The Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa ("gijinkoku") is Japan's standard work visa for university graduates in office, engineering and specialist jobs. It has no total time limit and allows family sponsorship.
Key facts
- Education
- University degree or equivalent
- Alternative to degree
- 10 years work experience*
- Visa periods
- 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable
- Family
- Spouse & children allowed
- Job restriction
- Must relate to your field
- PR path
- Yes
What is the “gijinkoku” visa?
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務, abbreviated gijinkoku) is the work visa most white-collar foreign professionals in Japan hold. It combines three job families under one status:
| Category | Typical jobs |
|---|---|
| Engineer | Software developer, network engineer, mechanical/electrical design |
| Specialist in Humanities | Accounting, HR, legal, marketing, planning |
| International Services | Translation, interpretation, overseas trade, language teaching at companies |
Why it is usually the best option for graduates
Compared with the Specified Skilled Worker visa, gijinkoku has no cumulative time cap, allows you to sponsor a spouse and children from day one, and counts fully toward the 10-year residency track for permanent residency. Salaries in eligible jobs are generally higher — see software engineer salaries for an example.
Common routes to this visa
- Direct hire from abroad — most common in IT, where English-speaking positions exist.
- Study route — graduate from a Japanese university or vocational school, then change status from Student.
- Intra-company transfer — technically a separate visa, but similar requirements.
Step by step
- Get a qualifying job offer
The job must require your degree or specialist knowledge — for example software development, mechanical design, accounting, marketing, translation or overseas trade.
- Employer prepares the COE application
The company submits the Certificate of Eligibility application with your diploma, CV and the employment contract.
- Apply for the visa at the embassy
Once the COE is issued (typically 1–3 months), apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. If you are already in Japan (e.g. as a student), apply for a change of status instead.
Common mistakes & warnings
- The job must genuinely match your educational background. A degree in economics with a job in factory-line work will be refused.
- Manual labor positions (construction work, kitchen staff, factory operators) are not covered — those fall under the Specified Skilled Worker system.
- Visa renewal is not automatic; unstable employment or unpaid taxes can lead to shorter periods or refusals.
Frequently asked questions
What does "10 years work experience" mean as a degree alternative?
For engineering and humanities roles, 10 years of documented professional experience in the field can replace a degree (3 years for some international-services roles such as translation). Documentation requirements are strict.
Can I change jobs on this visa?
Yes, freely — as long as the new job still matches the visa category. Notify immigration within 14 days of changing employers.
Does a Japanese vocational school diploma count?
Yes, a "senmonshi" diploma from a Japanese vocational school satisfies the education requirement, which is why many students take the language school → vocational school → work visa route.
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan (2026-07-15)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.