Japan’s immigration system for highly skilled foreign professionals is shifting from the point-based “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” status to the simpler and more transparent Japan System for Special Highly-Skilled Professionals (J-Skip).

While it is relatively well known how to newly apply for J-Skip or to change from a standard work status of residence, it is less widely understood how a person who is already in Japan under the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status can be recognized as a Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip).

This article explains the procedures in detail.

What is J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled Professional)?

Former Highly Skilled Professional (Point-Based) System

Applicants were assessed through a point system combining educational background, annual income, work experience, research achievements, etc.
If 70 points or more were obtained, one was granted the “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” status.
However, points may decrease with age or other factors, creating a risk that renewal requirements are no longer met.

J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled Professional)

The point system is abolished. Instead, eligibility is judged by academic degree + annual income or professional career + annual income.
Once recognized, a certificate for “Special Highly Skilled Professional” is affixed to the passport, and the residence card is stamped on the back side. Spouses and foreign domestic workers can also enjoy expanded preferential treatment.

Eligible Categories and Requirements

(a) Advanced Academic Research Activities

(University professors, researchers, etc.)

  • Master’s degree or higher and annual income of 20 million yen or more
    OR
  • More than 10 years of work experience and annual income of 20 million yen or more

(b) Advanced Specialized/Technical Activities

(Engineers working in companies, etc.)

  • Master’s degree or higher and annual income of 20 million yen or more
    OR
  • More than 10 years of work experience and annual income of 20 million yen or more

(c) Advanced Business/Management Activities

(Corporate executives, etc.)

  • More than 5 years of professional career in management and annual income of 40 million yen or more

 

How to Transition from Highly Skilled Professional (i) Visa to J-Skip Visa

The procedure depends on the remaining period of stay.

Case 1: If the period of stay will expire within approximately three months

  • Submit an Application for Extension of Period of Stay在留期間更新許可申請, and declare that you qualify as a “Special Highly Skilled Professional特別高度人材.”
  • Once approved, the certificate is affixed to your passport, and the residence card is stamped accordingly.

Case 2: If more than three months remain on the current period of stay

  • Submit an Application for Certificate of Authorized Employment就労資格証明書, and you will be recognized as a “Special Highly Skilled Professional特別高度人材.”

Exception

  • If your spouse or domestic worker applies for preferential treatment (Designated Activities特定活動, Notification No. 2-4 or No. 33-2), recognition as a “Special Highly Skilled Professional” will be granted to you at the same time.

What Changes and What Does Not

Changes

  • Certificate of “Special Highly Skilled Professional 特別高度人材証明書” affixed to the passport
  • Stamp “Special Highly Skilled Professional 特別高度人材” on the back side of the residence card
  • Spouses and foreign domestic workers can apply for preferential treatment

Unchanged

  • The residence card itself is not replaced
  • The period of stay is not extended
  • If you change your employer, you must apply for Change of Status of Residence在留資格変更許可申請

Required Documents

  1. Basic documents according to activity category
    • Academic Research: employment contract, institution overview
    • Specialized/Technical: employment contract, company profile, financial documents
    • Business/Management: business plan, company registration, employee information
  2. Academic qualification certificate or proof of work experience
  3. Proof of annual income (employment contract, income certificate, tax certificate, etc.)

Conclusion

Even if you already hold the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status, you may be recognized as a Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) by following the proper procedures.

  • If your renewal date is near → Apply at the time of Extension of Period of Stay
  • If you still have sufficient remaining period → Apply for Certificate of Authorized Employment

For those who wish to avoid the risk of losing eligibility due to age-related point reductions, transitioning to J-Skip provides a more stable and advantageous status of residence.

 

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