Eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Translation and Interpretation Roles
- Can foreign employees currently working as translators or interpreters obtain a Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa? The individual already has more than 70 points under the Highly Skilled Professional points system.
- When considering eligibility, it is important to start from the status of residence that normally applies to foreign employees engaged in translation and interpretation. Typically, such employees fall under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa.
However, the examination criteria for the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa explicitly state that “activities equivalent to International Services under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services category are not included.” This means that translators and interpreters are specifically excluded and cannot normally obtain the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa.
The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa covers professional roles in management, administrative, and research positions. Typical eligible roles include:
【Technical Fields】
Engineering, IT, scientific research, architecture, product development, etc.【Humanities Fields】
Corporate sales, marketing, planning and PR, accounting and finance, and organizational management【International Services】
Translation and interpretation, language instruction, overseas trade, and design or product development leveraging foreign cultural insightsWhile the Highly Skilled Professional visa largely overlaps with the Engineer/Humanities categories, international services such as translation and interpretation are excluded.
“International Services” are defined in the criteria as “work requiring thought or sensitivity based on foreign culture.” In practice, translation and interpretation involving a foreign employee’s native language are classified as International Services. In this case, there are no requirements regarding a related university major or relevant work experience.
However, there is an important exception. If the translator or interpreter has completed a relevant university major necessary for such work, or has graduated from a Japanese vocational school with the title of “Specialist,” then the role may fall under the “Humanities” category. In that case, eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) visa becomes possible.
Highly Skilled Professional Visa Q&A
Eligibility for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa in Translation and Interpretation Roles
Procedures for Hiring Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals Mid-Career
Examination Period for Highly Skilled Professional Applications
Side Jobs and Secondary Employment under the Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Related Service Page:
Highly Skilled Professional Visa Application
In many cases, HR departments receive inquiries from foreign employees asking, “Can I apply for the Highly Skilled Professional Visa?” This visa is one of the most frequently requested categories for corporate employers.
Since 1986, ACROSEED has specialized in immigration and visa services for foreign employees in Japan. For nearly 40 years, we have advised corporate HR teams on compliance, procedures, and workforce planning.
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