If you’re moving to Japan for work or family purposes, getting the Certificate of Eligibility for your visa is a big step in the immigration process. It serves to prove that you are legal enough to enter Japan. The types of visas you can have are different, but fees might slightly vary with single or multiple-entry requirements. Likewise, the validity of visas depends on the reason for staying: a visitor visa is short-term but a work visa is long-term to fulfil specific needs.
Japan Work Visa
There are two primary types of work visas for Japan. These are:
- Highly Skilled Professional Visa – This visa is for people who possess exceptional skills in specialized professions. The long stay under this visa can be up to 5 years.
- General Working Visa: For regularly employed work, the visa is valid for 1, 3, or 5 years and is issued based on a valid job offer. There is no need to mention the skills.
To deal with its ageing population, Japan is to open its borders to approximately 500,000 foreign workers by 2025. Known for respect, intelligence, and discipline, Japan is also a place with a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for foreign professionals.
Eligibility for Visa 1-SSV1
Candidates for this visa have to pass a Japanese dialect test and specialized exams. Your level of Japanese capability will depend upon the work you’ll be doing, but you will be required to pass up to an N4 level.
Skilled specialists applying for this visa will work within the taking after areas:
- agriculture
- materials processing
- nursing care
- shipbuilding
- restaurants
- airport ground taking care of and aeroplane maintenance
- food and beverage
- hotels
- industrial machinery
- electronics and electric machinery
- building cleaning
- construction
- vehicle maintenance
- fishery
This visa is valid for one year and extendable for up to five years. Specialists are not allowed to bring their family members along with them.
Eligibility for Visa 2-SSV2
If a labourer wants to remain in Japan for more than five years or requires a family member to accompany him/her then he/she may apply for Visa 2-SSV2.
Criteria are:
- Job offer from a Japanese company
- Passport
- Application form for visa
- Photograph
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Material appearing in the diagram of the beneficiary organization
- Diploma, CV, and other documents proving your career status
- Documentation proving the action, its term, position, and remuneration
- Engineers shall be shown:
- Materials appearing as the trade substance of the beneficiary organization;
- Diploma or graduation certificate with a major in the field on the activity that is related to the purpose for the visa sought to be attached;
- Professional competence in your profession-evidence
- Documents showing evidence of the transaction, including its terms, rank, and remuneration.
When applying for a Japanese work visa the Certificate of Qualification is needed, issued by the Movement Administrations Office of Japan.
How to Apply?
- Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Your employer in Japan will guide you through this process.
- Apply for Japan Work Visa: Apply to the Japanese embassy in your locality.
Visa Cost
The fees for a Japanese work visa depend on the type, nationality, and entry preference. A single entry visa costs about 3,000 JPY, which is equivalent to 30 USD, with re-entry approval needed. Multiple entries cost 6,000 JPY, equivalent to 60 USD, with unlimited exits and entries.
- Visit the website of Service of Remote Undertakings: MOFA
- Japan Migration Website
Conclusion
Getting a Japan Work Visa is easier than it might seem! With a job offer and straightforward application steps, Japan opens doors to exciting opportunities in a welcoming culture. It’s a great place to bring your career goals to life!
