The screening period and required documents for the residence status “Engineering, Humanities, and International Services” visa.

The visa application screening process requires a certain period of time. The screening period varies depending on the type of application, so please consider this when planning your schedule.
⏳ Estimated Screening Period
📌 Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Bringing Family from Overseas): Approximately 1 to 4 months
📌 Application for Change of Status of Residence (Changing from Current Visa): Approximately 2 weeks to 2 months
📌 Application for Extension of Period of Stay (Extending the Current Visa): Approximately 2 weeks to 1 month
📢 Key Points for a Smooth Application Process
✅ Prevent Document Incompleteness
If there are missing or incorrect documents in your application, the screening process may take longer. Be sure to thoroughly check all documents in advance.
✅ Inquire If the Screening Is Delayed
If you have not received any notification more than one month after submitting your application, it is recommended to contact the Immigration Services Agency where you applied to check the status of your application.
✅ Submit Required Documents Promptly
If additional documents are requested, respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays in the screening process.
📌 1. Inviting a Foreign Employee from Overseas (New Visa Acquisition)
✅ Procedure: Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
When inviting a foreign national from overseas to Japan, you must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once issued, the COE will be used to apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate.
⏳ Screening Period: Approximately 1 to 4 months
📝 Required Documents
📌 Documents Required for the Applicant
✔ Application Form for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
✔ Photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months, with name written on the back)
✔ Resume
✔ Graduation Certificate (if graduated from a university or vocational school)
✔ Certificate of Specialist or Advanced Specialist Title (if applicable)
📌 Documents Prepared by the Employer
✔ Employment Contract / Notification of Working Conditions (to clarify job responsibilities)
✔ Certificate of Registered Matters (official company registration information)
✔ Company Brochure or Website Printout (to explain business activities)
✔ Copy of Financial Statements (to prove the company’s financial status)
✔ Copy of Withholding Tax Certificate (to show company size)
✔ For Dispatched Foreign Workers: Documents proving the work details at the dispatch site (e.g., individual labor dispatch contract)
✅ Application Process
1️⃣ Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Immigration Services Agency
2️⃣ After approval, send the COE to the foreign applicant overseas
3️⃣ The foreign applicant applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country
4️⃣ Once the visa is issued, they enter Japan and start working
📌 2. Changing Status of Residence to “Engineering, Humanities, and International Services” (For International Students Seeking Employment or Changing Jobs)
If an international student residing in Japan secures a job or a foreign national changes jobs, they must apply for a Change of Status of Residence.
⏳ Screening Period: Approximately 2 weeks to 2 months
📝 Required Documents
📌 Documents Required for the Applicant
✔ Application Form for Change of Status of Residence
✔ Photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months, with name written on the back)
✔ Residence Card & Passport (for presentation only)
✔ Resume
✔ Graduation Certificate (for international students)
📌 Documents Prepared by the Employer
✔ Employment Contract / Notification of Working Conditions (to clarify job responsibilities)
✔ Certificate of Registered Matters (proof of company information)
✔ Company Brochure or Website Printout (to explain business activities)
✔ Copy of Financial Statements (to prove the company’s financial status)
✔ Copy of Withholding Tax Certificate (to show company size)
✔ For Dispatched Foreign Workers: Documents proving the work details at the dispatch site (e.g., individual labor dispatch contract)
✅ Application Process
1️⃣ Submit the Change of Status of Residence Application to the Immigration Services Agency
2️⃣ Receive the new residence card upon approval
3️⃣ Start working legally in Japan
📌 3. Renewing (Extending) a Visa
If a foreign national holding a “Engineering, Humanities, and International Services” visa wishes to continue working at the same company, they must apply for an Extension of Period of Stay.
⏳ Screening Period: Approximately 2 weeks to 1 month
📝 Required Documents
📌 Documents Required for the Applicant
✔ Application Form for Extension of Period of Stay
✔ Photo (4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months, with name written on the back)
✔ Residence Card & Passport (for presentation only)
📌 Documents Prepared by the Employer
✔ Copy of Withholding Tax Certificate (to show company size)
✔ Resident Tax Payment Certificate and Taxation Certificate (for the past year)
✅ Application Process
1️⃣ Submit the Extension of Period of Stay Application to the Immigration Services Agency (can be applied for up to 3 months before the visa expiration)
2️⃣ Receive the new residence card upon approval
3️⃣ Continue working legally in Japan
📌 Summary: Don’t Forget to Renew Your Residence Status!
If you wish to continue working in Japan after your residence period expires, it is crucial to apply for a renewal at the appropriate time.
Failing to renew your visa on time may result in losing your legal status to stay in Japan. To avoid this, start preparing well in advance—you can apply for a renewal up to 3 months before your visa expiration.
If you are concerned about whether your application will be approved, unsure about the required documents, or too busy to handle the application process, feel free to consult Taro Fujita Administrative Scrivener Office.
As immigration specialists, we provide fast and reliable support for visa applications, ensuring that you can continue living and working in Japan with peace of mind.