For Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals under the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” Status of Residence for the First Time

“We want to hire a foreign national, but we don’t know where to start.”

For many companies facing this situation for the first time, the Status of Residence “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” (commonly called Gijinkoku) is often the first option they choose.

Here, we provide a clear and practical explanation from the employer’s perspective, including common pitfalls that first-time employers are likely to encounter, to help you proceed with confidence.

① What Is the “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” Status of Residence?

This status of residence is a work visa for foreign nationals engaged in white-collar jobs that require knowledge and skills acquired at a university, vocational school, or similar educational institution.

Typical eligible job categories include:

✅ IT engineers / system development
✅ Accounting, general affairs, and human resources
✅ Sales and marketing
✅ Trade administration and international business
✅ Interpretation and translation

❌ On-site work or simple labor (such as cleaning or factory work) is not eligible under this status.

② The Most Important Point When Hiring a Foreign National for the First Time

Consistency Between the Job Description and the Applicant’s Educational / Professional Background

What immigration authorities place the greatest emphasis on is whether the job duties logically correspond to the applicant’s education and work history.

Examples:
✅ Graduate of an economics department × sales / planning → OK
❌ Humanities graduate × programmer → Generally not permitted (with some exceptions)

③ Requirements Imposed on the Hiring Company

Not only the foreign national applicant, but the hiring company itself is also subject to examination.

Main points reviewed by immigration authorities:
✅ The company is legitimate and has business continuity
✅ The job duties are clearly defined
✅ The salary is equal to or higher than that of a Japanese employee in the same position
✅ The employment contract is appropriate and properly prepared

Especially for companies hiring a foreign national for the first time, immigration carefully examines whether
“there is a genuine and reasonable necessity for this company to employ a foreign worker.”

④ Application Process (First-Time Hiring Case)

Pattern A: Hiring from Overseas

1️⃣ Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
2️⃣ Examination period (approximately 2–5 months)
3️⃣ COE issued → Obtain a visa at the local Japanese embassy/consulate
4️⃣ Enter Japan and start working

Pattern B: Hiring a Foreign National Already Residing in Japan (e.g., an International Student)

1️⃣ Apply for Permission to Change Status of Residence
2️⃣ Examination period (approximately 1–3 months)
3️⃣ After approval, employment may begin

⑤ Common Mistakes When Hiring a Foreign National for the First Time ❌

⚠️ The job description is vague
⚠️ The salary is lower than that of a comparable Japanese employee
⚠️ The connection between the applicant’s education/work history and the job is weak
⚠️ Application documents are prepared solely based on online information

These issues are common causes of denial or requests for additional documents by immigration authorities.

⑥ Summary

The Status of Residence “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” is the most commonly used status when hiring a foreign national for the first time.

However, approval is not granted simply because you want to hire someone.
What ultimately determines the outcome is whether you can logically explain:

“Why this person, and why this job?”

If you are:
・Hiring a foreign national for the first time and feel unsure
・Wondering whether the job duties will be approved
・Determined to avoid a denial at all costs

Then consulting from the planning stage before filing the application is the safest and most reliable approach.

For Those Aiming to Work in Japan!

✅ For visa application support, leave it to the Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office!

✅ We handle a wide range of applications, including work visas, dependent visas, and permanent residence permits.

✅ Free consultations available! We support a smooth and stress-free visa application process.