Can international students work part-time in Japan?

Yes. By submitting the simple 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted' form at airport immigration upon arrival (or at the local immigration bureau), students can legally work up to 28 hours per week during academic semesters, and up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week) during official summer and winter vacations. Working in adult entertainment or gambling establishments is strictly prohibited.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Japan?

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official clearance document issued directly by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Once your university admits you, they submit an application on your behalf in Japan. Once granted, the COE is sent to you, allowing your local Japanese embassy or consulate to issue your student visa quickly within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I stay in Japan to look for a job after graduating?

Yes. Graduating students who have not yet secured employment can apply for the 'Designated Activities' (Tokutei Katsudo) visa for continuous job hunting. This visa is granted for 6 months and can be renewed once for a total of up to 1 year, with permission to continue working part-time up to 28 hours per week while attending job interviews.

How does the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system fast-track PR in Japan?

The Japanese government offers a points-based system for researchers, technical specialists, and business managers. Points are awarded for education (graduating from a top-ranked Japanese or global university awards bonus points), Japanese language proficiency (JLPT N1/N2), salary, and age. Scoring 70 points shortens the permanent residence qualifying period from 10 years to 3 years; scoring 80+ points shortens it to just 1 year.

Home Japan HubJapan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points & Permanent Residence

Japan Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points & Permanent Residence Requirements & Roadmap

Country: Japan•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$60 USD

Average Processing Window8 Wks (6 to 10 months)

Approval Rate Index88%

Eligibility Requirements

Standard PR requires 10 years continuous residence (with 5+ years on a work visa). However, under the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, scoring 80+ points grants Permanent Residency in just 1 year, and 70-79 points grants it in 3 years.

Documents Checklist Drawer

Calculation grid demonstrating 70 or 80 points across Age, Education, Salary, Experience, and Japanese ability (JLPT N1/N2)

Proof of continuous payment of National Pension (Nenkin) and Health Insurance (no late payments allowed for last 2-3 years)

Resident tax certificates (Kazei / Nozei Shomeisho) proving full compliance

Certificate of Employment and proof of annual income (minimum ¥3,000,000 for standard work status; higher for HSP)

Guarantor in Japan (Japanese citizen or Permanent Resident) providing a letter of guarantee

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Accumulate points under the Highly Skilled Professional points matrix (Master degree = 20 pts, top university bonus = 10 pts, JLPT N1 = 15 pts, age under 29 = 15 pts).

Maintain consecutive flawless tax, health insurance, and pension contributions for 1 to 3 years.

Submit the Permanent Residency (Eijūken) application packet to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Pass strict background checks, tax verification, and social security audits.

Receive postcard notification, purchase 8,000 JPY revenue stamp, and receive your Permanent Resident Card with indefinite status.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Even a single late payment of National Pension or National Health Insurance during the assessment window.
•Annual income falling below the statutory threshold (generally minimum ¥3,000,000 plus ¥700,000-¥800,000 per dependent).
•Spending extended periods outside Japan (more than 90 consecutive days or 150 days in a year).

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official Japan immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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