Highly Skilled Professional (i) – Automatic Points Calculation, Requirements, and Benefits
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Automatic Points Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)
1. About the Automatic Calculation System
This system calculates points for Highly Skilled Professional (i) — 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 (ii) Automatic Points Calculation
HSP (iii) Automatic Points Calculation
Simply check the boxes that apply to you — your total points will appear at the bottom of the table.
70 points or more: PR eligibility period shortened from 5 years to 3 years.
80 points or more: PR eligibility period shortened from 5 years to 1 year.
Details on Highly Skilled Professional Points Calculation
2. Automatic Points Calculation for Highly Skilled Professional (i)
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)?
1. Scope of Highly Skilled Professional (i)
Relevant statuses of residence include “Professor,” “Researcher,” and “Instructor,” etc.
The “research, supervision of research, or education” under HSP (i) 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) 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).
2. Differences & Advantages: HSP (i) vs. “Professor / Instructor” Visas
| Item | Highly Skilled Professional (i) | Professor / Instructor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of activities | Education, research, supervision at schools and private companies; entrepreneurship also possible | Limited to education, research, supervision at educational institutions |
| Points system | Yes (obtainable with 70+ points) | No |
| Period of stay | 5 years | Usually 1, 3, or 5 years |
| Permanent residency (PR) | Eligible for PR fast-track in as early as 1 or 3 years | Typically after 10 years of stay |
| Accompanying family | Parents and domestic helpers may accompany (subject to conditions) | Spouse and children only |
| Spouse’s work permission | “Designated Activities” status; full-time white-collar work permitted | “Dependent” status; up to 28 hours/week with work permission |
| Preferential processing time | Approx. 5–10 days | Approx. 30–60 days |
Inviting Your Parents
There is generally no visa in Japan specifically for inviting foreign parents to reside, with limited exceptions.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:
・Co-residence with the parent(s)
・Limited to the parents of either the HSP or the spouse
Employing a Domestic Helper
Previously, bringing a foreign domestic helper to Japan was limited to certain categories (e.g., company executives, diplomats, attorneys). With HSP benefits, it is possible to employ a foreign domestic helper if specific conditions are satisfied.・Up to one domestic helper
・Pay the helper 200,000 JPY or more per month
・Return together when leaving Japan, etc. (additional conditions apply)
3. Required Documents for HSP (i)
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) “Change of Status of Residence” Application
Documents for HSP (i) “Certificate of Eligibility” Application
Documents for HSP (i) “Extension of Period of Stay” Application
4. Process & Screening Timeline for Obtaining HSP (i)
1. Application Flow for HSP (i) (Advanced Academic Research)
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1
- Free Consultation
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We diagnose your point prospects and eligibility for HSP (i) (researchers/professors at universities or research bodies).
We check whether you have a host institution, your degree (PhD/Master), papers, patents, awards, expected income, and research plan.
Consultation options: phone / email / online (Zoom/Skype/Line/WeChat) / in-person.
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2
- Engagement
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Upon engagement, we execute a contract and begin after confirming payment.
We coordinate the schedule for the employment contract or hosting approval with the host (university, institute, corporate lab, etc.).
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3
- Preparing Application Documents
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We draft documents in line with ISA practice.
Examples: Certificate of Eligibility / Change application, points sheet & supporting docs (degree proof, list of achievements, citations), research plan & job description, host overview & financials, income terms, CV, etc.
After drafting, you and the host confirm contents and provide signatures/seals where needed.
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4
- Filing with the Immigration Bureau
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Our certified immigration procedures specialist (gyōsei-shoshi) files on your behalf and handles acceptance.
We are the point of contact for corrections or additional documents requested during screening.
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5
- Approval & Endorsement
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The approval notice arrives at our office.
We support the issuance/endorsement on your residence card so that your employment start date and onboarding proceed on time.
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6
- Return of Residence Card & Passport
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We return your residence card, passport, and any entrusted documents to conclude the engagement.
We continue support for family accompaniment, spouse work permission, procedures when receiving research funds, and for future extensions/PR via points (70 pts → 3 years, 80 pts → 1 year).
2. Screening Timeline for HSP (i)
The processing time is published monthly. Check the latest average days below.
5. Q&A for Highly Skilled Professional (i)
How many points are required to be recognized as HSP (i)?
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)”, 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. Application Agency Service for HSP (i)
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)” smoothly.
We handle the following cases:
・Inviting talent from overseas under the HSP framework
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
- Proposal and preparation of the document set with the highest expected approval rate
- Filing with the Immigration Bureau and support for endorsement procedures upon approval
- Simultaneous application for re-entry permit (upon request)
- Status tracking 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. Service Fee (tax excluded) for “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” Application
No extra charges based on your individual conditions.
ACROSEED serves clients nationwide in Japan. Remote clients can also use the service at the fees below.
Payment by Visa and MasterCard is available.
| Change from another work visa to Highly Skilled Professional (i) |
100,000 JPY |
|---|
Administrative Scrivener Corporation ACROSEED
Managing Partner: Makoto Sano
Japan Federation of Administrative Scriveners Associations (Reg. No. 01080685)
Tokyo Administrative Scriveners Association (Member No. 4568)
Founded in 1986
Now in our 39th year specializing in foreign nationals’ legal affairs across two generations.
Registered Administrative Scrivener in 2001
23 years as an international administrative scrivener.
Appointed to the Tokyo Association’s International Division in 2023
Contributing to the development and training of administrative scriveners.
[Track record]
ACROSEED’s legal services are chosen by over 1,000 corporations including listed/global companies. We also have many engagements as lecturers/authors on foreign employment.
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.
