Upgrading to Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Using the points system to access preferential treatment, early permanent residency, and family accompaniment
The Highly Skilled Professional visa is a preferential residence status for which you can apply with a total of 70+ points across categories like academic background, work history, income, and age. It is very advantageous for foreign nationals planning a long-term career, offering a single visa covering multiple work visa activities, priority permanent residency after 5 years, and permanent residency after 3 years (for high scorers in category 1b).
Who this is for: Highly skilled workers with work-related residence statuses such as Engineer/Humanities, Researcher, or Business Manager who aim for a long-term career in Japan. Those who can target 70+ points with income, academic background, and work history.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Changing from Engineer/Humanities to HSP Category 1b (Research/Technology Field)
Low RiskSituation
5 years at an IT company. Has PhD, annual income of ¥7M, age 35. Expected to score 80+ points on the Highly Skilled Professional point calculation
Strategy
① Self-score using the immigration authority's point calculation table. ② If 70+ points, apply for status change (Engineer/Humanities → HSP Category 1b). ③ Required documents: degree certificate, resume, employment certificate, latest withholding tax slip (income proof), employment contract. ④ After the change, work restrictions on spouses are greatly relaxed and it becomes easier to bring family members.
Key Point: HSP Category 1 has three types: 'Academic Research (a)', 'Technology (b)', and 'Business Management (c)'. Changes from Engineer/Humanities are mainly to 'Technology (b)'. Leveraging the income-age correlation (younger earns more points) and bonus points (Japanese language, training history, regional employment, etc.) is advantageous.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
After changing to an HSP visa, 'activity permission' is required if changing jobs or taking on concurrent employment. When engaging in side work or entrepreneurship using HSP preferential treatment, confirm with immigration in advance. Also, if the annual income, educational background, or work history on which points are based changes (demotion, job change, etc.), recalculate based on current information and consult promptly if falling below 70 points.
Free Consultation with an Immigration Specialist
Residence status applications involve complex procedures including document preparation and communication with immigration authorities. Our specialized immigration consultants offer free consultations.