Continuity of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa Amidst Point Fluctuations

2025年4月8日

約 7 分

Does Your HSP Visa Get Cancelled If Your Points Drop? Understanding Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional System

Are You Required to Maintain 70 Points at All Times?

A common misconception among Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa holders is that their visa might be revoked if their points fall below 70 after the initial approval. However, under current immigration policy, once the visa is granted, there is no legal requirement to continuously maintain the same HSP point score.

In other words, once your HSP visa is approved, your status remains valid for the duration of your permit—even if factors like age or salary change over time.

Age or Salary Reductions Won’t Lead to Immediate Cancellation

If you turn 30, 35, or even 40, and your expected annual income drops due to career transitions, there is no immediate threat of cancellation. Japan’s immigration system allows for a degree of flexibility, so professionals can adapt their careers without worrying about recalculating their points every year.

But What Happens at Renewal Time?

The situation becomes more sensitive when your visa nears renewal. At that stage, the Immigration Services Agency may re-evaluate your current HSP point score. If you originally qualified with just over 70 points and changes have since brought you below that threshold, your renewal may be rejected unless exceptional contributions or other qualifying factors are demonstrated.

To mitigate this, it is highly recommended to consult with a legal professional if you’re approaching an age milestone or expecting salary adjustments within your renewal period.

Caution for Startups and Small Employers

The Immigration Bureau is increasingly strict when verifying expected income claims, especially for employees sponsored by small businesses or family-run entities. If an employee’s projected income seems inconsistent with the company’s operations or market standards, additional documentation or justification may be required.

If you are a company owner or startup founder looking to sponsor HSP visa holders, ensure your payroll and financial statements support your declarations.

False Declarations Can Lead to Serious Consequences

Misreporting expected income, education background, or job duties in your visa application—or your renewal documents—can lead not only to denial but also to visa cancellation. In severe cases, the permanent residency or HSP visa may be revoked.

It’s vital to maintain integrity in all documents submitted to the Immigration Bureau, particularly income statements, resumes, and employer contracts.