Case Study 3
Case 3 – Language School (Tokyo)
1. Challenges
Managing visa applications and residency status for teachers, primarily from Europe and North America.
Balancing HR processes for both full-time hires and Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), while improving efficiency in labor management.
2. ACROSEED’s Proposal
Since the workforce included both full-time teachers and ALTs, most cases required either the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa or the Instructor visa. We explained the differences between these categories, including potential risks and disadvantages.
For residency management, we recommended close collaboration with the HR department to jointly monitor three essentials: visa expiry dates, residence cards, and re-entry permits.
On the labor management side, we proposed strengthening screening during recruitment to prevent unqualified hires. We also established ACROSEED as a neutral expert contact point where foreign employees could raise visa or labor-related questions directly.
3. Results
Biannual meetings between ACROSEED and the client to review operations and identify improvements.
Strengthened information sharing with HR to reduce recurring labor issues.
Individual visa consulting, including long-term planning for permanent residency applications.
English-language consultation desk to improve employee understanding of Japan’s work environment.
Enhanced screening to identify fraudulent applicants and prevent legal issues.
Established an open management system that supports foreign staff in building stable careers and secure lives in Japan.
4. Key Points
Under Japanese immigration law, the boundary between “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Instructor” visas can sometimes be unclear—potentially disadvantaging foreign employees. Our approach aimed to minimize the need for category changes and reduce compliance risks.
From an HR perspective, we incorporated foreign employee feedback into a continuous improvement (PDCA) cycle to create a supportive work environment where teachers can thrive.
5. Related Services
Outsource Your Foreign Employee Visa Applications
From recruitment to resignation, ACROSEED provides end-to-end support for HR teams, ensuring compliance and reducing risk in managing foreign staff.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in visa applications for foreign nationals and provided consulting services to companies employing international staff for nearly 40 years.
Consultations are available via phone, email, online, or in person—with full English-language support.
