Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa Guide

特定技能ビザ申請ガイド

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa (特定技能) was created in 2019 to address Japan's severe labor shortage in specific industries. Unlike the Engineer/Humanities visa which requires a degree, SSW focuses on practical skills tested through industry-specific exams.

Two Types of SSW Visa

Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (特定技能1号)

• Skill level: Workers with a certain level of knowledge and experience
• Duration: Up to 5 years total (1 year at a time, renewable)
• Family: Cannot bring family members
• Industries: 16 designated fields
• Path to PR: Not directly eligible (time counts toward residence, but need to transition to Type 2 or other visa)

Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 (特定技能2号)

• Skill level: Workers with proficient skills (supervisory level)
• Duration: No limit (renewable indefinitely, like a standard work visa)
• Family: Can bring spouse and children
• Industries: 11 designated fields (expanded in 2023)
• Path to PR: Eligible after meeting standard PR requirements

Eligible Industries

Type 1 — 16 Fields

Type 2 — 11 Fields (as of 2023 expansion)

• Construction, Shipbuilding, Manufacturing
• Agriculture, Fisheries, Food & beverage manufacturing, Food service
• Accommodation, Automobile maintenance, Aviation
• Building cleaning

Note: Nursing care is NOT eligible for Type 2 (separate "Care Worker" visa path exists).

Eligibility Requirements

For Type 1

1. Pass industry-specific skills test (技能試験) — Tests practical knowledge for your field
2. Pass Japanese Language Proficiency Test — JLPT N4 or above, OR JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)
3. Nursing care only: Additional Japanese Language Evaluation Test for Nursing Care
4. Age: 18 years or older
5. No maximum age (but some companies prefer younger workers)
6. Health: Must be in good health

Exemption from tests: Former Technical Intern Training (技能実習) participants who completed 3 years (Type 2 training) in the same industry are exempt from both the skills test and Japanese test.

For Type 2

1. Pass Type 2 skills test — More advanced than Type 1 (supervisory level)
2. Japanese language: Generally JLPT N3 or above (varies by industry)
3. Work experience: Typically requires experience as Type 1 worker or equivalent
4. Practical skills exam: Industry-specific advanced assessment

Skills Tests

Where to Take Tests

Skills tests are administered in:

• Japan — For people already in Japan on eligible visas
• Overseas — In designated countries (Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and others)

Test Content by Industry (Examples)

Test Schedule

• Tests are held multiple times per year
• Check each industry's designated testing organization for schedules
• Registration is online; popular dates fill quickly

Required Documents

From the Worker

1. Application form — COE or Change of Status form
2. Passport — Valid passport
3. Photo (4cm x 3cm)
4. Skills test certificate — Passing certificate for your industry
5. Japanese language test certificate — JLPT N4+ or JFT-Basic
6. Resume (履歴書)
7. Health certificate — From a licensed physician
8. Tax certificates (if already in Japan)
9. Pension/health insurance proof (if already in Japan)

From the Employer

10. Employment contract (雇用契約書) — Must meet specific SSW standards
11. Company registration (登記事項証明書)
12. Company financial statements
13. SSW support plan (1号特定技能外国人支援計画書) — Required for Type 1
14. Registered support organization info (if outsourcing support)
15. Tax withholding certificate
16. Social insurance enrollment proof

Support Plan (Type 1 Only)

Employers must create a support plan covering:

• Pre-arrival orientation (life in Japan, work conditions)
• Airport pickup and housing assistance
• Registration support (city hall, bank account, phone)
• Japanese language learning opportunities
• Complaint/consultation system
• Assistance when leaving Japan

Companies can outsource this to a Registered Support Organization (登録支援機関).

Countries with Bilateral Agreements

Japan has Memoranda of Cooperation (MOC) with these countries for SSW:

Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Laos, Kenya, Colombia

Workers from these countries may have additional processes through their government's sending organization.

Transition Paths

Technical Intern → SSW Type 1

• Complete 3 years of Technical Intern Training (Type 2)
• Same or related industry: Exempt from skills and language tests
• Different industry: Must pass new industry's skills test

SSW Type 1 → SSW Type 2

• Pass the Type 2 skills test for your industry
• Meet advanced Japanese requirements
• Gain supervisory-level experience
• Unlocks indefinite renewals and family accompaniment

SSW → Permanent Residency

• Type 1: Time counts toward 10-year residence requirement, but cannot apply directly from Type 1
• Type 2: Can apply for PR after meeting standard requirements (10 years residence, 5 years work, or HSP fast track)

Salary Requirements

• Must be equal to or more than Japanese workers in the same position
• No minimum wage exemption — SSW workers are entitled to full labor law protection
• Typical range: 170,000 - 280,000 yen/month (varies by industry and region)
• Overtime, bonuses, and benefits must follow standard labor law

Key Differences: SSW vs. Technical Intern Training

Common Issues and Tips

1. Finding a Job

• Use Hello Work (ハローワーク) — Japan's public employment service
• SSW-specific recruitment agencies
• Some industries have matching events

2. Changing Employers

• SSW Type 1 workers can change employers within the same industry
• Must notify Immigration within 14 days
• New employer must also meet SSW employer requirements

3. Working Conditions

• Full protection under Japan's Labor Standards Act
• Entitled to paid leave, overtime pay, health insurance, pension
• Employer cannot confiscate passport or restrict movement

4. Support System

• If your employer or support organization isn't providing required support, contact:
  • Immigration Services Agency hotline
  • OTIT (Organization for Technical Intern Training)
  • Your country's embassy in Japan

Application Fee

Prepare Your SSW Visa Application with NipponVisa

NipponVisa helps Specified Skilled Workers prepare visa application forms. Scan your residence card and passport to auto-fill official Immigration forms, and get a complete checklist of required documents based on your nationality and industry.