Highly-Skilled Professional is a foreign national who possesses a high level of specialized ability that is expected to contribute to Japan's academic research and economic development. A person is considered a Highly-Skilled Professional if he/she meets the requirements of the "Point Calculation Table" published by the Immigration Bureau and scores 70 points or more in total.
Highly-Skilled Professional status has various advantages, but the easing of the conditions for applying for permanent residence/permanent visa (shortening the period of stay in Japan from 10 years to 1 year) has a particularly large impact, and many foreigners are aiming to acquire Highly-Skilled Professional status with this as their goal.
① For those recognized as Highly-Skilled Professional with 70 or more points system, the period of stay required to apply for a permanent residence /permanent visa permit will be reduced from the current 5 years to 3 years.
② For those who are recognized as especially advanced foreign human resources (those with 80 or more points system), the period of stay required to apply for a permanent residence /permanent visa permit will be significantly reduced from the current 5 years to 1 year = "Japanese version of the Green Card for Highly-Skilled Professionals".
How to calculate points system for Highly-Skilled Professional
In order to be recognized as a Highly-Skilled Professional, the applicant must score 70 points or more on the "Point Calculation Chart" published by the Immigration Bureau. In the "Point Calculation Chart", the following items are used for screening according to "Highly Specialized Worker 1" a through c.
- Educational background
- Employment history
- Annual Income
- Age
- Japanese language ability
- National qualifications
- Graduation from a specific school
- Engaged in a specific field of business
Classification of Highly-Skilled Professional
Highly-Skilled Professional foreign nationals residing in Japan are roughly divided into the following three fields. Before calculating the points, it is necessary to confirm which field you fall under.
- High level academic research activities
Highly-Skilled Professional 1 (a)
This category includes research, research instruction, education, and business management conducted in conjunction with such activities.
- Highly specialized/technical activities
Highly-Skilled Professional 1 (b)
Work that requires knowledge and skills in the natural sciences or humanities, and business management in combination with such activities fall under this category.
- Advanced management/administrative activities
Highly-Skilled Professional 1(c)
This category applies to those who engage in management and administration of trade and other businesses.
In simple terms, the types of jobs that fall under the category of Highly-Skilled Professional include (a) researchers at research institutes and professional teachers, (b) white-collar workers at general companies, and (c) business managers.
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Please refer to or PR visa web page.
