Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a) – Automatic Points Calculation, Requirements, and Benefits

Automatic Points Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)

1. About the Automatic Calculation System

This system calculates points for Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a) — those engaged in advanced academic research or specialized education (e.g., researchers and professors).

After calculation, you can also check your PR eligibility using the PR Requirement Diagnostic Test below the table to identify potential issues.

For other categories, see:

HSP (i)(b) Automatic Points Calculation

HSP(i)(c)Automatic Points Calculation

Simply check the boxes that apply to you — your total points will appear at the bottom of the table.

Details on Highly Skilled Professional Points Calculation

2. Automatic Points Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a)

3. Permanent Residency Requirement Self-Check

If you are considering applying for permanent residency, first check whether you meet the general PR eligibility requirements.

This quick test lets you confirm—based on stay period, behavior, income, tax, insurance, and family—whether you currently meet the conditions for PR application.

The questions are all Yes/No format, and the results page highlights areas for improvement.
It’s also useful for those aiming to shorten their PR eligibility under the Highly Skilled Professional system (70 pts = 3 years, 80 pts = 1 year).

Try the Permanent Residency Eligibility Self-Check below.

2. What is Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)?

1. Scope of Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)

The “research, supervision of research, or education” under HSP(i)(a) is the same as the activity defined under the “Professor” status of residence.

While the “Professor” status itself does not explicitly require a contract with a Japanese public/private institution, HSP is more narrowly defined; however, in practice, foreign residents with “Professor” status usually have some form of contract, so the practical difference is limited.

Unlike the “Professor” or “Instructor” statuses, HSP(i)(a) does not limit the activity venue to educational institutions only. For example, in-house corporate training in the private sector can also fall under HSP(i)(a).

2. Differences & Advantages: HSP(i)(a) vs. “Professor / Instructor” Visas

Inviting Your Parents

However, for HSPs, if the HSP or their spouse is raising a child under 7 years old (including adopted children), or if the HSP or their spouse is pregnant, the HSP’s or the spouse’s parents (including adoptive parents) may be permitted to enter and stay in Japan for the purpose of providing care, housekeeping, and other necessary support.

When the following conditions are met, living long-term in Japan together with parents may be allowed:

Employing a Domestic Helper

3. Required Documents for HSP(i)(a)

Required documents are subject to frequent changes due to legal revisions. Always check the latest information on the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) website.

If you engage our office, we will start from the ISA’s published list and tailor the documentation to your situation to maximize the likelihood of approval.

Documents for HSP(i)(a) “Change of Status of Residence” Application

Documents for HSP(i)(a) “Certificate of Eligibility” Application

Documents for HSP(i)(a) “Extension of Period of Stay” Application

4. Process & Screening Timeline for Obtaining HSP(i)(a)

1. Application Flow for HSP(i)(a) (Advanced Academic Research)

2. Screening Timeline for HSP(i)(a)

The processing time is published monthly. Check the latest average days below.

5. Q&A for Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)

How many points are required to be recognized as HSP(i)(a)?

As a rule of thumb, a total score of 70 points or more indicates eligibility for recognition as a Highly Skilled Professional. If recognized with 80+ points, the period of stay required for PR (permanent residency) can be shortened to 1 year; with 70+ points, it can be shortened to 3 years (you must also meet the general PR requirements).

Will I be recognized if my total points exceed 70 but my annual income is under 3,000,000 JPY?

For “Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)”, there is no explicit rule stating that recognition is denied if annual income is below 3,000,000 JPY even when the total reaches 70+ points. However, note that for “HSP (ii)” categories such as (Ro) and (Ha), a minimum annual income of 3,000,000 JPY is clearly referenced—so it is wise to keep that benchmark in mind.

Do research achievements accumulate with multiple checks?

Yes. 20 points are added for meeting one item, and 25 points are added in total for meeting two or more items (a single bundled addition).

Do special additions for graduating university (QS/THE/ARWU, SGU, Innovative Asia) stack?

No stacking. Meeting any one (or more) of these is treated as a flat +10 points.

What can I do if my result doesn’t reach 70/80 points?

Consider options to raise your score: higher degree (Master/PhD), Japanese proficiency (N1/N2), strengthening research achievements (papers, patents, competitive funding), or reviewing your income band. We offer a free consultation to run a gap analysis and design an evidence package tailored to your case.

6. Approved Case Studies for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

Obtaining a Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is not automatically guaranteed simply by meeting the required points for academic background, work experience, or annual income. In actual practice, immigration authorities conduct a comprehensive assessment, taking into account supporting documents for point calculations, the level of specialization of the job duties, employment stability, and the applicant’s prior immigration history in Japan.

Here, we introduce real approval cases in which our office provided continuous support from the preparation stage of the application, carefully designed the appropriate residence status and application strategy, and successfully assisted clients in obtaining the Highly Skilled Professional visa.

	Client (from Google Reviews)
	[Approved Case] Obtaining Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status through a CoE application

	Client (from Google Reviews)
	[Approved Case] Business Manager Visa approval / Change of status to Highly Skilled Professional Visa

View more approved work visa cases

7. Application Agency Service for HSP(i)(a)

1. Service Overview

This service supports obtaining the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional” from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

We maximize your approval probability and help you obtain the status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional(i)(a)” smoothly.

We handle the following cases:

For using HSP points to apply for Permanent Residency, see the page below:

Obtaining PR via Highly Skilled Professional Points

For those aiming to obtain the HSP visa or Permanent Residency via the HSP points system.

For HSP (Ha), see the page below:

Application Agency Service for HSP (Ha)

Explains the automatic points calculation, eligibility, and required documents for HSP (Ha).

For HSP (Ro), see the page below:

Application Agency Service for HSP (Ro)

Explains the automatic points calculation, eligibility, and required documents for HSP (Ro).

2. What’s Included

1. Proposal and preparation of the document set with the highest expected approval rate
2. Filing with the Immigration Bureau and support for endorsement procedures upon approval
3. Simultaneous application for re-entry permit (upon request)
4. Status tracking during screening and handling of additional document requests
5. Free re-application in case of non-approval

3. Advantages of Choosing ACROSEED