Explaining the Automatic Point Calculation, Requirements, and Benefits of Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
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Summary | Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
- Point recognition criteria: Recognized at a total of 70 points or more. If you have 80+ points, the required period of stay for applying for permanent residency is shortened to 1 year; with 70+ points it is shortened to 3 years (other requirements apply).
- Annual income lower bound of ¥3,000,000: For (i)(b)/(i)(c), if annual income is below ¥3 million, you will not be recognized as a Highly Skilled Professional even if your total points are 70 or more.
- Preferential measures: Engaging in multiple activities, 5-year period of stay, spouse employment (white-collar allowed), accompanying parents and domestic helpers under certain conditions, priority processing, etc.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Highly Skilled Professional Point System)
- Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
- What Is Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
- Required Documents for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
- Process/Screening Period until Obtaining Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
- Q&A on Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
- At how many points is Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) recognized?
- Will I be recognized if my total points exceed 70 but my annual income is under ¥3 million?
- What documents are required to apply for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
- What are the main preferential measures under Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
- What is the approximate processing time?
- Introduction to Our Application Agency Service for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
1. About the Automatic Point Calculation System
This is the point calculation system for Highly Specialized/Technical Activities “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)” (generally those equivalent to the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities category).
After calculating your points, please use the Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check (banner below the table) to see whether you meet the requirements for a PR application—this helps identify any potential issues.
For “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a)” and “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c)”, see the pages below.
Requirements & Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a)
Requirements & Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c)
Check all items that apply; your Highly Skilled points will be displayed below the table.
Those recognized at 70 points or more as Highly Skilled Professionals will have the required period of stay for applying for permanent residency shortened from the current 5 years to 3 years.
Those recognized at 80 points or more will have the required period shortened from the current 5 years to 1 year.
See here for details and cautions on each point-calculation item
Common Misconceptions about Highly Skilled Points
- “If I reach 70 points, PR is automatic.” PR is a separate procedure and general requirements such as good conduct, tax/social insurance compliance, and financial independence are also required.
- “International Services (interpreting/language instruction) is included in (i)(b).” It is not included. (i)(b) covers activities equivalent to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities”; International Services is generally excluded.
- “Points are just simple addition.” Beware of combinations that cannot be double-counted and mutual exclusivity (education, income, age, etc.).
2. Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
3. Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check
When considering a PR application, it is important to first confirm whether you meet the “general requirements for PR approval.”
This test allows you to easily check whether you currently meet PR application conditions from perspectives such as length of stay, conduct, income, tax payments, social insurance participation, and family composition.
All questions are in a yes/no format, and the results page will also specifically indicate any areas needing improvement.
It is also useful for those aiming to meet the shortened-stay requirements via Highly Skilled Points (70 pts = 3 years; 80 pts = 1 year).
First, click the button below to try the Permanent Residency Requirements Self-Check.
2. What Is Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
“Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)” is a residence category for foreign nationals who engage in specialized duties at Japanese companies/research institutions utilizing advanced knowledge or skills in the natural sciences or humanities.
A major feature is that the point system (70/80 points) provides preferential treatment and shortened PR application timeframes. Envisioned roles include research & development, engineering, planning/analysis, and other duties that require “specialized judgment.” This section first organizes the scope of activities that qualify as “(i)(b)” and the basic concept behind it.
1. Scope Covered by Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
Statuses of residence include: “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Intra-Company Transferee,” “Professor,” “Artist,” “Journalist,” “Business Manager,” “Legal/Accounting Services,” “Medical Services,” “Researcher,” “Instructor,” “Nursing Care,” “Entertainer,” “Religious Activities,” “Skilled Labor,” etc.
The phrase in (i)(b) “activities to run a business related to those activities together with the principal activities” anticipates, for example, operating a start-up that leverages the outcomes of one’s research or one’s knowledge/skills.
Also, the phrase in (i)(b) “activities to engage in work that requires knowledge or skills in the field of natural sciences or humanities” is synonymous with the “activities to engage in work that requires knowledge or skills in the field of natural sciences or humanities” stipulated under the status of residence “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.”
However, under the status “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)”, the portion equivalent to “International Services” within “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” is not included. This is because “International Services” involves work that requires thinking or sensibilities grounded in foreign culture, which does not fit the concept of the (i)(b) status, and because it is difficult to measure the level of such thinking or sensibilities by points.
※ In practice, for “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)” the activities equivalent to “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” generally exclude the International Services portion (translation/interpreting/language instruction, etc.), but final decisions are made through individual immigration screening.
2. Differences and Benefits vs. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa
| Item | Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Persons | Engineers, researchers, planners, etc. with advanced expertise. (Excludes International Services like interpreting) | IT engineers, accounting, marketing, other general professionals, interpreting, etc. |
| Point System | Yes (obtainable with 70+ points) | No |
| Period of Stay | 5 years | Usually 1, 3, or 5 years |
| Permanent Residency | PR application possible in as little as 1 or 3 years | After 10 years of residence |
| Accompanying Family | Parents and domestic helpers may also accompany (conditions apply) | Spouse and children only |
| Spouse Employment | Status: “Designated Activities.” Full-time white-collar employment allowed | Status: “Dependent.” Up to 28 hours/week with work permission |
| Preferential Processing at Application | 5–10 days | 30–60 days |
Inviting One’s Own Parents
With some exceptional treatments aside, Japan generally has no visa for foreign nationals to invite their parents to live in Japan.
However, for Highly Skilled Professionals, if the foreign HSP or their spouse is raising a child under 7 years old (including adopted children), or if the HSP’s spouse is pregnant, or the HSP themselves is pregnant, for the purpose of providing care, housework, and other necessary support, the HSP’s or spouse’s parents (including adoptive parents) may be permitted to enter and stay in Japan.
If the following requirements are met, you may live in Japan together with your parents long-term.
・Living together with the parent(s)
・Limited to the parents of either the HSP or the spouse
Hiring a Domestic Helper
While bringing a domestic helper employed overseas to Japan used to be limited to a few categories such as company executives, diplomats, or attorneys, Highly Skilled Professionals may hire a foreign domestic helper if certain conditions are met.・Only one domestic helper allowed
・Pay the domestic helper ¥200,000 or more in remuneration
・Return together upon departure from Japan, etc. (other conditions also apply)
3. Required Documents for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
Required documents frequently change due to legal amendments, so please check the latest information on the Immigration Bureau website.
If you engage our firm, based on the required documents listed on the Immigration Bureau’s website, we will prepare the documentation most likely to achieve approval, tailored to your situation.
Documents Required for Permission to Change Status to Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
Documents Required for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
Documents Required for Permission to Extend Period of Stay for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
4. Process/Screening Period until Obtaining Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
This section explains the practical steps and checkpoints from the free consultation to returning documents after approval, following the process to obtain the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b).”
At the initial consultation, we confirm point calculation (70/80) and income requirements and job-content suitability, after which the keys are “preparing evidentiary documents” and “sequencing the application plan over time.”
Procedures and submitted materials vary depending on monthly screening conditions and your circumstances (job change, pay raise, travel plans, etc.).
※ Screening times vary by season and case content. Please plan with sufficient leeway.
1. Application Flow for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
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1
- Free Consultation
- We interview you regarding your education, work history, expected annual income, Japanese/JLPT level, research achievements, qualifications held, and the company’s framework (employment category, remuneration, job description), and conduct a point estimate and outlook for approval, identifying deficiencies (e.g., explaining job relevance, income evidence, company internal documentation).
Consultation methods: (1) Phone (2) Email (3) Online (Skype / Zoom / LINE / WeChat) (4) In-person visit.
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2
- Engagement
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We provide the approach, fees, and a rough schedule; upon engagement we hold a kickoff. We clarify the list of documents to be submitted and the source/creator of each.
Examples: Employment verification, draft employment contract, job description (JD), payroll records/withholding slips, degree verification, research achievement certificates, qualification pass certificates, JLPT certificates, company overview (registry, lease, social/labor insurance enrollment, etc.)
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3
- Preparation of Application Documents
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We craft a narrative aligned with practical requirements (education/work history → relevance to duties → role and value provided → remuneration parity), drafting explanations linked to evidentiary materials.
・Point calculation sheet / notes on point-addition grounds
・Detailing job duties (specialization, need for judgment, use of research/technology)
・Evidence of income/employment conditions (work rules, job postings, employment contracts)
・Collecting evidence for extra points (Japanese ability / qualifications & awards / university categories)
After drafting, you will review; we will guide you regarding signatures/seals on required forms.
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4
- Application Submission to Immigration
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An administrative scrivener files the application with the competent Regional Immigration Services Bureau. Upon acceptance, an receipt slip is issued (copy shared). If the bureau requests additional documents, we support precise and minimal submissions that align with the inquiry’s intent.
※ If you have travel plans, we coordinate timing with your period of stay and application schedule in advance.
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5
- Obtaining Approval on Your Behalf
- Once approval is notified, an administrative scrivener completes endorsement procedures at immigration (residence card update, seal affixation, etc.). We reconfirm the start date of work, expiration date, and status contents (activity scope), and, if needed, guide you on keeping copies of the residence card and internal company filings.
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6
- Return of Residence Card & Passport
- We return the residence card, passport, and copies of submitted documents. We can also suggest next steps such as PR application (80 pts = 1 year / 70 pts = 3 years) and family accompaniment/spouse employment, as well as planning for subsequent procedures (extension, notifications, social insurance, tax coordination) upon request.
2. Screening Period for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
The screening period is updated monthly and published. Check the latest average processing days below.
5. Q&A on Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
At how many points is Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) recognized?
Recognition as a Highly Skilled Professional is generally at 70 points or more. Those recognized with 80 points or more can have the required period of stay for PR shortened to 1 year, and those with 70+ points to 3 years. Note that, in addition to points, general requirements such as suitability of activities, conduct, taxes, and public insurance are also examined.
Will I be recognized if my total points exceed 70 but my annual income is under ¥3 million?
No. For “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)/(i)(c)”, if your annual income does not reach ¥3 million, you will not be recognized as highly skilled even if your points are 70+. Annual income is confirmed by the contract/salary conditions at the time of application, so please prepare up-to-date employment contracts and evidence of expected remuneration.
What documents are required to apply for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
It varies by case, but the following are generally required. Details may be added/omitted depending on individual circumstances.
- Applicant side: Passport, residence card, CV, degree verification (diploma/transcript, etc.), employment verification, certificates for Japanese ability and other qualifications, proof of research achievements (if applicable)
- Employer (contracting organization) side: Employment contract or offer letter, job description (JD), company overview documents (registry/certificate of registered matters; business details), work rules/pay tables, latest financial statements, etc.
- Basis for added points: Point calculation sheet, university ranking eligibility, proof of qualifications/awards, proof of participation in cutting-edge projects, etc.
※ The latest required documents are updated per the Immigration Services Agency’s guidance. If you engage us, we will provide a case-specific checklist optimized to increase approval likelihood.
What are the main preferential measures under Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)?
Main benefits include the ability to engage in multiple activities (permitting, within limits, business management related to the principal activity), a 5-year period of stay, relaxed PR requirements (80 pts = 1 year, 70 pts = 3 years), spouse’s employment (full-time white-collar allowed), parents and domestic helpers under certain conditions, and priority processing. Specific applicability depends on whether each requirement is met.
What is the approximate processing time?
In the latest official monthly statistics, around 40–50 days is typical for certification, extension, and change. However, this varies depending on season (busy periods), case content, and whether additional documents are requested. If related to travel plans or period-of-stay expiration, we recommend preparing with ample time.
6. Introduction to Our Application Agency Service for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)
1. Service Overview
This service is designed to obtain the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional” from the Immigration Services Agency.
We will maximize your approval rate and support you so that you can smoothly obtain the status “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b).”
We handle the following cases:
・Inviting talent from overseas as Highly Skilled Professionals
For those applying for PR using Highly Skilled Points, see the page below.
Permanent Residency via Highly Skilled Points
For those seeking to obtain a Highly Skilled Professional visa or permanent residency via the Highly Skilled Point System.
For those applying for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), see below.
Requirements & Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a)
Automatic point calculation, approval requirements, and required documents for (i)(a).
For those applying for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c), see below.
Requirements & Automatic Point Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c)
Automatic point calculation, approval requirements, and required documents for (i)(c).
2. What’s Included
- Proposal and preparation of documents that most increase the approval rate
- Application submission to immigration and endorsement procedures upon approval
- Simultaneous application for re-entry permit (upon request)
- Status checks during screening and handling of additional document requests
- Free re-application in case of non-approval
3. Why choose ACROSEED
- Why clients choose ACROSEED
- Founded in 1986; industry-leading 40,000+ visa filings
- 99.9% approval rate; trusted by many clients
- No travel expenses; flat fees nationwide
- Extensive track record in complex/re-application after refusal cases
- No add-on fees; transparent pricing
- Free re-application until approval if refused
- Support available in Japanese, English, and Chinese
Founded in 1986, with 40,000+ visa applications
ACROSEED was founded in 1986. Since 1990—the first year administrative scriveners were allowed to handle immigration under the law—we have specialized in immigration work. Our total filings exceed 40,000 (as of March 2025).
We currently handle 3,000–4,000 visa filings annually, visiting immigration twice a week to stay current on examinations and legal changes.
By choosing ACROSEED, you get services based on the latest examination trends and the industry’s deepest practical experience.
99.9% approval rate—peace of mind backed by clients’ trust
Since opening in 1986, ACROSEED has always prioritized trustworthy services. At the free consultation stage, if approval seems unlikely, we explain this and decline the engagement.
As a result, we have maintained an approval rate of 99%+ (including re-applications) since opening.
However, for cases with a viable chance where clients wish to proceed, we will make a maximum effort together.
Our attentive, tailored service has earned broad support from clients.
No travel fees—flat rates nationwide
Our office is in Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, but we handle immigration cases nationwide at flat rates with no travel expenses.
For distant clients, we offer online consultations via Skype or Zoom so you can speak face-to-face with your consultant just like an in-person visit.
Strong results in difficult and re-application cases
We have many approvals for cases repeatedly refused by clients on their own or by other law firms.
ACROSEED’s track record is unparalleled, and we are often referred the most difficult cases from around the country—operating like a “general hospital” for the industry.
Don’t give up—consult us even for seemingly difficult cases.
No add-on fees—transparent pricing
Our service fees are only those listed on our website.
We do not add fees due to client circumstances such as frequent travel or prior refusals.
We provide a transparent pricing system for your peace of mind.
Free re-application until approval if refused
If a case filed by ACROSEED is unfortunately refused, we will re-apply free of charge as long as there remains a possibility of approval.
While some competitors offer “full refunds if refused,” we believe refunds do not solve the client’s problem
.
Accepting a case casually and leaving a refusal record in your filing history can make approval much harder later.
Clients who choose ACROSEED from among many firms deserve our stance of “getting the fastest approval possible—and if refused, supporting relentlessly until approval.”
4. Fees (Excl. Tax) for Application Agency for Status “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)”
・There are absolutely no extra charges based on client conditions.
・ACROSEED’s services are available nationwide. Even distant clients can request services at the fees below.
・Payment by Visa and Mastercard is also accepted.
| Change from Another Work Visa to Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) |
100,000JPY |
|---|---|
| Applications for Permanent Residence from standard working visas Using Highly Skilled Points |
130,000JPY |
Gyoseishoshi Hojin ACROSEED
Managing Partner: Makoto Sano
Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Associations (Registration No. 01080685)
Tokyo Administrative Scriveners Association (Member No. 4568)
Founded in 1986
Now in our 39th year, a two-generation firm dedicated to immigration law for foreign nationals.
Administrative Scrivener since 2001
23 years of experience as an international administrative scrivener.
Appointed to the International Affairs Committee, 2023
Contributing to the development and training of administrative scriveners in the Tokyo Administrative Scriveners Association.
Track Record
ACROSEED’s legal services are trusted by more than 1,000 companies, including listed and global firms. We also have extensive experience as lecturers for corporate seminars and as authors/contributors on immigration topics.
Since opening our practice in 1986, we have been involved in consulting on visa applications for foreigners for nearly 40 years as an immigration lawyer.
Telephone consultation, email consultation, online consultation, and consultation at our office are available.
