Change Your Visa from “Skilled Labor” to “Highly Skilled Professional” in Japan

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For Foreign Pilots Seeking Long-Term Stability and Benefits
Why This Matters for Foreign Pilots
What Is the “Skilled Labor” Visa?
Why Pilots Qualify for the HSP Visa
Key Advantages of the HSP (Type 1-b) Visa
Typical HSP Point Breakdown for Pilots
Documents Required for Application
Our Experience and Professional Support
Get a Personalized Visa Assessment
Our office makes them one by one according to each situation.

For Foreign Pilots Seeking Long-Term Stability and Benefits

Why This Matters for Foreign Pilots

Many foreign pilots working for Japanese airlines currently hold a “Skilled Labor” (Ginou技能) visa.
However, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency recognizes that pilot work often requires advanced knowledge of aviation science, meteorology, and flight operations — meaning you may qualify for the “Highly Skilled Professional (HSP Type 1-b)” (Kodo-senmonshoku高度専門職) visa.

This category offers far greater long-term advantages than the standard “Skilled Labor” visa, including faster access to permanent residency and expanded family privileges.

What Is the “Skilled Labor” Visa?

The Skilled Labor visa is designed for foreign nationals who engage in specialized technical work under a contract with a Japanese organization.
In the aviation industry, this typically applies to commercial or transport pilots with at least 250 flight hours and valid CPL (Commercial Pilot License) or ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) certification.

Even if your salary is paid by an overseas dispatching company, you may still qualify as long as there is a formal contract with a Japanese airline or aviation institution.

Why Pilots Qualify for the HSP Visa

While the “Skilled Labor” category covers experienced technical professionals, the Japan’s Immigration Services Agency acknowledges that pilot work requires high-level natural science and technical expertise — such as flight physics, meteorology, and safety systems.

Therefore, pilots can be classified under Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1-b), the same category as engineers, researchers, and scientists.

Key Advantages of the HSP (Type 1-b) Visa

Benefit	Description
Faster permanent residence	Eligibility for PR after 1–3 years (instead of 10 years)
Family privileges	Spouse may work freely under conditions; parents may accompany under conditions
Prestige and stability	Recognized as a top-tier professional visa under Japanese law

Typical HSP Point Breakdown for Pilots

Category	Example	Points
Annual income	Over ¥10 million	+40
Educational background	Bachelor’s degree	+10
Work experience	10+ years in airline operation	+20
National qualification	ATPL or equivalent	+5
Age	30s	+5 to +10

Total: Approx. 80 points (only 70 required for application)

Documents Required for Application

To change from “Skilled Labor” to “Highly Skilled Professional,” the following documents are generally required:

Pilot logbook (flight records)
Flight license copies (CPL/ATPL)
Employment contract or assignment letter from a Japanese company
Resume and qualification certificates
Company registration and financial statement copies
Supporting materials for HSP points (points calculation documents)

Our Experience and Professional Support

At Yokoyama Legal Service Office, we have successfully handled visa change applications from “Skilled Labor” to “Highly Skilled Professional (Type 1-b)” for foreign pilots in Japan.

We provide comprehensive support in English, Japanese, and Chinese, covering everything from HSP point calculation and documentation to direct representation before the Immigration Services Agency.

Our Tokyo-based office is officially registered with the Immigration Bureau as a Certified Visa Proxy Agent (申請取次行政書士), ensuring reliable and lawful procedures.

Get a Personalized Visa Assessment

Are you currently working as a pilot in Japan, or planning to join a Japanese airline?
We’ll analyze your experience, income, and qualifications to determine the best visa pathway for you.

Online consultations (Zoom or Email) are available for pilots worldwide.

Our office makes them one by one according to each situation.

Our Gyoseishoshi lawyer will listen to your situation and advise you on the best way to proceed, as well as creating individualised application forms and justifications. None of the documents are the same.