Job Search for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals in Japan: A Guide for Students and Working Holiday Participants

Published: 2024-07-06 | Updated: 2024-09-15

CONTENTS

Japan is actively welcoming foreign engineers and specialists to address the shortage of skilled workers and accelerate economic growth. To facilitate this, the "Highly Skilled Professional" visa category has been established. This visa is aimed at outstanding foreign professionals who are expected to contribute significantly to the Japanese economy and society. Successfully obtaining this visa allows for long-term residence in Japan.

Guide to Job Search for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals in Japan

Understanding the Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Professionals

The recognition of highly skilled foreign professionals is based on a points-based system. It is divided into three categories: "Advanced Academic Research Activities," "Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities," and "Advanced Business Management Activities." Points are allocated based on factors such as academic background, professional experience, income, age, and special achievements. If the total points exceed 70, you can be recognized as a highly skilled professional.

Benefits and Requirements for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Foreigners currently working in Japan under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa can apply for the Highly Skilled Professional visa if they score 70 points or more in the points system based on their academic background, work experience, income, and other factors. However, those in less specialized roles or earning less than 3 million yen annually may not qualify, even if their total points exceed 70.

Holders of the Highly Skilled Professional visa enjoy various benefits, including an easier path to permanent residency in Japan. Foreigners with this visa can apply for permanent residency after just three years of continuous activities, or one year if they have 80 points or more.

Finding Jobs to Boost Your Points for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa

If you are currently holding an "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa and wish to apply for the Highly Skilled Professional visa, consider finding a higher-paying job or a role with greater specialization. Transitioning to a job with these characteristics can help you accumulate the necessary points to qualify.

For example, a foreign engineer with a master's degree, five years of work experience, a salary of 4.5 million yen, and N1-level Japanese proficiency may not initially qualify with 55 points. However, by transitioning to a job with a salary of 5 million yen, their points can increase to 70, making them eligible for the Highly Skilled Professional visa.

Recommended Job Search Resources for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals

Here are some recommended job search resources to help you find suitable positions that can enhance your points for the Highly Skilled Professional visa:

  • Daijob.com - A leading job portal for bilingual professionals in Japan.
  • CareerCross - A job search platform catering to foreign professionals looking for jobs in Japan.
  • JobsinJapan.com - A resourceful site for finding jobs in various sectors, including technology and education.
  • LinkedIn - Networking and job search platform that includes jobs in Japan and connects professionals globally.

Tips for a Successful Job Search

When searching for a job to boost your points for the Highly Skilled Professional visa, consider the following tips:

  • Understand the Points System: Familiarize yourself with the points-based system and identify areas where you can increase your points.
  • Focus on High-Paying Jobs: Look for positions that offer a higher salary, as income is a significant factor in the points system.
  • Leverage Your Specialization: Seek jobs that align with your expertise and offer greater specialization.
  • Use Professional Recruitment Agencies: Utilize recruitment agencies that specialize in helping foreign professionals find suitable jobs in Japan.
  • Network: Build a network of contacts in your industry to learn about job opportunities and get referrals.

By following these tips and utilizing the recommended resources, you can improve your chances of obtaining the Highly Skilled Professional visa and advancing your career in Japan. Good luck with your job search!

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you do on a working holiday visa in Japan?

Typical working holiday Japan jobs without speaking Japanese include teaching English or English-language childcare; waiting staff in Western restaurants, cafés and bars; room attendants, front desk staff or instructors in hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses), and ski resorts.

When to start job hunting in Japan?

Job hunting starts on March 1 every year by students in the year prior to their final grade. The recruiting season typically ends in mid-June.

Who can apply for a working holiday visa in Japan?

Applicants should be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. Some exceptions exist for specific countries like Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Ireland, where the age limit is 25, but with agreements to extend to 30 in certain cases.

How to easily get a job in Japan?

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, be able to explain your qualifications clearly, find job opportunities in your preferred field, and learn about the necessary visa for your job.

Why is it difficult to get a job in Japan?

Language and customs barriers, visa requirements, and Japan's unique recruitment process can be challenging for foreign job seekers.