e- A detailed job descriptionu003cbru003e- Your employer’s business registration certificateu003c/marku003eu003c/emu003eu003cbru003eIt takes around u003cstrongu003eone to three monthsu003c/strongu003e for the COE to be processed and issued.
Step 3: Apply for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa
Once your employer receives the COE, you can apply for the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. You must provide the following documents:u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cmarku003e- A valid passportu003cbru003e- A completed visa application formu003cbru003e- One passport-sized photou003cbru003e- The original COE issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justiceu003cbru003e- A personal statement outlining your reasons for applying for the visau003cbru003e- Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or tax returnsu003cbru003e- A health certificate issued within the past six monthsu003cbru003e- A criminal record check from your home country or the country where you have lived for the past five yearsu003cbru003e- A flight itinerary or proof of travel arrangementsu003cbru003e- Visa application fee (varies depending on your country of residence)u003c/marku003e
Step 4: Arrival in Japan
Once you arrive in Japan, you must apply for a residence card at your local immigration office within 14 days. The residence card serves as your identification card and contains your personal information, visa status, and period of stay in Japan.
Cost of the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa
The cost of the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa varies depending on your country of residence. As of 2023, the application fee for a single-entry visa ranges from $30 to $80, and the multiple-entry visa fee ranges from $60 to $170. Additionally, you will need to pay a fee for the COE application, which varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time.
Benefits of the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa
The Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa offers a number of benefits to foreign nationals who are looking to work in Japan in the humanities field. Some of these benefits include:
- Work in Japan for up to five years: With the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa, you can work in Japan for a period of up to five years.
- Ability to bring your family: You can bring your spouse and children with you to Japan.
- Access to healthcare: You will have access to Japan’s healthcare system.
- Opportunity to apply for permanent residency: If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Japan.
Post-Approval Considerations for the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
After receiving your Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa and arriving in Japan, there are several important considerations that you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition and stay in Japan.
1. Registering your Residence
As a foreign national living in Japan, you are required to register your residence at the local municipal office within 14 days of arriving in Japan. You will need to present your residence card, passport, and a completed registration form.
2. Opening a Bank Account
It is recommended to open a bank account in Japan to receive your salary and make other financial transactions. You will need to present your residence card, passport, and proof of address to open a bank account.
3. Health Insurance
As a resident in Japan, you are required to enroll in the National Health Insurance program. You can enroll at your local municipal office by presenting your residence card and other required documents.
4. Language Learning
While not mandatory, learning the Japanese language can greatly improve your daily life in Japan and make it easier to communicate with colleagues and locals. You can take language classes at language schools, universities, or private tutors.
5. Cultural Adaptation
Living in Japan can be a vastly different experience from your home country, and it is important to learn about Japanese customs and culture to adjust to your new surroundings. You can participate in cultural events, join local clubs or organizations, and make friends with locals to learn more about Japanese culture.
6. Renewing your Visa
Your Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa is valid for a maximum of five years, and you will need to renew it before it expires if you plan to continue working in Japan. You will need to apply for a renewal at your local immigration office and provide updated documents, including a new Certificate of Eligibility.
By keeping these important considerations in mind after receiving your Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa, you can ensure a smooth and successful stay in Japan.
Part-time Work and Restrictions on the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa
While the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa is primarily designed for individuals who will be engaging in humanities or international services activities in Japan, it is worth noting that there are some provisions for part-time work under this visa. Specifically, individuals holding this visa are allowed to engage in part-time work for up to 28 hours per week without obtaining additional permission from the immigration authorities. This can be helpful for individuals who wish to supplement their income or gain additional work experience while in Japan.
However, it is important to note that there are some restrictions on the types of work that are allowed under this visa. Specifically, the work must be related to the individual’s primary activity in Japan (i.e. humanities or international services). In other words, individuals holding this visa are not permitted to engage in any type of work they choose, but rather must limit their part-time work to activities that are related to their primary activity in Japan.
Furthermore, it is important to comply with the 28-hour weekly limit, as exceeding this limit or engaging in unauthorized work can result in revocation of the visa and deportation from Japan. Therefore, it is important to check with the immigration authorities or your employer to confirm the details of the restrictions and ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa.
Conclusion
The Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa, also known as the International Services Visa, is a great opportunity for foreign nationals with specialized knowledge or skills in the humanities field to work in Japan. If you meet the requirements and follow the application process, you can work in Japan for up to five years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency. We hope that this guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about the Japan Specialist in Humanities Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are considered u0022humanities activitiesu0022 under this visa?
Activities such as research, language instruction, translation, and other intellectual or cultural pursuits fall under the category of humanities activities.
What are considered u0022international services activitiesu0022 under this visa?
Activities such as international business, international trade, and intercultural communication and exchange fall under the category of international services activities.
Who is eligible to apply for this visa?
Individuals who have been offered a job or an opportunity to engage in humanities or international services activities in Japan can apply for this visa.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
A Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Japanese immigration authorities that certifies that the applicant meets the requirements for a visa.
How long does it take to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility?
It can take up to three months to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility.
Can I apply for this visa without a job offer in Japan?
No, you need to have a job offer or an opportunity to engage in humanities or international services activities in Japan in order to apply for this visa.
Can I apply for this visa while I am in Japan?
No, you need to apply for this visa from outside of Japan.
Can I change my visa status from another type of visa to the Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa?
Yes, it is possible to change your visa status while in Japan.
How long is this visa valid for?
This visa is valid for up to five years.
Can I extend my stay in Japan beyond the five-year limit?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension.
How much does it cost to apply for this visa?
The cost varies depending on the country and consulate, but it typically ranges from $30 to $80.
What documents do I need to provide when applying for this visa?
You will need to provide a valid passport, a Certificate of Eligibility, a visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and any other documents required by the Japanese consulate.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
It can take up to one week to process a visa application.
Do I need to submit original documents or can I provide copies?
You can provide copies of the required documents, but some consulates may require original documents.
Do I need to have a certain level of Japanese language proficiency to apply for this visa?
No, Japanese language proficiency is not required for this visa.
Can I bring my family with me on this visa?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you on this visa.
Can my spouse work in Japan on this visa?
Yes, your spouse can apply for a dependent visa that allows them to work in Japan.
Can I travel outside of Japan while on this visa?
Yes, you can travel outside of Japan while on this visa.
What happens if I lose my residence card?
You need to report the loss to the nearest immigration office and apply for a replacement within 14 days.
