Japan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas
April 9, 2026
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has announced changes to documentation requirements for certain work visa categories, along with a forthcoming language proficiency requirement for specific applicants.
Additional documentation is now required for Category 3 and 4 Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) applications, including Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and change of status filings. Applicants must submit expanded evidence to confirm the legitimacy and business activities of both the overseas sending entity and the Japanese host entity. Required materials may include corporate registration documents, financial and operational records, proof of the Japanese worksite, and where requested, documents verifying the applicant’s background. For renewals, alternative proof of properly declared income is required if resident tax certificates are unavailable.
Separately, the ISA plans to add a language requirement for Engineers/Specialists in Humanities/International Services status for Category 3 and 4 companies, potentially effective from mid-April. Overseas applicants for roles requiring Japanese language skills will need to demonstrate CEFR B2 proficiency (equivalent to JLPT N2). This requirement is expected to apply only to applicants entering from abroad; international students in Japan changing status are anticipated to be exempt.
Fragomen will continue monitoring these developments and their impact on Japanese immigration processing.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.
Blog post
Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.
Blog post
Video
In this #FragomenFC episode, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster discuss final travel and immigration considerations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold discusses Ireland's citizenship framework and the gaps that can remain following reforms to birthright citizenship.
Video
In this video, Partner Diana Quintas discusses how Brazil’s family reunion visa supports long-term international assignments and outlines key eligibility, documentation and compliance considerations for employers and families relocating to Brazil.
Video
Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.
Blog post
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.
Blog post
Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.
Blog post
Video
In this #FragomenFC episode, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster discuss final travel and immigration considerations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Samantha Arnold discusses Ireland's citizenship framework and the gaps that can remain following reforms to birthright citizenship.
Video
In this video, Partner Diana Quintas discusses how Brazil’s family reunion visa supports long-term international assignments and outlines key eligibility, documentation and compliance considerations for employers and families relocating to Brazil.
