How to Calculate Points for the Highly Skilled Professional 1a (HSP1a) Visa in Japan

Wondering how many points you qualify for under Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional 1a (イ) Points System? The HSP1a visa is intended for researchers, scientists, and university professors with notable research achievements who contribute to Japan’s educational or research fields. This guide will help you understand the factors and point requirements for HSP1a qualification.

You may be eligible for a number of preferential treatment and permanent residence in Japan with a minimum stay of one year.

Overview of the Highly Skilled Professional 1a (イ) Visa

The HSP1a visa allows qualified professionals to engage in research, education, and other specialized activities at Japanese universities, research institutions, and companies. To qualify, applicants need a minimum of 70 points in the Highly Skilled Professional Points System, which evaluates:

• Educational Background (degree & university)
• Professional Experience
• Expected Annual Income
• Research Achievements
• Japanese Language Proficiency

Key Criteria for Calculating HSP1a Points

1. Education Level and Institution

• Points are awarded based on the highest degree obtained, with additional points for degrees from Japanese universities or globally ranked institutions (QS, THE University Rankings).

2. Professional Experience

• Years of relevant work in research, education, or guidance roles count toward points. Note: Part-time work and student positions are not considered.

3. Expected Annual Income

• Points are based on your projected income for the coming year. While there is no minimum income requirement for HSP1a, higher incomes may earn additional points.

4. Age

• Points vary based on your age at the time of application, with younger applicants typically scoring higher.

5. Japanese Language Proficiency

• Points are awarded for passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 or scoring 480+ on the BJT Business Japanese Test. N2-level proficiency counts only if combined with a degree from a Japanese university.

6. Research Achievements

• Higher points are available for significant research achievements, including patents, published papers, and recognized contributions. Eligible publications are verified via Elsevier’s SciVerse Scopus database for authenticity.

  

7. Additional Points

• Additional points may be awarded for professional qualifications from outside Japan, provided they are relevant to the job in Japan.

Continental’s Highly Skilled Professional Application Support

Navigating the Highly Skilled Professional Points System can be challenging. Continental Immigration offers tailored services to support point calculation, document preparation, and HSP visa applications:

• Visa Change to HSP1a Status: 130,000 JPY (Free initial consultation)
• Permanent Residency Application via HSP: 170,000 JPY (Free initial consultation)
• One-time Consultation: 10,000 JPY/session (60 minutes)

Note: Prices exclude tax.

For expert guidance on HSP point calculation and visa application, contact Continental Immigration to make the most of your qualifications and optimize your chances for visa success.

Professional

Masakazu Murai
Immigration consultant, financial advisor
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ 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 workplace, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in consulting and financial consulting on the status of residence for foreigners.

Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship (Hosei Business School)

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