Highly Skilled Professional (ii)
HSP (i) holders who have worked 3+ years and want a near-permanent, indefinite work status.
The Highly Skilled Professional (ii) is a Japanese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant (change of status)) and processing time (~2 weeks-2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) is for
HSP (i) holders who have worked 3+ years and want a near-permanent, indefinite work status.
Already near-permanent; holders typically also qualify for full permanent residence.
Highly Skilled Professional (ii) - eligibility criteria
- Held Highly Skilled Professional (i) for at least 3 years
- Maintained 70+ points throughout
- Continued lawful HSP activity in Japan
- Good compliance and tax/pension record
Highly Skilled Professional (ii) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status), with an indicative processing time of ~2 weeks-2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Points-based |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Change of status filed in Japan |
| Length of stay | Indefinite (no fixed expiry) |
| Work rights | Almost unrestricted work across nearly all employment-based activities |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status) |
| Processing time | ~2 weeks-2 months |
| Route to PR | Already near-permanent; holders typically also qualify for full permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Already near-permanent; holders typically also qualify for full permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare HSP (i) · Highly Skilled Professional (i), Permanent Resident · Permanent Resident (Eijuken). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Highly Skilled Professional (ii) pitfalls we fix
Highly Skilled Professional (ii) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) cost?
The Highly Skilled Professional (ii) government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant (change of status). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 weeks-2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Highly Skilled Professional (ii) lead to permanent residence?
Already near-permanent; holders typically also qualify for full permanent residence.
Can I work on the Highly Skilled Professional (ii)?
Work rights: Almost unrestricted work across nearly all employment-based activities.
Who can apply for the Highly Skilled Professional (ii)?
HSP (i) holders who have worked 3+ years and want a near-permanent, indefinite work status.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority