Additional requirements for translation and interpretation services in technician countries after April 15, 2026.

April 17, 2026

Latest Notes on Technical/Humanities/International Services Visa｜After April 15, 2026, Category 3 and 4 will require additional documents.

The status of residence "Technical/Humanities/International Services" is one of the typical work visas for technical workers, interpreters/translators, designers, language teachers, and marketing workers.

In relation to this "Technical, Humanities, and International Services" category, we are now informed that, beginning with applications filed on or after Wednesday, April 15, 2026, additional documentation will be required if the applicant falls into Category 3 or 4.

TOC

What will change after April 15, 2026?

The new guidance states that if the applicant falls under category 3 or 4, the following additional documents must be submitted.

(data) item	Contents
Additional documents (1)	Declaration regarding the representative of your institution
Additional documents (2)	If the applicant is engaged in interpersonal work mainly using language skills, documents that prove that the applicant has language skills equivalent to CEFR B2 in the language used in the work (JLPT N2 or higher is acceptable).

When is submission required?

The guide requires submission of the application for issuance of a certificate of eligibility and application for permission for change of status of residence if the applicant is mainly engaged in work that uses language skills such as Japanese language proficiency, such as in the case of "translation/interpretation" or "customer service" such as hotel reception work.

Even if you are already in Japan, you are required to submit this form when you apply for permission to extend your period of stay if you change the nature of your work or change jobs, etc., and are now mainly engaged in work that uses language skills such as Japanese language proficiency.

Even in cases other than the above where the application was not submitted, the applicant may be asked to submit the application based on the details of the application.

Examples of Japanese language skills considered equivalent to CEFR B2

According to the guide, a person is considered to have Japanese language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 if he/she meets the following conditions

classification	Contents
test	JLPT N2 or higher.
test	Minimum score of 400 on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test
visa history	Must have resided in Japan for 20 years or more as a mid- to long-term resident.
academic background	Graduated from a university in Japan or completed a specialized course or department of a college of technology or a special training college in Japan.
one's history of education	Completion of compulsory education and graduation from high school in Japan

If a renewal application does not require submission

In the case of an application for permission for extension of period of stay, if the applicant has been continuously engaged in the same type of work for a long time, submission of the application is not required.

However, you may be asked to submit them as needed during the screening process.

summary

After April 15, 2026, additional documents will be required if your application for a "Technical/Humanities/International Services" visa falls under category 3 or 4. It is especially important to confirm applicability before applying if you will be engaged in work that uses language skills, such as translation, interpretation, or customer service.

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Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Gyoseishoshi Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)

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