On April 3, 2026, government sources have indicated that the requirements for the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence (commonly known as the “Gijinkoku” visa) will be significantly revised. Under the new policy, applicants for positions requiring Japanese will generally be required to provide proof of Japanese language proficiency.

This change will have a substantial impact on both companies hiring foreign talent and foreign nationals hoping to work in Japan. As an immigration specialist and administrative scrivener with extensive experience in visa applications, I will provide a clear explanation of these revisions and practical guidance on what companies and foreign workers should do to prepare.

Understanding the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Visa

The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” (Gijinkoku) status of residence is granted to foreign nationals who work in Japan using specialized knowledge and technical skills.

Examples of Eligible Occupations

  • IT professionals (engineers, programmers)
  • Interpreters and translators
  • International trade specialists
  • Designers and marketing professionals
  • Accounting and finance specialists
  • Planning and public relations staff

This visa category is designed for foreign professionals engaged in “white-collar” specialized work. Simple labor and manual work are not permitted under this status of residence.

What’s Changing? Key Points of the Revision

1. Japanese Language Proficiency Proof Now Generally Required

According to government sources, the guidelines will be revised by mid-April 2026, requiring applicants for positions requiring Japanese to submit proof of Japanese language proficiency.

Required Japanese Language Level:

  • CEFR Level “B2”
  • Equivalent to “N2” on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Previously, the requirements for the Gijinkoku visa included “university graduation or equivalent education” and “relevant work experience,” but Japanese language proficiency was not explicitly required. With this formal addition, the screening criteria will become significantly more stringent.

2. Who is Affected and Who is Exempt

Affected Applicants:

  • Foreign nationals who are newly entering Japan and applying for the Gijinkoku visa for work requiring Japanese

Exempt Applicants:

  • Foreign nationals already residing in Japan who are applying to change their status of residence from student visa to Gijinkoku

In other words, the new requirements apply to direct overseas recruitment, while international students already studying in Japan who are seeking employment are exempt from this revision.

3. Enhanced Penalties for Non-Compliant Companies

Companies that have received a five-year suspension from accepting Technical Intern Trainees or Specified Skilled Workers due to assault, wage non-payment, or other violations will also be prohibited from accepting workers under the Gijinkoku visa until the suspension period ends.

This measure aims to protect the human rights of foreign workers and strengthen compliance requirements.

Why the Stricter Requirements? Understanding the Background

The Problem of Misuse for Simple Labor

An increasing number of cases have been identified where foreign nationals entering Japan on Gijinkoku visas were engaged not in specialized professional work, but in simple labor.

Examples include:

  • Hired as IT engineers but actually assigned to simple factory work
  • Entered as interpreters but primarily performing cleaning or customer service duties

Such cases not only violate the intended purpose of the status of residence but also lead to deteriorating working conditions for foreign workers and undermine the credibility of the system.

Ensuring Genuine Specialization

To perform work that genuinely uses specialized knowledge, Japanese language communication skills are essential. Many tasks required of professionals—such as participating in meetings, preparing reports, and handling client communications—cannot be performed without a certain level of Japanese proficiency.

This revision can be understood as a measure to ensure the genuine “specialization” that is the fundamental purpose of the Gijinkoku visa.

What Companies Should Do Now

1. Revise Recruitment Criteria

When directly recruiting foreign talent from overseas, companies must prioritize candidates who have achieved JLPT N2 level or equivalent.

Specific Actions:

  • Clearly state “N2 level required” in job postings
  • Verify Japanese language proficiency certificates during interviews
  • Confirm N2 acquisition status before making job offers

2. Support Learning for Job Offer Recipients

If you have already extended job offers to candidates who do not yet have proof of Japanese language proficiency, it is important to provide learning support so they can obtain N2 before entering Japan.

Support Examples:

  • Provide online Japanese language learning programs
  • Subsidize Japanese language study costs
  • Offer guidance on study planning

3. Update Internal Systems

Inform HR and recruitment staff about the new requirements and revise recruitment workflows accordingly.

Key Checkpoints:

  • Update the list of required documents for visa applications
  • Revise recruitment schedules (accounting for time needed to obtain N2)
  • Strengthen internal systems for accepting foreign workers

4. Ensure Full Compliance

Companies that have violated regulations under the Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker programs will be unable to accept workers under the Gijinkoku visa as well.

Compliance Measures:

  • Ensure proper working conditions (wages, working hours, holidays, etc.)
  • Provide appropriate explanations and support to foreign workers
  • Conduct regular internal audits

What Foreign Nationals Should Know

International Students Are Exempt from This Revision

Foreign nationals already studying in Japan who apply to change their status of residence to Gijinkoku after graduation are not subject to these new requirements.

However, Japanese language proficiency remains a critical factor in job hunting and career development. I strongly recommend aiming for N2 level or higher.

Important Notice for Those Planning to Enter Japan from Overseas

If you are currently residing overseas and planning to work in Japan, you will need to obtain JLPT N2 before applying for your visa.

Preparation Steps:

  • Begin planning for N2 acquisition as early as possible
  • Allocate sufficient time for Japanese language study
  • Use online learning platforms and language schools

What is JLPT N2?

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) consists of five levels, from N1 (highest) to N5 (beginner).

N2 Level Benchmarks:

  • In addition to understanding Japanese used in everyday situations, able to understand Japanese used in a wider range of situations to a certain degree
  • Able to read and understand articles in newspapers and magazines, and simple commentary with clear logic
  • Able to listen to coherent conversations and news at natural speed and understand the content

Estimated Study Hours:

  • From beginner level: approximately 600-800 hours
  • From intermediate level: approximately 300-400 hours

Consult an Immigration Specialist

Immigration status procedures are complex, and the difficulty level continues to increase each year due to legal revisions and changes in operational standards.

Common Application Mistakes

  • Denial due to incomplete documentation
  • Insufficient explanation of job duties
  • Problems with Japanese language proficiency certificates
  • Poor timing of application submission

To avoid these pitfalls, consulting with an immigration specialist such as an administrative scrivener is the most reliable approach.

Benefits of Consulting a Specialist

  1. Access to Current Information: Rapid response to legal changes and updated operational standards
  2. Application Document Support: Accurate preparation of complex application materials
  3. Risk Reduction: Identification of potential issues through preliminary review
  4. Time and Effort Savings: Professional handling of complicated procedures

Do you have questions such as:

  • “Am I subject to the new requirements?”
  • “What preparation do I need?”
  • “When should I apply?”

If you have concerns or questions, please feel free to consult with a specialist.

Conclusion: Turn Change into Opportunity

At first glance, the stricter screening for Gijinkoku visas may seem to raise barriers for hiring foreign talent. However, from another perspective, this can be seen as an excellent opportunity to secure higher-quality specialized personnel and establish proper working environments.

For Companies

  • Recruit excellent foreign talent with Japanese language proficiency
  • Strengthen compliance systems
  • Build long-term talent strategies

For Foreign Workers

  • Work environments where specialized skills are valued
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Stable immigration status

In today’s increasingly globalized world, the contribution of foreign talent is key to corporate growth. Let’s use this policy change as an opportunity to advance more transparent recruitment practices and create better working environments.

For consultation on visa applications and immigration status matters, please consult with a specialist. With appropriate advice and support, you can confidently begin your new chapter in Japan.

Source: Yahoo! News
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/992157b137cee0bd8989bb36ff5e68e10cf0ea0e