Validity Period of Japanese Language Proficiency Proof for Highly Skilled Professional Points and Procedures for Lost Certificates#

In Japan’s immigration system, the “Highly Skilled Professional” (HSP) status allows applicants to receive preferential treatment if they score 70 or 80 points or more based on categories such as academic background, work experience, annual income, and Japanese language proficiency. In this point calculation, Japanese language proficiency is a significant factor, allowing applicants to add up to 15 points (equivalent to JLPT N1) or 10 points (equivalent to JLPT N2).

However, during the preparation process, many applicants face questions such as, “Is my JLPT certificate from many years ago still valid?” or “What should I do if I have lost my certificate?” This article provides a detailed explanation of the validity period of Japanese language proficiency proof for HSP applications, the specific procedures to follow if documents are lost, and other relevant precautions.

Validity Period of Japanese Language Proof#

In immigration procedures, many documents typically have an expiration date, such as “within three months of issuance” (e.g., certificate of residence or tax certificates). However, documents proving Japanese language proficiency generally do not have an expiration date for immigration purposes.

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)#

The certification results of the JLPT do not expire. Therefore, even if you passed N1 (or the old Level 1) 10 years ago, the certificate is still valid as proof of your current Japanese ability for HSP point calculation.

While many universities or companies may require scores obtained “within the past two years” for admissions or hiring, the Immigration Services Agency generally treats the ability as maintained once certified (unless there are special circumstances). Furthermore, Level 1 and Level 2 of the “old test” administered before the 2010 revision are recognized as equivalent to the current N1 and N2, respectively.

BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test#

Similarly, the BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test) score does not expire for immigration purposes. For HSP points, scores are evaluated as follows:

• 480 points or higher: 15 points (equivalent to JLPT N1)
• 400 points or higher: 10 points (equivalent to JLPT N2)

Although the testing organization or past systems may mention validity periods for other purposes, in the practice of immigration applications, the score report functions effectively as proof regardless of when it was obtained.

Procedures for Lost Certificates#

It is common to lose original “Certificates of Proficiency” due to moving or the passage of time. If you cannot present the original document, you cannot prove your points. In this case, you must apply for reissuance.

Reissuing JLPT Documents#

The original “Certificate of Proficiency” (the diploma-style document) is generally not reissued. Instead, you must apply for a “Certificate of Result and Scores.” This is an official document that holds the same validity as the original certificate.

• If you took the test in Japan: Apply for the issuance through the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) website.
• If you took the test overseas: Apply through the local institution where you took the test or through The Japan Foundation.

Issuance typically takes about one to two weeks, and potentially longer including mailing time. If your application deadline is approaching, you should initiate this procedure immediately.

Reissuing BJT Score Reports#

For the BJT, you can also request the reissuance of a score report through the operating organization’s website. While digital certificates may be issued, immigration applications generally require a printout that includes a mechanism for verification (such as a query URL or code) or an official paper certificate.

Alternative Proof: University Major in Japanese#

Even if you have not taken the JLPT, there is another route to earn points for Japanese language proficiency: graduating from a foreign university with a major in Japanese.

In this case, 15 points (equivalent to N1) are awarded. The required documents are:

1. Graduation Certificate (Diploma): Proving that you have obtained a degree.
2. Academic Transcript: Clearly stating that you “Majored” in Japanese.

Simply taking a few Japanese language classes as electives is not sufficient; it must be a “Major.” In some universities, the department might be named “Japanese Studies.” The transcript must demonstrate that the curriculum was primarily focused on Japanese language education.

Important Points for Application#

When submitting Japanese language proficiency proof for HSP applications, please note the following:

Name Changes#

If your surname has changed due to marriage or other reasons, the name on the certificate may not match your current passport. In this case, you must submit an official document (such as a marriage certificate or family register) that records the history of your name change to prove that the documents belong to the same person.

Presentation of Originals and Submission of Copies#

For counter applications, you generally present the Original for verification and submit a Copy. For online applications, you upload PDF data, but you must keep the original (or the officially reissued Certificate of Result and Scores) safe, as the examiner may request the original to be mailed for verification.

Multiple Proofs#

If you hold multiple qualifications, such as “JLPT N1” and “BJT 500 points,” you can only add a maximum of 15 points for the Japanese language category. Submitting both does not result in 30 points. It is sufficient to choose and submit the one document that most reliably proves your eligibility. However, if you have N2 (10 points) and a university major in Japanese (15 points), it is rational to use the “university major” proof to secure the higher point value.

Conclusion#

The key takeaways regarding Japanese language proof for Highly Skilled Professional points are:

1. There is no expiration date for JLPT or BJT scores under Immigration rules (even 10-year-old certificates are valid).
2. If you lose your certificate, apply to the testing organization for a “Certificate of Result and Scores.”
3. Even without a test score, majoring in Japanese at a foreign university qualifies for points.

Since reissuing documents takes time, checking your documents early in the preparation stage and initiating reissuance procedures immediately if they are missing is the first step toward a smooth examination process.