Japan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas

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.