I graduated from a vocational school and will work in accounting. Is that all right for a work visa?
Foreigners Employment Support Organization (FESO) ／ Published ／ Last updated
This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Answer
There is a good chance that you meet the requirements. If you studied bookkeeping and business administration at a vocational school, and work with a high degree of specialisation, such as closing the accounts and budget management, makes up the main part of your job, then it does not matter that routine tasks such as data entry are included. What matters is explaining clearly, in your 理由書 (written explanation), how the knowledge from your studies is used in the work.
What is this enquiry about?
An enquiry from someone who graduated from a vocational school in Japan and is moving to an accounting job.
Subject: status of residence (visa)
Application type: change of status
Situation: Vietnamese national, 25 years old. Currently working under 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」. A new job has been agreed, where the enquirer will handle accounting work. After finishing high school in their home country, the enquirer came to Japan, attended a Japanese language school, and graduated from the international business department of a business vocational school in Japan. Subjects taken include bookkeeping, business administration, human resources and labour management, and trade administration.
Work at the new employer: closing the accounts, budget management, entering shift data for part-time staff, checking daily sales POS data and entering it into Excel, and entering data into accounting software
Question: With this educational background, is there any problem with 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 for accounting work that includes specialised tasks such as closing the accounts and budget management?
Will a vocational school qualification be accepted?
There is a good chance that it will be. The link with the subjects you took is the key.
「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 covers work that uses specialised knowledge or skills acquired at a university or a vocational school. The following points work in your favour.
Having graduated from a vocational school in Japan You can show that you acquired specialised knowledge at an educational institution in Japan
What you studied Having taken subjects related to accounting work, such as bookkeeping, business administration, human resources and labour management, and trade administration. Bookkeeping in particular is the basis of accounting work, and it counts for a great deal in showing that the work is specialised
The title of 「専門士」 (Diploma) If you already hold it, or are expected to obtain it, the specialised nature of your studies is rated more highly
What matters is explaining specifically how the knowledge you gained through your studies relates to the work you are about to do, and how it will be used.
Is it all right if routine tasks are mixed in?
There is no problem as long as work with a high degree of specialisation makes up the main part.
This status of residence covers work that requires 「専門的・技術的な知識」 (specialised or technical knowledge). Simple routine work or routine clerical work on its own is not covered. However, if the following points are met, there is a good chance that permission will be given.
The main part of the work Work with a high degree of specialisation, such as closing the accounts and budget management, has to make up the main part. Make clear that entering shift data and checking POS data are no more than incidental tasks
Closing the accounts This is the work of preparing financial statements, and advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting is essential
Budget management This is the work of drawing up budgets, comparing them with actual results and proposing improvements, and it calls for knowledge of business administration and financial analysis
Where responsibility lies Being trusted with important work is proof that the work is specialised
What should I prepare?
The wording of the employment contract, material about the company, and the 理由書.
The contents of the employment contract Work with a high degree of specialisation, such as 「決算処理」 (closing the accounts) and 「予算管理」 (budget management), should be clearly set out as the main job description
The company's stability and continuity Show, with a certificate of registered matters and financial statements, that the company is able to employ a foreign national on a stable basis and to pay proper remuneration
理由書 Explain in detail how your studies relate to the work, and how specialised the work is. Rather than relying on the name of your department alone, it is also effective to obtain your academic transcript and to show, subject by subject, which part of the work each one is used in
What notification do I have to make after changing jobs?
Within 14 days of starting work, you have to submit the 所属機関に関する届出.
Once you start work at the new employer, you have a duty to submit the 「所属機関に関する届出」 (Notification of the Accepting Organization) to the 地方出入国在留管理局 (Regional Immigration Services Bureau) within 14 days. This is separate from the application to change your status of residence, so please do not forget it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 with a vocational school qualification rather than a university degree?
You may be able to. What matters is showing specifically how the subjects you took relate to the contents of the work.
Is it all right if routine tasks such as data entry are included in the work?
There is no problem as long as work with a high degree of specialisation makes up the main part. Please make clear that the routine tasks are incidental.
What should I write in the 理由書?
How the knowledge you gained through your studies is used in the work. It is effective to obtain your academic transcript and explain the link subject by subject.
By when do I have to notify a change of job?
Within 14 days of starting work. It is a separate procedure from the application to change your status of residence.
This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.
