Many people assume a university degree is mandatory for an Engineer visa, but in fact, 10 or more years of work experience can substitute for formal education. However, proving 10 years of experience objectively requires careful preparation.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Landing Permission Standards
Basic Requirements
| Field | Required Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 10+ years | IT, engineering, etc. |
| Humanities | 10+ years | Accounting, marketing, etc. |
| International Services | 3+ years | Interpretation, translation, language instruction, design |
Important: International Services requires only 3+ years, significantly lowering the bar for interpretation, translation, etc.
What Counts as Experience
| Type | Counts? | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas work experience | Yes | Same field |
| Work experience in Japan | Yes | Lawful employment under proper visa |
| University/vocational school study period | Yes | Related field of study |
| Part-time work | Maybe | Only if equivalent to full-time |
| Technical intern training | No | Not counted as work experience |
| Student visa part-time work | No | Not employment-purpose residence |
Point: University study periods count toward the 10 years. Example: 4 years of IT study + 6 years of IT work = 10 years total.
How to Prove Experience
Most Important: Employment Certificates
| Required Content | Reason |
|---|---|
| Employment period (exact dates) | Calculate total years |
| Position/title | Confirm expertise level |
| Specific job duties | Prove relevance to applied position |
| Company name, address, contact | Ensure document credibility |
| Signature and company seal | Official certification |
If Certificates Are Unavailable
| Situation | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Company closed/bankrupt | Social insurance records, colleague statements |
| Cannot contact former employer | Pay slips, tax returns |
| Freelance work | Contracts, invoices, tax returns, client certifications |
| Overseas company | Notarized employment certificates |
Our Support
For work-experience-based Engineer visa applications, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
- 98% approval rate
- Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Free initial consultation
- Serving Chiba, Tokyo, and nationwide (online consultation available)