The Engineer Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務 - Gijutsu/Jinbun Chishiki/Kokusai Gyoumu) is the most common visa for foreign professionals working in Japan in fields like IT, Engineering, Translation, Marketing, and more.
However, the rejection rate for first-time applicants can be as high as 20-30% due to incomplete or unconvincing documentation. This guide will help you prepare your application like a pro, avoiding common pitfalls.
PART 1: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Education (One of the following):
- University Degree (4 years): Bachelor's degree related to the job.
- Associate Degree (2-3 years): Diploma/Specialist degree in a related field.
- 10 Years Experience: If you don't have a degree (Very hard to prove).
2. Job-Major Alignment (Matching):
- IT Degree → Programmer: ✅
- Economics Degree → Marketing: ✅
- Literature Degree → Programmer: ❌ (99% Rejection rate)
3. Minimum Salary:
- No official rule, but in practice:
- Tokyo/Osaka: Minimum 200,000 JPY/month.
- Other regions: Minimum 180,000 JPY/month.
- If lower, Immigration might suspect exploitation, leading to rejection.
PART 2: REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (APPLYING IN JAPAN)
The company will apply for your COE (Certificate of Eligibility) at the Japanese Immigration Bureau.
A. Company Documents:
- COE Application Form.
- Company Registration (Touki Jikou Shoumeisho).
- Financial Statements (Most recent year).
- Employee List.
- Reason for Employment (Riyuushou): THIS IS THE SECRET WEAPON!
B. Applicant Documents (You):
- University/College Degree (Original + Notarized Japanese Translation).
- Transcripts: To prove your major matches the job.
- Passport (Copy).
- ID Photo (4x3cm): White background, taken within 3 months.
- CV (Rirekisho): In Japanese, standard format.
PART 3: THE "SECRET WEAPON" - REASON FOR EMPLOYMENT
This document is NOT MANDATORY but increases the pass rate to 90%.
Sample Reasoning (Written by Company):
REASON FOR HIRING MR. JOHN DOE
To: Commissioner of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau,
Our company (ABC Co., Ltd.) specializes in enterprise software development. Currently, we are working on project X for client Y, expected to be completed in December 2025.
1. Reason for hiring: Due to project expansion, the current team (10 engineers) is insufficient. We need 2 more backend engineers with experience in Node.js and PostgreSQL.
2. Why a foreign candidate? We advertised on Rikunabi and Indeed for 2 months but couldn't find suitable Japanese candidates (due to the severe IT labor shortage in Japan). Mr. JOHN DOE has 3 years of web development experience, proficiency in Node.js, and Japanese communication skills (JLPT N3), matching our requirements perfectly.
3. Specific Job Description:
- Backend API development for warehouse management systems.
- PostgreSQL database optimization.
- Collaborating with a Japanese team (5 people) and an offshore team (3 people).
4. Salary: 220,000 JPY/month, equal to Japanese engineers with similar experience in the company.
We commit to complying with Japanese labor laws and providing the best environment for Mr. JOHN DOE.
Date: XX/YY/ZZZZ CEO: [Name + Company Seal]
PART 4: DEADLY MISTAKES THAT CAUSE REJECTION
1. Major-Job Mismatch
Rejection examples:
- Business Admin Degree → Programmer.
- Civil Engineering Degree → Designer.
2. Low Salary
If the company pays 150,000 JPY/month → Immigration suspects labor exploitation.
3. Company is Too Small or New
Companies established for < 1 year with capital < 3M JPY might be flagged as "shell companies," requiring extra documentation.
4. Vague Job Description
Wrong: "Software development." Right: "Backend API development using Node.js for warehouse systems, optimizing PostgreSQL, working in a team of 8."
PART 5: TIMELINE & PROCESS
Step 1: Company applies for COE (1-3 months). Step 2: COE is issued and mailed to you. Step 3: You apply for a Visa at the Japanese Embassy in your country (5-7 working days). Step 4: Receive Visa and fly to Japan.
CONCLUSION
The Engineer Visa is straightforward if you have:
- ✅ Matching degree
- ✅ Matching job description
- ✅ Fair salary (≥ 200k JPY)
- ✅ Reputable company
Good luck! 🎉