Scoring HSP Points for Medical Doctor (M.D.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degrees in Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional System
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Scoring HSP Points for Medical Doctor (M.D.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degrees in Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional System
For those aiming for Permanent Residency in Japan through the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) point system, understanding how your educational qualifications translate into HSP points is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover how Medical Doctor (M.D.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees are evaluated within the HSP framework and additional ways to boost your points for a successful application.
HSP Points System: Degrees and Point Values
Under the HSP 1b (ロ) category, educational achievements significantly impact your HSP score. The Japanese Immigration Bureau assigns points based on the degree type:
- Ph.D.: 30 points
- MBA: 25 points
- Master’s Degree: 20 points
- Bachelor’s Degree: 10 points
These points are essential to reaching the minimum 70 points required for HSP eligibility, making degree-level points a critical component of the HSP scoring system.
How Are M.D. (Medical Doctor) and J.D. (Juris Doctor) Degrees Scored?
Professionals with an M.D. or J.D. degree often wonder how these qualifications are treated in Japan’s HSP points system. Although the degrees include “Doctor” in the title, the Japanese Immigration Bureau considers them equivalent to a Master’s degree, awarding 20 points for either qualification.
Why Are M.D. and J.D. Degrees Treated as Master’s Level?
The Japanese Immigration Bureau clarifies that, unlike traditional Ph.D. programs, M.D. and J.D. degrees do not typically require an academic doctoral dissertation. Therefore, these degrees are scored as Master’s-level qualifications, despite their professional value in fields like medicine and law.
Boosting Your HSP Score: Additional Points for Research Achievements
In addition to degree-based points, you can gain up to 20 extra points by demonstrating notable research achievements. If you have published at least three academic papers as the first author in a recognized academic database (such as Elsevier’s SciVerse Scopus), these publications can add to your total HSP score.
This is particularly beneficial for M.D. and J.D. professionals involved in research, as their published work can further enhance their eligibility under the HSP program.
Why Are HSP Points Important for Permanent Residency?
The HSP points you accumulate play a pivotal role in determining eligibility for Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional visa, which provides a fast-track pathway to Permanent Residency. With a score of 70 points or more, applicants are eligible for permanent residency in as little as 3 years; those scoring 80 points or above may qualify after just 1 year.
HSP status also offers key benefits:
- Work eligibility for spouses
- Extended stay permissions for parents
- Allowance for domestic staff, depending on the applicant’s field and income
These benefits make the HSP route one of the most attractive options for highly skilled professionals seeking long-term residence in Japan.
Maximize Your HSP Score with Professional Guidance
Understanding how to leverage your M.D., J.D., or other professional qualifications in the HSP points system is critical for a successful application. At Continental Immigration Consulting, we specialize in guiding applicants through the HSP scoring process, including calculating points for educational and research achievements. Our tailored services help you maximize your score, secure HSP status, and ultimately achieve permanent residency in Japan.
Explore our services:
- HSP Visa Application Support: Comprehensive assistance in scoring, documentation, and filing (130,000 JPY)
- Permanent Residency Application through HSP Points: Fast-track PR assistance (170,000 JPY)
- One-on-One Consultation: Point calculation and strategy session (10,000 JPY/session)
Note: All prices exclude tax.
For more details on scoring your qualifications or navigating the HSP visa process, contact Continental Immigration Consulting today. Secure your future in Japan with the support of experts dedicated to your success.
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Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
