Converting from Intracompany Transferee Visa to Engineer / Specialist Visa in Japan: A Guide for Indian Professionals
If you're an Indian employee working in Japan under an Intra-company Transferee (Intra-company) visa, you may want to switch to the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa (often simply “Engineer visa”) for greater flexibility to change employers or roles within Japan. This guide walks you through the process, eligibility, documentation, and best practices.
1. What is Intra-company vs Engineer visa?
Intra-company Transferee visa: For employees transferred within the same multinational company; you’re usually limited to working for the same employer or subsidiaries.
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa: Allows you to work for a broader range of companies in technical, IT, engineering, science, design, or international service roles.
Switching to this visa gives you more employment flexibility in Japan.
2. Eligibility Requirements
To convert from Intra-company to Engineer visa, you generally need to satisfy the following criteria:
Requirement What’s Needed / Notes
Academic or experience requirements Bachelor’s degree in engineering, IT, science, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
Employment contract in relevant field You must have a job offer in a role qualifying under “Engineer / Humanities / International Services”
Monthly salary / income level Salary comparable to engineer-level positions (consistent with Japanese market)
Sponsor company compliance The employer must be registered, have a legitimate business in Japan, and meet immigration office standards
No outstanding visa issues Your current Intra-company visa status must be valid (not expired)
3. Documents You’ll Need
Below is a typical list of required documents — but check with your local immigration office since requirements can differ by region.
Visa Change Application Form (Change of Status of Residence)
Valid passport and residence card
Recent photograph (passport size)
Letter of employment / contract (with role title, salary, duties)
Company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration
Business Reports / Income Statements
Tax filings
Company profile
Your academic credentials / certificates
Resume / CV
Reference letters / work experience proof (if relying on experience)
Explanation / reason letter: Why you seek the visa change
Other supporting documents:
Evidence the job duties match engineer / specialist roles
Proof of company finances
Office lease or address proof
4. Application Process & Timing
Prepare documents
Submit to Immigration Bureau (Regional Immigration Office in Japan)
Pay the application fee
Wait for review – It typically takes 1 to 3 months for a decision
If approved, your visa status will be changed to Engineer / Specialist
During the review, immigration may request additional documents or explanations, such as clearer descriptions of your technical duties or proof of company operations.
5. Tips & Common Pitfalls
Use clear job duty descriptions — align with technical or engineering tasks (e.g. system development, design, network engineering)
Don’t try to justify roles loosely (e.g. “office admin with some IT”)
Ensure your employer is credible and financially stable
Submit clean, well-organized documents — missing or unclear paperwork often causes delays
If your current visa is near expiry, start early
Sometimes, if you change employer, you might apply for a new Engineer visa instead of change of status
6. Sample Timeline
Time Action
Month 0 You get an offer for an engineering-related position
Month 0–1 Gather documents and company papers
Month 1 Submit application to Immigration Bureau
Month 2–3 Wait for decision
Month 3 Receive new visa status as Engineer / Specialist
7. Why It’s Beneficial for Indian Professionals
More job flexibility (you can change companies within Japan)
Greater recognition of skills in technical / IT sectors
Easier path to permanent residence later
More manageable paperwork compared to Intra-company constraints
