I would like to know how many points I can get under the Highly Skilled Professional 1a(イ).

HSP1a(イ) is based on various factors, such as Academic background, achievements. You meet if you score 70 points +.

Calculating Highly Skilled Professional 1a(イ)

The Highly Skilled Professional 1a(イ) visa status is intended for researchers, scientists, and university professors with significant research achievements who engage in research or educational activities in Japan. Activities such as teaching at educational institutions or conducting research at private companies are allowed based on contracts with Japanese universities or companies.

To qualify, applicants must score at least 70 points in the Highly Skilled Professional Points System, considering factors such as “education (degree & school)”, “employment history”, “annual income”, “research achievements”, and “Japanese language proficiency”.

Education (Degree & School)

Points are awarded based on the highest level of education completed, with additional points for degrees obtained from Japanese universities or Top schools（QS, THE University rankings）.

Professional History

Points are given for years of practical experience in research, research guidance, or education. Part-time or student work periods are not included.

Expected Annual Income

Points are determined by the expected annual income for the upcoming year, not past income. There is no minimum income requirement for the HSP 1a status.

Age

Points are given based on the applicant’s age at the time of application.

Japanese Language Proficiency 日本語能力

Points are awarded for passing N1 or scoring 480 or more on the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test, or for passing N2 or scoring 400 or more on the BJT test. However, those with N2-level proficiency who have a degree from a Japanese university will not be counted.

Research Achievements

Higher points are awarded for research achievements compared to other Highly Skilled Professional statuses, including patents, research grants, published research papers, or other achievements recognized by the Minister of Justice.

The Immigration Bureau verifies research achievements, such as submitted papers, using Elsevier’s academic paper database, “SciVerse Scopus,” to confirm the authenticity of the articles.

Other

Points are given for professional qualifications obtained abroad that are relevant to the job in Japan.

Continental’s HSP Application & Consulting

Continental offers a service to help with the complex process of calculating points and providing necessary documentation. They also offer paid consultations for individuals who want to know about point calculation and documentation methods. Fees are as follows:

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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