Japan Immigration News

Japan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas

Release Date: 2026-04-09
Media: Fragomen
Summary: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has tightened requirements for certain work visas.

For Category 3 and 4 Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) applications, additional documentation is now required to verify the legitimacy of both the overseas and Japanese entities. This includes corporate records, financial and operational documents, proof of the worksite, and applicant background information. Renewal applications may also require alternative income proof if tax certificates are unavailable.

ISA also plans to introduce a Japanese language requirement for Engineers/Specialists in Humanities/International Services under Category 3 and 4 companies. From around mid-April 2026, overseas applicants for roles requiring Japanese may need to demonstrate CEFR B2 (JLPT N2) proficiency. This is expected to apply only to applicants entering from abroad, not to those changing status within Japan.

Overall, the changes aim to strengthen screening and ensure proper use of the visa system.
Tags: Immigration Policy

News Articles including "Immigration Policy"

1
2
3

Released on

Article Title

Tags

2024-05-07

Japan tells U.S. that Biden’s ‘xenophobia’ comment is regrettable(The Asahi Shimbun)

Immigration Policy

2024-05-07

Biden's labeling of Japan as xenophobic 'regrettable,' gov't says( KYODO NEWS)

Immigration Policy

2024-05-07

Japan defends its immigration policy, amid Joe Biden's accusations of xenophobia(Le Monde)

Immigration Policy

2024-05-03

Joe Biden calls US allies India and Japan 'xenophobic'(BBC)

Immigration Policy

2024-05-02

Biden Calls Japan and India ‘Xenophobic’ in Defending U.S. Immigration(The New York Times)

Immigration Policy

2024-05-02

Biden calls US ally Japan ‘xenophobic’ along with India, Russia and China(CNN)

Immigration Policy

2024-04-11

Japan targets India and Southeast Asia to recruit tech workers(Nikkei Asia)

Immigration Policy

2024-04-08

Indian business leader hopes more young Indians work in Japan(NIKKEI Asia)

Immigration Policy

2024-03-30

News in Easy English: Japan ready to accept many more foreign workers(The Mainichi)

Immigration Policy,Specified Skilled Worker

2024-03-19

Japan to help employers spot labor issues faced by foreign workers(NIKKEI Asia)

Immigration Policy,Training employment

2024-03-17

Cabinet OKs new foreign trainee program to promote longer stays(Japan Today)

Immigration Policy

2024-03-16

Japan battles Taiwan and South Korea for foreign workers(NIKKEI Asia)

Immigration Policy

2024-03-06

Opinion: Japan must reform its refugee and immigration system to avoid further tragedies(The Mainichi)

Immigration Policy

2024-02-07

Japan bets on tech, immigration as labor crisis worsens(DW)

Immigration Policy,Specified Skilled Worker

2024-02-07

Record 2 million foreign workers are changing the face of Japan(Japan Times)

Immigration Policy

2024-01-16

Immigration consultations to be held in Kanazawa on Thursday(NHK)

Immigration Policy

2024-01-09

Japan’s Immigration Agency Eases Entertainment Visa Rules; Application Process Streamlined, Maximum Stay Increased(The Japan News)

Immigration Policy,Status of Residence

2024-01-07

Is Japan finally embracing immigration?(The Spectator)

Immigration Policy

2024-01-04

2023 Rewind: Is Japan ready to accept foreigners as part of its society?(The Mainichi)

Immigration Policy

2023-12-26

Japan could relax immigration policy as Abe faction wanes in LDP(NIKKEI Asia)

Immigration Policy

2023-10-14

Number of foreign residents in Japan rises to record 3.2 million(KYODO NEWS)

Immigration Policy