Preferential Treatment for Professors Applying for Permanent Residency:

Although permanent residency typically requires residing in Japan for over 10 years, including at least 5 years with a work visa, preferential measures are in place for foreign professors. If their calculated score under the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Category 1(a) system meets certain criteria, they may be eligible for permanent residency after just 1 or 3 years. This applies even if their current visa is not an HSP visa, as long as they have a professor visa.

Moreover, if their HSP score falls short, they may still qualify for permanent residency after 5 years if they have contributed to Japan in the fields of education or research.

Many university faculty members can benefit from these measures, so it is recommended to reassess one’s situation.

■ Preferential Measures for Professors Applying for Permanent Residency (Years of Stay in Japan): ① 70 or more HSP points (minimum 1 or 3 years) ② Recognized contributions to Japan in the field of education or research (minimum 5 years)

① 70+ HSP Category 1(a) Points:

University faculty members and researchers may be eligible for permanent residency after just 1 year if their HSP Category 1(a) score is 80 or more at the time of application and one year prior. Alternatively, they may qualify after 3 years if their score is 70 or more at both the time of application and three years prior.

Calculate your HSP points first. Professors with a doctoral degree can earn an additional 30 points, while those who graduated from a Japanese university, or a designated school can receive an extra 10 points. Additional points may also be awarded for having three or more published papers as the lead author in academic journals (+20 points). Combining these points with employment history, income, age, and Japanese language proficiency can increase the likelihood of meeting or exceeding the required HSP Category 1(a) score.

② Recognized Contributions to Japan in Education or Research (Minimum 5 Years):

Even if the HSP Category 1(a) points are insufficient due to age, employment history, income, or Japanese language proficiency, the “contribution to Japan in the field of education and research” scheme can be considered.

For university faculty members, eligibility is typically based on full-time employment at a Japanese university for at least 3 years as a professor, associate professor, or lecturer. For researchers, criteria include publication of papers in academic journals and citations of those papers.

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

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