How IT Engineers Should Write a Resume for Permanent Residence via the Highly Skilled Professional Route#

In the Japanese immigration system, the “Highly Skilled Professional” (HSP) visa status is garnering significant attention as a fast track to Permanent Residence (PR). While standard PR applications typically require 10 years of residency, HSP holders with 70 points or more can apply after just 3 years, and those with 80 points or more can apply after only 1 year.

IT engineers, in particular, often find it easier to accumulate high scores due to their years of work experience, annual salary levels, and possession of specific IT qualifications. However, to substantiate the points claimed—especially those for “practical work experience”—a properly drafted work history (Curriculum Vitae/Resume) is essential. This article explains the specific methods and considerations for IT engineers writing a work history for HSP Permanent Residence applications.

The Role of the CV in HSP Applications#

While a CV for job hunting aims to showcase skills to win an offer, a CV for immigration applications serves primarily as “proof of facts.” Immigration examiners strictly review whether the points self-assessed by the applicant (particularly years of experience) are truthful based on the submitted documents.

For IT engineers, simply stating “engaged in system development” is insufficient. It must be demonstrated that the work falls under specialized categories such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b)” under the Immigration Control Act. It is necessary to objectively show that the applicant was engaged in duties requiring engineering knowledge, rather than simple labor or purely administrative tasks.

Detailing Project Descriptions#

Immigration examiners are not necessarily IT experts. Therefore, rather than merely listing technical jargon, it is crucial to describe the work in a way that clearly conveys the role performed. It is recommended to organize and list the following items for each project:

1. Duration (Year/Month): List dates without gaps.
2. Project Name & Description: Provide specific details.
3. Development Environment: Clearly state programming languages used (Java, Python, etc.), Operating Systems (Linux, Windows, etc.), Databases (Oracle, MySQL, etc.), and frameworks. This serves as evidence of technical specialization.
4. Assigned Phases: Clarify which phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) were handled, such as requirements definition, basic design, detailed design, implementation (coding), testing, or maintenance. Experience in “upstream processes” (requirements/design) can particularly substantiate a high level of expertise.
5. Role: State the position held, such as Project Manager (PM), Project Leader, or Team Member.

For example, instead of just writing “Core banking system development,” a more desirable description would be: “Responsible for detailed design and implementation of a banking settlement system using Java. Also conducted progress management as a team leader of 5 members.”

Calculation and Proof of Practical Experience#

In the HSP point calculation table, years of practical work experience carry significant weight. For IT engineers, 3 or more years of experience yield 5 points, 5 or more years yield 10 points, 7 or more years yield 15 points, and 10 or more years yield 20 points.

The duration listed in the CV must perfectly match the “Certificate of Employment” submitted separately. For engineers who have changed jobs frequently, Certificates of Employment must be obtained from all previous employers relevant to the claim, and the periods are aggregated to calculate the points. If there are discrepancies between the dates in the CV and the Certificates of Employment, it may cause prolonged examination or requests for further explanation. Furthermore, part-time jobs unrelated to IT work or periods of employment not involving technical elements cannot be included in these years of practical experience.

Consistency with Organization Category and Annual Salary#

In PR applications via the HSP route, the category of the current contracting organization and the applicant’s annual salary are also subject to review. Ideally, the CV should demonstrate that the current duties are of a high level and are consistent with the high annual salary being received.

Additionally, if there is experience as a freelancer (sole proprietor), the reality of this work must be proven through contracts or tax return documents. However, even in the CV, it is necessary to clearly state which clients were served and what technical services were provided.

Relevance to Educational Background#

Ideally, the work history of an IT engineer should relate to their major at university or vocational school. This is particularly scrutinized when the applicant has fewer years of practical experience; the consistency between their educational background and job content is examined closely. If the applicant graduated from a faculty other than Information Engineering (e.g., Humanities), carefully explaining in the CV how IT skills were acquired and applied in practice can assist the examiner’s understanding.

Conclusion#

The work history (CV) for IT engineers applying for Permanent Residence as Highly Skilled Professionals is one of the most critical documents for proving the validity of the point calculation. Unlike self-promotion documents for job hunting, immigration requires accurate descriptions based on facts, complete consistency with Certificates of Employment, and clarity that can be understood by non-specialist examiners. striving for an objective and sincere presentation is the first step toward a smooth examination process.