Hello, this is Takeuchi from IMS Legal Professional Corporation. As we approach the end of 2025, another year has passed in the blink of an eye. We hope everyone is doing well.
Recently, we have been receiving many inquiries such as, “I don’t know what documents I should submit as supporting materials for the Highly Skilled Professional points calculation table.” In this article, we would like to explain the key supporting documents required for several major items on the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points Calculation Table, which we frequently handle at our firm.
What Is the Highly Skilled Professional Points Calculation Table Used For?
First, the points calculation table is used in combination with a base work-related status of residence. By achieving a total of 70 points or more, the applicant is recognized as a “Highly Skilled Professional” and granted the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), (i)(b), or (i)(c).”
Once this status is obtained, applicants become eligible for preferential treatment, including a shortened residency requirement for permanent residence. As a result, many applicants choose to pursue the permanent residence route using HSP points. Accordingly, the points calculation table is used both when applying for Highly Skilled Professional status and when later applying for permanent residence.
Are There Important Points to Note Regarding Supporting Documents?
Below, we outline the key supporting documents required for major scoring categories.
(The numbers correspond to the item numbers on the official points table.)
① Educational Background
You must submit proof such as a degree certificate. If the degree certificate is not written in Japanese or English, a translation is required. There are no restrictions on who may translate the document, and applicants may prepare the translation themselves.
② Work Experience
For work history, you must submit certificates of employment or service issued by your current or former employer(s), clearly stating your period of employment and job duties. Some applicants attempt to estimate their experience (e.g., “approximately XX years”), but if even a single day is missing, points will not be granted. Therefore, it is essential to carefully calculate and clearly document the exact employment period.
③ Annual Income
For income, applicants must submit a Certificate of Expected Annual Salary (給与見込証明書) issued by their current employer, covering one year from the month following the application date.
For permanent residence applications using HSP points, two calculation tables are required: “current” and “one year ago” (or “three years ago”). If past income meets the point threshold, tax certificates can be used. However, for the “current” calculation, the projected income certificate is required.
Please note that while fixed monthly salaries are eligible, performance-based bonuses and stock compensation dependent on future conditions are generally not counted, as their amounts are uncertain.
⑥ Academic Publications (Three or More Papers in Indexed Journals)
Immigration verifies publications using academic databases such as:
- Scopus (Elsevier)
- PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Additionally, only papers for which the applicant is listed as the corresponding author are eligible for scoring.
Is Submitting These Documents Alone Sufficient?
In this article, we covered the primary supporting documents required for the HSP points calculation. However, failure to submit appropriate materials may result in unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, we strongly recommend consulting a professional before applying.
Moreover, the documents discussed above are only the basic materials. Immigration screening is conducted on a case-by-case basis, meaning applicants must prepare customized, objective, and well-supported evidence suited to their individual circumstances.
At IMS Legal Professional Corporation, we provide fully customized document preparation and application support. Please feel free to contact us if you require assistance.
Please note that this blog is based on information available at the time of writing. For the most up-to-date information, readers are responsible for confirming details through official government websites and other authoritative sources.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
