How Your Workplace Affects Your Residency Status in Japan
Hello, this is IMS.
For foreigners working in Japan, what kind of job you do is certainly important — but where you work can also have a significant impact on your visa (residency status).
This is especially true for those working as English instructors.
In this article, we’ll explain in simple terms why your place of work can affect which visa you need, using the case of English teaching as an example.
■ Different Visas for the Same "English Teaching" Job?
Even if your job is to teach English, the required visa can vary depending on your workplace and job responsibilities. Here are some common examples:
| Workplace | Job Description | Applicable Visa Type |
|---|---|---|
| University / Junior College | English lectures, academic research | Professor |
| Japanese Language School / Private English School | Conversational English instruction | Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (commonly known as "Engineer/Humanities/International") |
| Elementary, Junior High, High School (e.g. ALT) | Assisting with English classes | Instructor or Engineer/Humanities/International (depending on contract) |
| Kindergarten / Nursery | English-based play with children | Generally not eligible (Possible under “Designated Activities” in special cases) |
As you can see, even though the job is “teaching English,” the required visa changes based on your work setting and duties.
■ When You Need a "Professor" Visa
If you teach at a university or junior college, your work is considered academic instruction and research, so you will need a Professor visa.
This visa applies strictly to those working at higher education institutions and requires involvement in academic-level English education and research.
■ When You Need an "Engineer/Humanities/International" Visa
If you're teaching conversational English at a private English school or Japanese language school, you’ll need an Engineer/Humanities/International visa.
This visa is issued for foreign nationals engaged in private-sector work that utilizes language skills — such as translation, interpretation, and language instruction.
■ What About ALT Positions?
If you're working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in a public elementary, junior high, or high school, the visa type depends on who your employer is:
- Direct contract with the school: Instructor visa
- Employed by a dispatch company: Engineer/Humanities/International visa
So, it’s not just about where you physically work, but which organization holds your employment contract.
■ Why Does the Visa Type Change Based on Workplace?
Japan's visa (residency status) system defines specific activities for each visa category.
Even if the job duties are similar, the nature of the organization (academic vs. private sector) determines the appropriate visa.
■ Summary
Teaching English in Japan may seem straightforward, but the type of visa you need depends on where you work.
Having the wrong visa can result in ineligibility to work legally in Japan.
✅ University → Professor visa
✅ Private English school or language institute → Engineer/Humanities/International visa
✅ Public school (ALT) → Instructor or Engineer/Humanities/International (depending on employer)
If you’re planning to work in Japan as an English teacher, make sure your visa matches both your job description and your employer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
