How to Check if Your University Qualifies for Bonus Points on Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional Visa#

Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a preferential immigration program based on a point system. It evaluates an applicant’s background, including academic history, professional experience, and annual salary. Those who score 70 points or more are granted special treatment in immigration procedures.

Within this point-based system, academic background is a significant factor. Specifically, applicants who have graduated from a top-tier university featured on certain global rankings can receive an additional 10 bonus points. Accurately determining whether your alma mater qualifies for this bonus is a crucial step in preparing your application.

This article provides a clear and precise guide on how to verify if your university is eligible for these bonus points.

The Three Eligible University Rankings#

First, it is important to know which university rankings are recognized by the Ministry of Justice for this point-based system. The three designated rankings are:

1. QS World University Rankings
2. THE World University Rankings
3. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, also known as the Shanghai Ranking)

The most critical rule is that a university must be listed on at least two of these three rankings to qualify for the 10-point bonus. Being listed on only one of the rankings is not sufficient.

Step-by-Step Verification Process#

There are two primary methods to check if your university is on the eligible list. The most reliable approach is to consult the official list published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).

Step 1: Check the Official List from the Immigration Services Agency#

The most accurate and efficient way to confirm eligibility is by directly checking the list of “universities eligible for bonus points” published on the ISA’s official website.

1. Visit the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. You can find it by searching for terms like “Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa” or “Immigration Services Agency of Japan.”
2. Locate the PDF or Excel file titled something similar to “List of Eligible Universities for Point Addition.” This document is usually found within the section detailing the point-based system for highly skilled professionals. The list contains the names of all universities that appear on at least two of the three specified rankings, typically in alphabetical order.
3. Search for the name of your university on the list. Ensure you use the official and full name of the institution.

This official list is updated periodically. It is essential to check the most recent version available at the time you are preparing your application. If your university is on this list, it qualifies for the bonus points.

Step 2: Manually Check Each Official Ranking Website#

If you cannot find your university on the official list, or if you wish to verify the latest ranking information yourself, you can check each of the ranking websites directly.

1. Access the official websites of the three rankings. Search for “QS World University Rankings,” “THE World University Rankings,” and “Academic Ranking of World Universities.”
2. On each site, check if your university is included in their latest ranking. Use the search function to find your institution. The specific rank does not matter; what is important is its inclusion in the ranking.
3. Confirm that your university is listed on at least two of the three rankings. For example, if it appears on both the QS and THE rankings, it qualifies. A combination of ARWU and QS would also be valid. By performing this check yourself, you can determine your eligibility.

Important Points to Note#

When conducting your verification, there are several key points to keep in mind.

• Type of Degree: The bonus points are awarded for earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an eligible university. Diplomas or certificates from junior colleges, community colleges, or vocational schools are not eligible for this specific academic bonus.
• University Name Changes or Mergers: If your university changed its name or merged with another institution after your graduation, you should check for its current name on the list. You may be required to submit official documents (such as an announcement on the university’s website) proving the name change or merger as part of your application.
• Required Documents: For the application, you must submit a copy of your graduation certificate or diploma to prove that you have obtained the degree. Even if you verified your university’s eligibility by checking the ranking websites yourself, you are generally not required to submit printouts of the ranking pages. However, it is a good idea to know which rankings your university was listed on in case an immigration officer asks for clarification.

Conclusion#

For applicants of the Highly Skilled Professional visa, the 10 bonus points awarded for graduating from a top-ranked university can be a significant advantage. To confirm your eligibility, the most reliable method is to consult the official list published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. If your university is not on the list or you prefer to check yourself, ensure it is listed on at least two of the three designated world university rankings. A successful application depends on thorough preparation based on accurate information.