Starting April 1, 2027, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will implement a new Japanese language requirement equivalent to B1 proficiency or higher for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications under the Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 status and selected Type 1 sectors. This update follows basic policy and operational decisions finalized by the Japanese Cabinet in March 2025 and January 2026. If you are an international student, graduate, or worker preparing for career transitions in Japan, understanding these revised benchmarks is essential for your future visa planning.
What Are the New Japanese Language Rules for Specified Skilled Workers in Japan (2026)?
Official policy directives issued by the Japanese government have established that foreign nationals seeking specific technical and skilled operational statuses must demonstrate stronger language abilities. Historically, language benchmarks relied heavily on baseline testing standards, but future applications will focus on a framework standard of B1-equivalent proficiency.
According to the official announcement on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website, the shift stems from decisions made during ministerial conferences and Cabinet meetings regarding the basic policies for both the Specified Skilled Worker (Tokutei Ginou) system and the Training and Employment system. The goal is to ensure that workers possess sufficient language abilities to communicate effectively in their workplaces and broader Japanese society.
Which Visa Categories Are Affected by the B1 Requirement?
The B1-equivalent requirement applies across two primary categories of the Specified Skilled Worker framework:
- Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 (All Sectors): Following the Cabinet decision on March 11, 2025, all applicants under Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 will be required to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency equivalent to B1 or higher.
- Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (Selected Sectors): Following the Cabinet decision on January 23, 2026, sector-specific operational policies were revised for the Automobile Transport sector (specifically the bus driver and taxi driver classifications) and the Railway sector (specifically the transport staff classification). For these specific Type 1 classifications, the language benchmark is raised from JLPT N3 or higher to the B1-equivalent standard.
Applicants looking into other Type 1 sectors should remain updated on official announcements, but currently, these specific transport and railway categories are explicitly listed for the B1 transition.
When Do the New Language Rules Take Effect for COE Applications?
Timing is crucial when organizing document submissions and language tests. The implementation timeline is divided based on application type:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Applications: The B1-equivalent standard will formally apply to all COE applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027.
- Legal Basis: This timeline corresponds to the enforcement date of the partial amendment to the Ministry of Justice Ordinance No. 16 of 1990 (the ordinance establishing criteria under Article 7, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).
If your prospective employer is applying for a COE on your behalf on or after April 1, 2027, proof of meeting the B1-equivalent benchmark will be a required component of the application package.
What About Visa Status Changes and Extensions?
If you are currently residing in Japan as an international student or working under a different residence status (such as Designated Activities), you may wonder how this affects applications submitted inside Japan.
- Change of Status of Residence (In-Japan Status Switch): The exact implementation date for applications to change residence status is currently under consideration by the authorities.
- Extension of Period of Stay (Visa Renewals): The start date for requiring B1 proficiency during stay extension applications is also currently under consideration.
Because the rules for status changes and period extensions within Japan have not yet been finalized, the Immigration Services Agency has stated that details will be announced at a later date. Applicants should check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website regularly for official updates.
How Should Job Seekers and International Students Prepare?
Navigating immigration regulations requires careful timing. Here is a checklist of steps for foreign graduates and job seekers planning to enter the Specified Skilled Worker program:
- Verify Your Sector: Determine whether your intended employment falls under Type 2 or the specific Type 1 categories (bus driver, taxi driver, or railway transport staff).
- Check Your Submission Window: Remember that COE applications filed on or after April 1, 2027, must meet the B1-equivalent requirement.
- Track Status Change Regulations: If you plan to change your visa status directly within Japan, monitor upcoming regulatory releases to see when the B1 requirement will apply to status change applications.
- Consult Official Help Centers: For individualized guidance or formal questions regarding visa procedures, contact official resources such as the Foreign Resident Support Center (FRESC) in Shinjuku, Tokyo, or regional immigration offices.
Please note that immigration rules are subject to official interpretation. Applicants should always confirm specific eligibility criteria with the relevant immigration authorities or legal professionals.
Finding a place to stay
Securing suitable housing is a vital step when transitioning to work or study in Tokyo. It is best to organize your accommodation once your visa or Certificate of Eligibility is confirmed, shortly before your actual move date. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing their initial employment orientation or job search. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, making your move smooth and straightforward. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, so you do not have to worry about setting up utility accounts. Additionally, booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card, eliminating complicated paperwork before arrival.
FAQ
When will the B1 language requirement begin for Certificate of Eligibility applications?
The B1-equivalent Japanese language requirement will apply to Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027.
Which Type 1 Specified Skilled Worker sectors will require B1 Japanese?
The B1-equivalent standard will apply to the Automobile Transport sector (bus driver and taxi driver classifications) and the Railway sector (transport staff classification), replacing the previous JLPT N3 standard.
Are the rules for changing visa status or extending stay inside Japan already finalized?
No, the starting dates for Change of Status of Residence applications and Extension of Period of Stay applications are currently under consideration and will be announced later by the authorities.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「日本語能力水準「Ｂ１相当以上」の確認開始時期について | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-26)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.