Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
Japan’s largest work visa programme -- targeting 820,000 workers across 16 industrial sectors by 2029. Open to applicants of any nationality who pass a Japanese language exam and a sector-specific skills test.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Requirements and fees may change. Always verify with the official embassy or immigration authority before applying.
Overview
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme was created in April 2019 to address Japan’s severe labour shortages in blue-collar sectors. Initially covering 14 industrial fields, the programme was expanded to 16 sectors in 2024 with the addition of rail transportation and the restructuring of several manufacturing categories. The Japanese government has set an ambitious target of accepting 820,000 SSW Type 1 workers over the five-year period from FY2024 to FY2028 -- more than doubling the original 345,000 ceiling. As of early 2026, approximately 370,000 SSW visa holders reside in Japan, representing roughly 45% of the target. The top source countries are Vietnam (44%), Indonesia (21%), Philippines (10%), Myanmar (10%), and China (6%). Unlike Japan’s former Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which was abolished and replaced by the new Employment for Skill Development (ESD) status in 2024, SSW offers genuine career progression: workers can advance from SSW Type 1 to SSW Type 2, gaining unlimited renewals, the right to bring family, and a pathway to permanent residence.
SSW Type 1 vs Type 2 Comparison
| Feature | SSW Type 1 (特定技能1号) | SSW Type 2 (特定技能2号) |
|---|---|---|
| Skill level | Considerable knowledge or experience | Proficient skills (supervisory level) |
| Available sectors | All 16 sectors | 11 sectors (excludes nursing care, auto transport, railway, forestry, wood industry) |
| Maximum stay | 5 years total (cumulative) | Unlimited (renewable indefinitely) |
| Visa renewal period | 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months | 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months |
| Family (spouse & children) | Not permitted | Permitted |
| Skills exam | Sector-specific skills evaluation | Advanced Grade 2 skills exam or 3+ years SSW-1 experience in construction/shipbuilding |
| Japanese language | JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2 | Not separately required (assessed through skills exam) |
| Employer support obligations | Mandatory (housing assistance, orientation, banking, language support) | Not required (worker considered self-sufficient) |
| Path to permanent residence | No direct path (must switch to SSW-2 or another visa) | Eligible after 10 continuous years of residence |
All 16 SSW Sectors (2026)
Nursing Care
Building Cleaning Management
Industrial Product Manufacturing
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Electric, Electronics & Information
Construction
Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery
Automobile Repair & Maintenance
Aviation
Accommodation
Agriculture
Fisheries & Aquaculture
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Food Service Industry
Forestry
Rail Transportation (new 2024)
Exam Requirements
Japanese Language Exams (SSW-1)
Applicants must pass one of the following: (1) JLPT N4 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level N4) -- the most commonly accepted standard, demonstrating the ability to understand basic Japanese; or (2) JFT-Basic A2 (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) -- an alternative test measuring everyday conversation skills. Nursing Care applicants must additionally pass a sector-specific Japanese language evaluation. Many employers prefer candidates with N3 or higher for smoother workplace communication. Language exams are held multiple times per year.
Sector-Specific Skills Exams (SSW-1 & SSW-2)
Each of the 16 sectors has its own skills evaluation test, designed and administered by the relevant industry association with oversight from the Immigration Services Agency. Most exams are administered by Prometric testing centres. The Construction sector uses JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources) exams. SSW-2 requires passing a more advanced Grade 2 skills exam demonstrating supervisory-level proficiency.
Where Can You Take the Exams?
Exams are held in Japan and in 13+ countries: Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Test schedules vary by sector and country -- most offer 4–6 sessions per year. Online registration is typically through Prometric or the sector’s designated exam body.
Salary & Working Conditions
SSW workers are entitled to the same labour protections as Japanese nationals under Japanese labour law. Employers must pay SSW workers at least equal to or greater than a Japanese worker in the same role and region. There is no legal distinction between foreign and domestic workers regarding overtime pay, paid leave, or social insurance.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Check eligibility & choose a sector
Confirm you are 18+ years old and select one of the 16 SSW sectors. Review the specific skills exam and language requirements for your chosen field.
2. Pass the Japanese language exam
Take and pass the JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2 test. Exams are offered in your home country and in Japan. Results are typically available within 2–4 weeks.
3. Pass the sector-specific skills exam
Register for and pass the skills evaluation test for your chosen sector. These are administered by Prometric or sector-specific bodies (JAC for construction). Study materials are available from each sector’s industry association.
4. Find a Japanese employer (sponsor)
Secure a job offer from a Japanese company licensed to hire SSW workers. Many applicants use licensed recruitment agencies, bilateral MOU programmes, or direct applications. The employer must prepare an employment contract and support plan.
5. Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Your employer submits the CoE application to the regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. Required documents include your exam certificates, employment contract, support plan, and the company’s financial records. Processing takes 1–3 months.
6. Apply for SSW visa at Japanese embassy
Once the CoE is issued, apply for your SSW visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. Submit the CoE, passport, photos, and application form. The visa is typically issued within 1–2 weeks.
7. Enter Japan & begin work
Enter Japan with your SSW visa, complete the required orientation programme arranged by your employer (or a Registered Support Organisation), register your address at the local municipal office, obtain your Residence Card, and begin working.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application | ¥4,000 (revenue stamp) |
| Visa application at embassy | ¥4,000 or equivalent in local currency |
| JLPT N4 exam fee | ¥6,500 (in Japan) / $30–80 (overseas) |
| JFT-Basic exam fee | ¥7,700 (in Japan) / $25–50 (overseas) |
| Sector-specific skills exam | ¥8,000–¥15,000 (varies by sector) |
| Medical examination | ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
| Recruitment agency fee (if used) | ¥0–¥200,000 (employers often cover this) |
| Airfare to Japan | ¥30,000–¥100,000 (employers sometimes cover) |
| Total estimated cost (applicant) | ¥20,000–¥100,000 ($135–$680 USD) |
By law, employers and recruitment agencies must not charge excessive fees to SSW applicants. Japan’s bilateral MOUs with 17 countries include provisions against exploitative recruitment costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be from an MOU country to apply for SSW?
What happens after my 5-year SSW Type 1 limit expires?
Can I bring my family on SSW Type 1?
What Japanese language level do I need?
How much can I earn as an SSW worker?
Can I change employers on SSW?
Official Sources
Verify requirements and fees directly with these government sources: