Key Points for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa Applications from 2026 Onwards: Japanese Language Requirements and Foreign Hiring Considerations

What is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa?

The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa (commonly known as “Gijinkoku”) is a residence status for foreign nationals who work using specialised knowledge and skills.

It typically covers so-called white-collar roles such as IT engineers, sales staff, interpreters, and international trade clerks. On the other hand, Gijinkoku visa holders cannot engage in so-called blue-collar jobs such as assembly line workers, truck drivers, construction labourers and restaurant servers .

Currently, there is no formal Japanese language requirement for obtaining the　Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa.

Key changes from 2026: Introduction of Japanese language requirements

The government has decided on a policy under which, in principle, applicants will be required to provide proof of Japanese language proficiency if they intend to engage in work that involves the use of Japanese. The guidelines are expected to be revised as early as mid-April, with stricter screening to follow.

The change is driven by concerns that some individuals entered Japan under this visa but ended up working in roles classified as unskilled labour, which is not permitted.

As a result, the authorities are moving towards stricter verification of whether applicants are genuinely engaged in specialised work.

Who is affected and who is not? Treatment of international students and status changes

The new policy is expected to apply mainly to individuals newly entering Japan.

Those already in Japan, such as international students switching to this visa after graduating from a Japanese university, are currently expected to be excluded.

What level of Japanese is required? Understanding CEFR B2 and JLPT N2

The benchmark is expected to be JLPT N2 or CEFR B2 level.

However, many people find it difficult to visualise what “N2” or “B2” actually means in practice, so below is a practical explanation from a real-world perspective.

What JLPT N2 level looks like

• You can understand and handle everyday conversations with little difficulty

• You can understand news and general business-related texts

• You can generally follow instructions and reports in the workplace

  
  

• However, you may still find it challenging in situations such as:

• Meetings with a high volume of technical terminology

• Fast-paced discussions

• Situations involving ambiguity or the need to “read the air”

What CEFR B2 level looks like

CEFR is a European language proficiency framework, and B2 represents an upper-intermediate level, often described as an “independent user”.

At this level, you can:

• Handle workplace communication without major difficulty

• Explain your opinions with reasons

• Understand others and respond appropriately

In other words, you are not just waiting for instructions, but can communicate with a reasonable degree of independence.

What counts as “work that uses Japanese”? Examples of relevant roles

One of the key points in this revision is whether a job is considered “work that uses Japanese”.

This is expected to become a very important factor in future visa assessments.

In practice, the decision will likely depend on how much Japanese communication is required in the course of the work.

Cases likely to be considered “work that uses Japanese”

Jobs that involve regular interaction with Japanese people are highly likely to fall into this category, for example:

• Sales or customer service for Japanese clients

• Handling phone calls and emails in Japanese

• Participating in internal meetings (requiring understanding and speaking Japanese)

• Daily reporting, communication, and consultation with supervisors and colleagues

• Preparing documents in Japanese (proposals, reports, etc.)

• Internal coordination roles such as HR, general affairs, and accounting

Grey-area cases

In practice, the following types of roles may be assessed on a case-by-case basis:

• IT engineers (internal communication is in English, but some documents are in Japanese)

• Technical roles in factories (foreign workers on-site, but Japanese managers present)

• Overseas sales roles (mainly in foreign languages, but internal reporting is in Japanese)

In such cases, the frequency and importance of Japanese usage are likely to be closely examined.

Cases less likely to be considered “work that uses Japanese”

If the job can be completed with little or no use of Japanese, it may fall outside the requirement for Japanese language certification:

• Development roles in IT companies where English is the internal working language

• Roles dealing exclusively with overseas clients (no Japanese communication)

• Projects conducted entirely among foreign staff

• Translation work between foreign languages (not involving Japanese)

However, an important caution: Even if Japanese is not formally required, if it is used in practice, the role may still be treated as requiring Japanese.

Preparation Foreign Nationals Should Start Now (For the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa from 2026 Onwards)

Due to the upcoming policy changes, greater emphasis will be placed on three elements: specialisation , Japanese language ability and suitability of job duties.

Foreign nationals who wish to work in areas such as Shiga and Kyoto should begin preparing in advance.

Obtain and prove Japanese language ability (N2 level) as early as possible

The highest priority is Japanese language proficiency. Prepare and aim to pass JLPT N2 as early as possible.

The key point is: “passing the exam and being able to use Japanese in real work situations.”

In particular, Japanese ability for interviews and post-employment communication will also be important.

Organise the relationship between your academic background and work experience

Under this visa, “specialisation” is a critical factor.

• Does your university major match the job content?

• Is your past work experience relevant to the position you are applying for?

• Can you clearly explain why you are qualified for the role?

For example, a degree in economics aligns with roles in sales or planning, while an IT major aligns with IT engineering roles.

The more consistent your background, the higher the likelihood of approval.

Clearly understand what kind of work you will be doing

Going forward, the “specificity of job duties” will be examined more strictly.

• Is the work specialised rather than simple or repetitive tasks?

• In what situations will Japanese be used?

• Can you explain a typical working day?

During interviews, it is increasingly common to be asked, “What exactly will you do in this role?”

Confirm in advance whether the work environment requires Japanese

Under the new rules, whether the job involves the use of Japanese is a key factor.

• What is the internal working language (Japanese or English)?

• Is communication with clients conducted in Japanese?

• Are your supervisors and colleagues Japanese?

Practical advice from a Gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener)

In areas such as Shiga and Kyoto, where demand for foreign workers is growing, proper understanding and preparation are essential.

Our office provides support for obtaining the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, mainly in the Shiga and Kyoto areas. We will explain all procedures in detail in English.

Please feel free to contact us for an initial consultation.

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