Addressing Discrepancies Between Self-Assessment and Supporting Documents in the Points-Based Preferential Immigration Treatment#

Japan’s “Highly Skilled Professional” (HSP) visa status offers preferential immigration treatment based on a point calculation system. Applicants are evaluated on categories such as academic background, professional career history, annual income, and research achievements. If the total score reaches 70 points or more, the applicant is granted permission.

However, a critical issue frequently arises during the application process: a discrepancy between the points “self-declared” by the applicant and the points officially “recognized” by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan based on the submitted supporting documents. This article explores why these discrepancies occur, the specific categories where errors are common, and how the Immigration Bureau handles such inconsistencies.

The Nature of the Point Calculation System#

It is essential to understand that the Point Calculation Table is not merely a self-assessment survey; it is a legal checklist requiring strict evidentiary proof. When an applicant marks a category on the table, they bear the burden of proof to demonstrate that they meet that specific criterion through objective documentation.

The immigration examiners do not accept the calculation table at face value. They verify each point against the attached documents (e.g., diplomas, employment certificates, tax records). If the documents do not explicitly support the claim, the points are deducted. Therefore, bridging the gap between subjective self-assessment and objective evidence is the most crucial step in the application process.

Common Areas of Discrepancy#

While any category can be subject to scrutiny, discrepancies most frequently occur in the following three areas:

1. Practical Experience (Professional Career History)#

Applicants often calculate their years of experience based on their resume, but immigration standards are far stricter regarding what counts as valid “practical experience.”

• Relevance of Duties: Experience is only counted if it is relevant to the proposed activities in Japan. For instance, if an applicant is applying for an engineering position, previous experience in a purely administrative or sales role might not be counted as valid engineering experience.
• Documentation Quality: A Certificate of Employment that only lists the company name and duration of employment is often insufficient. The document must explicitly state the nature of the duties performed. Without this detail, examiners cannot verify the relevance of the experience, leading to point deductions.
• Exclusion of Part-Time Work: Work experience gained as a student (part-time jobs or arubaito) or internships generally does not count towards the professional career history points. Applicants often mistakenly include these periods to reach a threshold (e.g., 3 years or 5 years), only to have them rejected.
• Overlapping Periods: If an applicant worked two jobs simultaneously or studied while working, the overlapping period is counted only once. Double-counting these periods is a common calculation error.

2. Annual Income (Remuneration)#

The definition of “Annual Income” for the HSP visa is specific and often misunderstood. It refers to the projected annual remuneration to be received from the contracting organization in Japan, not necessarily the past income.

• Fixed vs. Variable Income: The calculated amount must be the confirmed, fixed salary. Overtime pay (which is variable) and performance-based bonuses that are not guaranteed cannot be included in the point calculation. Applicants often inflate their projected income by estimating overtime, but the Immigration Bureau only recognizes what is contractually guaranteed.
• Consistency with Contracts: The amount declared on the point sheet must match the amount stated in the Employment Contract or Notice of Working Conditions exactly. A discrepancy here suggests either a false declaration or an unstable employment offer.

3. Academic Background and Dual Degrees#

Academic points seem straightforward but contain nuances regarding “Multiple Degrees” and “MBAs.”

• MBA Recognition: There is a specific bonus for holders of a Master of Business Administration (MBA). However, not all MBA degrees qualify. The degree usually needs to be from an institution accredited by specific organizations to receive the “professional degree” bonus points. A standard master’s degree in economics or management might not qualify for the extra MBA bonus, resulting in a lower score than anticipated.
• Double Degrees: To claim points for holding two or more doctoral or master’s degrees, the degrees must be distinct and conferred separately.

How Discrepancies Are Handled During Examination#

When an examiner identifies a discrepancy between the self-declaration and the evidence, the following procedures generally apply:

1. Deduction of Points: The examiner will recalculate the score based solely on the proven facts. For example, if an applicant claimed 15 points for 5 years of experience but only proved 4 years, the points for that category might drop to zero or a lower tier.
2. Denial Below 70 Points: If the recalculation causes the total score to fall below 70 points, the application will be denied. The HSP visa is strictly points-based; 65 points is a rejection, regardless of how talented the applicant may be.
3. Request for Additional Documents: If the examiner believes the points might exist but the evidence is unclear, they may issue a directive for the submission of additional materials. This gives the applicant a chance to clarify, but it significantly delays the processing time.

Conclusion#

The “Self-Declaration” regarding the Highly Skilled Professional Point Calculation Table must be treated with the utmost seriousness. It is not an estimation; it is a claim of facts backed by legal evidence.

To ensure a successful application, applicants must rigorously audit their own documents before submission. If a point cannot be proven by a certificate, a degree, or a contract clause, it should not be claimed. When the total score is exactly 70 or 75 points, the risk of a single discrepancy leading to rejection is high. Therefore, a conservative calculation—counting only what is undeniably provable—is the safest approach to navigating the Japanese immigration system.