Professor Visa: Requirements, Income, Part-Time Work, and Permanent Residency
Professor Visa: Requirements, Income, Part-Time Work, and Permanent Residency
If someone staying in Japan on an “Instructor” or “Researcher” visa secures a teaching position at a university or vocational school, they must change their visa status to a “Professor” visa. Additionally, if a part-time lecturer on a one-year Professor visa is promoted to a tenured professor with an indefinite employment period, they may apply to renew their visa for a five-year period.
This article explains the requirements for obtaining a Professor visa (Residency Status: “Professor”), as well as the procedures for changing or renewing this visa.
What is the Residency Status “Professor” (Professor Visa)?
This section explains the requirements for obtaining a Professor visa and how it differs from similar residency statuses.
About the Residency Status “Professor”
The Professor visa (Residency Status: “Professor”) is a work visa designed to invite foreign professors to Japan to contribute to the advancement of academic research and higher education.
Requirements
To obtain a Professor visa, the applicant must engage in research, guidance, or education at a Japanese university, an equivalent institution, or a college of technology.
Period of Stay
The period of stay for a Professor visa is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.
Eligible Institutions and Activities
The institutions eligible for a Professor visa include:
- Universities and Colleges of Technology:
- Four-year universities
- Six-year universities
- Junior colleges
- Graduate schools
- University-affiliated research institutes
- Colleges of technology
- Institutions Equivalent to Universities:
- Fisheries University
- Maritime University
- Aviation University
- National Defense Academy
- National Defense Medical College
- National Institute of Technology, etc.
- University-Use Institutions:
- National Astronomical Observatory
- National Institute of Polar Research
- National Institute of Genetics, etc.
- Institutions Similar to Universities:
- University Entrance Examination Center
- National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education, etc.
The activities permitted under a Professor visa include “research, research guidance, or education,” such as conducting research, guiding undergraduate and graduate students, and teaching lectures or practical courses.
The Requirements for a Professor Visa Are Somewhat Strict
The Professor visa has relatively strict requirements due to the limited range of eligible institutions and the need to meet income criteria. If the requirements are not fully met, the applicant may instead qualify for a “Researcher” visa.
Institutions Not Eligible for a Professor Visa
If the institution where the applicant will work does not qualify as a university or equivalent, the applicant will not meet the requirements for a Professor visa. Examples of ineligible institutions include:
- Universities established by corporations, foundations, school corporations, or NPOs
- Small and Medium Enterprise University, Social Insurance University, or prefectural agricultural colleges
- Police academies and other government-affiliated institutions
Permanent Residency Requires 10 Years of Residency and Other Conditions
Holders of work visas, including the Professor visa, may apply for permanent residency if they meet the following conditions (Immigration Control Act, Article 22):
- Good conduct
- Sufficient assets or skills to support oneself
- No criminal record involving fines or more severe penalties
- Proper fulfillment of public obligations (e.g., tax payments)
- Currently holding the maximum period of stay (5 years for Professor visa holders)
- Continuous residency in Japan for 10 years, including at least 5 years of work
However, Professor visa holders who qualify as “Highly Skilled Professionals (Type 1-i)” and score 70 or more points under the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Point System may apply for permanent residency after just 1 year (or 3 years). Even without reaching 70 points, permanent residency may still be granted after 5 years of residency if the individual has made significant contributions to Japan in the fields of education or research.
Note:
- Highly Skilled Professional visas are limited to a 5-year stay, so permanent residency applications under this system are effectively limited to those with indefinite employment contracts.
- Part-time lecturers rarely have contracts lasting 5 years, making permanent residency applications feasible only for full-time professors.
Income Requirements for Part-Time Lecturers, Including Part-Time Work
Part-time lecturers can also obtain a Professor visa. However, they must demonstrate that their income from visa-related activities is sufficient to support their livelihood. If income from visa-related activities is insufficient, they may supplement it with part-time work by obtaining permission for additional activities.
Important:
- If income from part-time work exceeds income from visa-related activities, the Professor visa may be revoked.
Permission for Additional Activities Is Required in Some Cases
Professor visa holders who wish to engage in side jobs or part-time work must apply for “Permission for Additional Activities” from the Immigration Bureau. This permission is typically granted on a case-by-case basis and does not usually include general part-time jobs like convenience store or supermarket work.
Differences Between the Professor Visa and Other Visas
Differences from the Researcher Visa
- Eligible Institutions: The Researcher visa allows research at private companies, approved corporations, and special corporations, while the Professor visa is limited to universities and equivalent institutions.
- Activities: The Researcher visa does not permit research guidance or education, which are allowed under the Professor visa.
- Landing Permission Criteria: The Professor visa has no landing permission criteria, while the Researcher visa requires a master’s degree or 3+ years of research experience in the field (or 10+ years of practical experience).
Differences from the Instructor Visa
- Eligible Institutions: The Professor visa applies to universities and equivalent institutions, while the Instructor visa applies to elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, vocational schools, and similar institutions.
How to Change or Renew the Visa
Change of Residency Status and Renewal of Period of Stay
If the applicant meets the requirements for a Professor visa, they can apply to change their visa status or renew their period of stay. Even if the application is denied, reapplication is possible, though the criteria may become stricter.
Considerations for Application Approval
- Good conduct
- Sufficient assets or skills to support oneself
- Proper fulfillment of tax obligations
Change of Residency Status
Application Process
- Confirm the requirements and necessary documents.
- Submit the application for Change of Residency Status and supporting documents to the regional immigration bureau or through the online application system.
- Await the review.
- Receive the result.
- If approved, collect the new residence card.
Required Documents
- Application form
- Photo (4cm x 3cm)
- Passport
- Residence card
- For part-time lecturers: A document from the institution detailing the applicant’s activities, period, position, and compensation
Processing Time and Fees
The review process typically takes 1-2 months. The application fee is 4,000 yen (paid via revenue stamp).
Renewal of Period of Stay
Application Process
The process is similar to the change of residency status, but additional documents proving past activities, income, and tax payments are required.
Required Documents
- Application form
- Passport
- Residence card
- Recent photo
- Documents proving past activities, position, and income
- Tax certificate for the previous year
Processing Time and Fees
The review process usually takes 2 weeks to 1 month. The fee is 4,000 yen.
Accompanying Family Members
Family members of Professor visa holders can obtain dependent visas. These visas must be renewed alongside the Professor visa. If the Professor visa holder’s renewal is denied, the dependent visas will also become invalid. However, if the Professor visa holder leaves Japan, the dependent visas remain valid until the expiration date.
Points to Note When Changing to a Professor Visa
- Visa applications take time, so apply well before the current visa expires.
- The Professor visa is relatively difficult to obtain due to strict requirements.
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or denials.
Conclusion
While the number of documents required for a Professor visa application is not excessive, the strict scrutiny of activities and income necessitates thorough preparation. To ensure a smooth application process, consider consulting an immigration specialist or administrative scrivener with expertise in visa applications.
If you are a university representative looking to hire a foreign researcher or promote a part-time lecturer to a tenured position, we recommend seeking assistance from a visa specialist.