Japan Visa 2026: New Mandatory Pledge Rule for Engineer Visas Effective March 9 – Apply Before
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Published: 2026-02-27T09:37+05:30 (IST) Xavio
Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has introduced a strict new compliance measure for foreign workers under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa category involved in dispatch arrangements or Employer of Record (EOR) setups. Effective March 9, 2026, both the dispatching company (staffing agency or EOR) and the client/host company must submit a formal written pledge with every visa application, extension, or change of status.
This change — announced in early February 2026 and aimed at curbing misuse of the visa for unskilled labor — requires companies to attest to the accuracy of documents, confirm the foreign national's activities align with the visa's scope, and commit to full cooperation with immigration authorities. Non-compliance could result in visa denials, revocations, or future application barriers for the companies involved.
As Japan continues to attract global talent amid labor shortages, this rule adds a layer of accountability to prevent "disguised employment" in low-skilled roles under the guise of specialist visas.
Key Details of the New Pledge Requirement (Effective March 9, 2026)
Who Must Submit the Pledge?
Dispatching company (staffing agency, EOR, or sending entity)
Client/host company (receiving entity in Japan) Both must sign and submit the pledge as part of the visa application package.
Pledge Content:
Attest that all submitted documents are accurate and not falsified
Confirm understanding of permitted activities under the Engineer/Specialist visa (e.g., technical engineering, humanities expertise, international services like translation/marketing)
Ensure the foreign national engages strictly in authorized activities — no unskilled manual labor (e.g., factory assembly, cleaning, basic construction)
Commit to full cooperation with ISA, including:
Providing additional documents upon request
Participating in interviews
Allowing on-site inspections
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Visa application denial
Adverse impact on future applications for other foreign nationals sponsored/hosted by the same companies
Potential fines, blacklisting, or legal action for serious violations
Scope: Applies to new applications, extensions, and changes of status for dispatch/EOR setups under the Engineer/Specialist visa. Does not affect direct employment visas.
The ISA has emphasized that this measure targets "abusive practices" where specialist visas are used for low-wage, non-specialized work, which undermines Japan's high-skill immigration goals.
Why Japan Is Implementing This Change in 2026
Japan's labor market is under intense pressure from an aging population (median age 49) and chronic shortages in tech, engineering, healthcare, and services. The Engineer/Specialist visa — one of the most common work visas — has seen explosive growth, with over 300,000 holders as of 2025.
However, reports of misuse (e.g., dispatching visa holders to unskilled roles) prompted the ISA to tighten oversight. The pledge aims to:
Ensure visa integrity and prevent exploitation
Protect Japanese workers from unfair competition
Align with broader 2026 immigration reforms, including expanded Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) quotas
Implications for Employers, Agencies & Foreign Workers
For Japanese Companies & EOR Agencies:
Increased compliance burden — must vet activities more rigorously
Potential delays in visa processing if pledges are incomplete
Higher accountability — non-compliance risks company-wide penalties
For Foreign Workers (Engineers, Specialists, Humanities Professionals):
Safer against exploitation in dispatch roles
But stricter checks could lead to more denials if job duties don't match visa scope
Recommended: Ensure contracts clearly outline specialist tasks
Frequently Asked Questions – Japan Engineer/Specialist Visa Pledge 2026
Q: When does the new pledge requirement start?
March 9, 2026 — applies to all new, extension, and change-of-status applications involving dispatch/EOR.
Q: What if documents are falsified or activities don't match?
Visa denial + potential blacklisting for the companies; worker may face deportation or future bans.
Q: Does this affect direct employment under the visa?
No — only dispatch arrangements (staffing, EOR, secondment).
Q: How to submit the pledge?
As part of the visa application package at ISA offices or consulates abroad.
Q: Is there a template for the pledge?
Yes — ISA provides a standard form; consult an immigration lawyer for customization.
For the official pledge form, detailed guidelines, and full list of permitted activities under the Engineer/Specialist visa, visit the Japan Immigration Services Agency Work Visa page.
Explore our dedicated Japan immigration section for real-time alerts, visa application tips, and sector-specific advice. Japan's specialist visa just got stricter — ensure compliance to avoid pitfalls!
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