RResidents in Japan

Clarification: New Language Requirement for Engineer/Specialist Visa

  • April 4, 2026

There is significant misinformation circulating about this proposed change. Here are the facts:

1. This is NOT a blanket N2 requirement.

The proposed requirement applies only where the job itself requires Japanese. If the role does not require Japanese, this requirement does not apply. FULL STOP.

2. The standard is CEFR B2, not JLPT

The requirement is based on CEFR B2-level proficiency, not JLPT specifically.

JLPT N2 is one example of an accepted test result, but other tests may also be accepted.

A partial list of tests that are expected to meet the requirements:

  • JLPT (Classroom 2/year)
  • NAT-TEST (Classroom 6/year)
  • JLCT (Classroom 10/year)
  • BJT (Computer based at most Pearson centers on demand)
  • J-CAT (FREE on demand online testing – should be accepted) *Corrected
  • And others.

3. This applies only to new entrants

  • Applies only to new visa applicants entering Japan
  • Does not apply to current residents
  • International students switching status are explicitly exempt

4. The actual target: misuse of the visa system

This policy is aimed at companies abusing the Engineer/Specialist/International Services visa by bringing workers in under a “skilled” visa then assigning them to unskilled or non-tqualifying work.

5. Crackdown on abusive employers

The policy also closes a known loophole: companies that are banned from hiring under the Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker programs due to abuse (e.g. unpaid wages, assault, labour violations) will also be barred from hiring under this visa category during their suspension period.

TLDR:

  • This is a targeted enforcement measure, not a broad restriction.
  • It does not affect current residents, only new entrants.
  • It primarily affects non-compliant employers, not legitimate applicants.
  • There is no universal N2 requirement for this visa.
  • It is not pegged to JLPT, there are numerous options to take compliant tests.

by Orin_Scrivello_DDS

12 comments

  3. >4. The actual target: misuse of the visa system
    This policy is aimed at companies abusing the Engineer/Specialist/International Services visa by bringing workers in under a “skilled” visa then assigning them to unskilled or non-tqualifying work.

    Exactly. I often see posts claiming this is some kind of anti‑foreigner policy, but this is the real purpose. Everything has a reason behind it, yet so many people start making noise without even trying to understand it, and that’s honestly frustrating.

  5. Thanks for this post , I admit I was worried for a second, the media reporting on it make it sounds like it’s gonna become a hard requirements for everyone 

  8. Misusers will misuse…

    and timing wise having N2 or equivalent before coming here presupposes quite a bit of studying beforehand. Who’s gonna do that with weak Yen and weak salaries and weak language reach limited to one country worldwide?

    Competition with other regional centres operating in English will be tough for anyone not from poorest countries.

  9. It’s insane the amount of monolingual people that feel borderline insulted to be asked to improve their language skill on the country they voluntarily decide to move in.

  10. I guess a lot of job applications will no longer be needing Japanese…

  12. Just an fyi but J-CAT hasn’t been free for a while now. They don’t allow individual signups anymore either.

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