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Japan to require Japanese language proof for engineer specialist visas starting soon
India
Published on 24 April 2026
New B2 CEFR or N2 JLPT test could gatekeep roles
Japan is set to require Japanese language proficiency for applicants to engineer and specialist visas, asking for at least B2 CEFR or JLPT N2 levels. The move is intended to curb foreign hiring into low-skill roles, while international students changing visa status may be exempt. Firms with prior labor violations could also face restrictions on hiring.
- Engineer and specialist visa applicants may need B2 CEFR or JLPT N2
- Policy targets reducing foreign workers being placed in unskilled jobs
- International students switching status could be exempt from the requirement
- Companies with past labor violations may face hiring limits
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times