Point Recalculation and Procedures When Changing the Designated Organization for Highly Skilled Professionals#
The status of residence “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” (HSP) in Japan is a preferential status granted to foreign nationals who score 70 points or more in the point-based system. This system evaluates applicants based on categories such as academic background, professional experience, and annual salary.
A common inquiry from those currently working under this status concerns the implications of changing jobs: “How are points recalculated?” and “What procedures are necessary?”
In conclusion, when a holder of the “Highly Skilled Professional (i)” status changes their employer (the public or private organization designated by the Minister of Justice), they must recalculate their points based on the new employment conditions and apply for a “Permission to Change Status of Residence,” regardless of the remaining period on their current residence card.
This article provides an objective explanation of the rules for point recalculation, the impact of changes in age and salary, and the necessary immigration procedures when changing the “Designated Organization” (employer).
The Relationship Between HSP Status and the “Designated Organization”#
To understand the procedures, one must first understand the fundamental structure of this visa category. Although the “Status of Residence” field on the Residence Card may simply state “Highly Skilled Professional,” the “Designation Paper” (Siteisho) stapled into the passport specifies the name of the particular company or research institution where the individual is authorized to work.
The HSP (i) status is granted based on the condition that the applicant engages in activities based on a contract with a specific designated organization. Therefore, unlike general working visas (such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services”), the validity of the previous permission does not extend to a new employer.
Consequently, even if the job description remains exactly the same, the applicant must undergo a new examination by the Immigration Services Agency based on the new employment contract and obtain a new Designation Paper.
Timing and Criteria for Point Recalculation#
When applying for permission to change jobs (Application for Change of Status of Residence), the recalculation of points is the most critical factor. The examination is conducted based on the situation at the time of the new application. Even if the applicant had well over 70 points during the previous application, if the recalculation at the time of changing jobs results in a score below 70, the HSP status will not be granted for the new position.
The following variables require particular attention during recalculation:
1. Change in Annual Salary (Projected Compensation)#
For point calculation, the annual salary is not based on past earnings but on the projected compensation to be received from the new organization over the coming year. If the annual salary decreases due to the job change, the points allocated for salary will decrease, creating a risk that the total score may fall below 70. Furthermore, there is a minimum annual salary requirement (3 million JPY) for HSP status; falling below this threshold disqualifies the applicant regardless of the total points.
2. Decrease in Points Due to Age#
Points for age are determined based on the age at the time of the new application. For example, an applicant who was 29 years old and received 15 points during the previous application will only receive 10 points if they are 30 years old at the time of the job change application. Similarly, points decrease at the thresholds of ages 35 and 40. In cases where the total score is close to 70, the loss of points due to aging can be a decisive factor.
3. Addition of Professional Career History#
Conversely, since time has passed since the last application, the years of practical experience may have increased. Accurately recalculating the years of experience relevant to the proposed duties and providing proof (such as certificates of employment) may result in additional points that can offset the loss of points from age.
4. Points Based on the New Organization#
Changing the Designated Organization may also alter eligibility for special bonus points.
- Innovation Promotion: If the new employer is a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) recognized by the Minister of Justice.
- Research and Development Ratio: If the new employer is an SME and its experimental research expenses exceed 3% of sales. Since these bonus points depend on the nature of the company, it is advisable to confirm in advance whether the prospective employer qualifies for these categories.
Required Procedure: Application for Change of Status of Residence#
When changing the Designated Organization, the required procedure is formally called an “Application for Change of Status of Residence,” not an “Application for Extension of Period of Stay.” Although moving from “Highly Skilled Professional” to “Highly Skilled Professional” might seem like an extension, legally, it is treated as a “change” because the designated organization—a core condition of the status—is changing.
Examination Period and Start of Work#
In principle, an HSP (i) holder cannot begin working at the new company as a Highly Skilled Professional until the new Residence Card (and Designation Paper) is issued. The standard processing time is approximately two weeks to one month, but it can take longer depending on the case. It is essential to plan the application carefully to ensure permission is granted before the start date of the new job, avoiding any period of unauthorized work or gaps in employment eligibility.
What if the Score Falls Below 70 Points?#
If the recalculation reveals that the score is below 70 points, the HSP status cannot be maintained. in such cases, the applicant must consider applying for a change to a standard working visa, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” provided they meet the academic or professional experience requirements for that specific status.
Conclusion#
For holders of the Highly Skilled Professional (i) status, changing jobs involves more than a simple notification; it requires a substantive re-examination. Points are reset and recalculated based on the situation at the time of the new application.
Factors such as point reduction due to age and fluctuations based on the new salary offer are critical elements that directly affect the outcome. Before deciding to change jobs, it is indispensable to simulate the point calculation carefully. Applicants must ensure they can secure at least 70 points under the new conditions or identify new sources of points (such as improved Japanese language proficiency or a newly acquired degree) to ensure a stable career continuation in Japan.