No Degree? No Problem. The 2026 Visa Guide for High School & Vocational Grads
Introduction: The “Bachelor’s Degree” Myth
“Can I work in Japan without a university degree?”
The short answer is: YES.
For decades, Japan’s immigration policy was strictly “Degree Holders Only.” But as the labor shortage gets worse, the doors have opened.
However, the rules are different for Vocational Graduates (Senmon-shi) and High School Graduates. You need to know which lane you are in.
🎓 Path A: The “Vocational School” Graduate (Senmon-shi)
If you graduate from a Japanese Vocational School (Senmon Gakko) and earn the title of “Diploma (Senmon-shi)”, you are legally treated almost the same as a university graduate for visa purposes.
The Visa: Engineer / Humanities
You can get the standard Tier 2 work visa.
- Pros: Renewable forever, can bring family, path to Permanent Residency.
- Cons: Strict “Relevance” rule (see below).
⚠️ The “Relevance Trap” (Crucial Warning)
This is where many fail.
- University Grads: Can major in History and work as a coder. (Loose rules)
- Vocational Grads: Must work in a field strictly related to their major. (Strict rules)
| Your Major | ✅ OK Job | ❌ NG Job |
| Graphic Design | Designer, Illustrator | Hotel Front Desk, Translator |
| Hospitality | Hotel Staff, Concierge | IT Engineer, Accounting |
| IT / Programming | Programmer, SE | Restaurant Server, Sales |
Strategy: If you are studying in a Senmon Gakko now, choose your job hunt carefully. You cannot pivot careers easily.
🛠️ Path B: The “High School” Graduate
If you only have a High School diploma (from your home country) or a vocational degree from outside Japan, the standard “Engineer/Humanities” visa is usually locked.
Your key to Japan is the Skills Route.
The Visa: SSW (Specified Skilled Worker)
This visa was created specifically for you. It ignores your academic background and looks only at your Ability.
- Requirement 1: Pass JLPT N4 (Basic Japanese).
- Requirement 2: Pass the Skills Test (e.g., Food Service, Construction, Nursing).
- Target Fields:
- 🏗️ Construction
- 👴 Nursing Care
- 🍽️ Food Service
- 🏨 Accommodation (Hotels)
- 🌾 Agriculture
- 🚗 Auto Repair
- (and more…)
💡 The “Upgrade” Strategy (Long-term Plan)
Many High School graduates use the “Student Visa Step-up” method:
- Enter Japan on a Student Visa (Language School).
- Study Japanese for 1-2 years.
- Enter a Japanese Vocational School (2 years).
- Graduate with a “Diploma” (Path A).
- Get a standard Work Visa.
💻 Path C: The “Experience” Route (IT & Chefs)
Even without any degree (High School only), you can get a standard visa if you are a veteran pro.
- IT Engineers:
- If you pass a specific IT Exam designated by the Japanese government (e.g., FE, AP in some Asian countries), you don’t need a degree and don’t need 10 years experience.
- Chefs (Skilled Labor):
- If you have 10 years of documented experience as a chef (Thai, Indian, French, Sushi, etc.), you qualify for the Skilled Labor Visa.
📊 Summary: Which Path is Yours?
| Your Background | Best Visa | Key Requirement | Can you change jobs? |
| Japanese Vocational Grad | Engineer / Humanities | Job must match Major | Yes (If field is same) |
| High School Grad | SSW (Tokutei Ginou) | N4 + Skills Test | Yes (Within same industry) |
| Veteran Chef / Artisan | Skilled Labor | 10 Years Experience | Yes (As Chef only) |
| IT Pro (No Degree) | Engineer | Designated IT Exam | Yes |
Conclusion: Don’t Let “No Degree” Stop You
The era of “University or Nothing” is over.
- If you are young: Learn Japanese and take the SSW test.
- If you have time: Come as a student and graduate from a Japanese Senmon Gakko.
- If you are a pro: Use your skills or IT exams.
Japan needs workers. If you have the skill, they will give you the visa.
Next Step:
Not sure if your background qualifies? Use our tool to check.
