What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, Tokutei Gino) status of residence was established in April 2019 to address severe labor shortages in specific industries. It comes in two tiers: SSW Type 1 (No. 1) and SSW Type 2 (No. 2).
SSW Type 1 vs Type 2
| SSW Type 1 | SSW Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max stay | 5 years total | Unlimited (renewable) |
| Family | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Sectors | 12 sectors | 11 sectors (expanding) |
| Requirements | Skill test + Japanese test | Advanced skill test |
12 Eligible Sectors (Type 1)
- Nursing care
- Building cleaning
- Industrial machinery / Electronics manufacturing
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Automobile maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Agriculture
- Fishery
- Food & beverage manufacturing
- Food service
Requirements for SSW Type 1
- Skill test: Pass the sector-specific Specified Skilled Worker Evaluation Test
- Japanese language: JLPT N4 or above, or JFT-Basic A2 or above
- Technical Intern Training graduates: Exempt from both tests if completing TIT No. 2/3 in the same sector
Transitioning from Technical Intern Training
If you completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 or 3 in the same sector, you are exempt from both skill and language tests. This is the smoothest pathway to the Specified Skilled Worker status — only a Status of Residence Change application is required.
Required Documents
- Status of Residence Change (or Certificate of Eligibility) application
- Passport and Residence Card
- Skill test certificate
- Japanese test certificate (or TIT completion certificate)
- Employment contract
- Support plan from a Registered Support Organization (Type 1)
- Health examination certificate
- Tax and social insurance payment records
Our office provides free initial consultations in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Contact us for help with your Specified Skilled Worker application.
Supervised by
乾 喜満（いぬい よしみつ）
Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) / Representative, Inui Gyoseishoshi Corporation
Registration No.: 16260979
Founded 2016. Specializes in residence status and naturalization in Japan. Available in 5 languages (JA/EN/ZH/KO/VI). Based in Osaka Tenjinbashi.
Supervised by
乾 喜満（いぬい よしみつ）
Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) / Representative, Inui Gyoseishoshi Corporation
Registration No.: 16260979
Founded 2016. Specializes in Japan residence status and naturalization. Available in 5 languages (JA/EN/ZH/KO/VI). Based in Osaka Tenjinbashi.
Comments