Document checklist
São Tomé and Príncipe → Japan: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence: Work Visa
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
6 itemsIdentity
Valid passport
RequiredYour original passport, still valid, with free pages for the visa.
Source: Embassy of Japan in the United States, Visa (COE holders)
Visa application form with photo
RequiredA filled-in visa application form with one recent passport-style photo attached. Bring the COE (original or a printed copy of an electronic COE) with you when you apply.
Source: Embassy of Japan in the United States, Visa (COE holders)
Purpose of travel
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
RequiredBefore you apply for a work visa, you need a Certificate of Eligibility from Japan's immigration authorities. Your Japanese employer normally applies for it on your behalf at their local immigration office, using the Application for Certificate of Eligibility form. You then bring the COE to a Japanese embassy or consulate to get your visa.
Employment
Employment contract or letter of appointment
RequiredA document from your employer confirming your job offer, such as an employment contract or an appointment letter, is part of the Certificate of Eligibility application your employer files.
Other
Extra company documents, depending on your employer's category
RequiredImmigration sorts sponsoring employers into 4 categories, based on things like whether they're listed on a stock exchange or how much withholding tax they pay. Categories 1 and 2 (larger, well-established employers) need very little beyond the basic documents. Categories 3 and 4 (most other employers, including new or small companies) must also submit company registration papers, a description of the business, and financial or tax documents. Your employer's HR or immigration contact will know which category applies and what to prepare.
Proof of your degree or work experience
RequiredThis status usually needs a university (or equivalent) degree related to the job, or at least 10 years of relevant professional experience where a related degree is allowed to be substituted. Your employer includes proof of this, such as a diploma or an experience certificate, in the Certificate of Eligibility application.
Why applications on this route get refused
Missing documents with no explanation
The Immigration Services Agency reviews applications against its checklist. Incomplete applications, for example missing one of the category-specific company documents, significantly delay the review.
How to avoid it: Confirm your employer's category with them, use the matching checklist, and make sure every listed document is included before your employer submits the application.
Job duties don't match your degree or experience
This status is only granted for work that relates to your field of study or professional experience. A mismatch between your actual job duties and your qualifications is a reason immigration can refuse the application.
How to avoid it: Make sure the job description your employer submits clearly matches the field of your degree or the work you have 10+ years of experience in.
Sources
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Status of residence "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" · checked 23 Sept 2026
- Embassy of Japan in the United States, Visa (COE holders) · checked 23 Sept 2026
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