What Is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker visa — known in Japanese as Tokutei Gino (特定技能) — was introduced by the Japanese government in April 2019 to address severe labour shortages in industries that had struggled to attract workers. For the first time, it created a legal pathway for international workers to work in Japan in practical, hands-on industries without requiring a university degree.
Instead of academic qualifications, the SSW system requires applicants to pass two tests: an industry-specific skills evaluation test and a Japanese language test. This makes it accessible to a much broader global population than the traditional Engineer/Humanities visa.
The 16 Designated SSW Industries
The SSW programme covers 16 designated industries experiencing labour shortages:
- Food manufacturing and processing
- Agriculture (crop cultivation and livestock)
- Fishery and aquaculture
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
- Automotive parts and tooling
- Aviation (ground handling and aircraft maintenance)
- Accommodation and hospitality
- Care work (nursing and elderly care)
- Building cleaning management
- Casting industry
- Forging industry
- Printing industry
- Industrial machinery industry
- Electric, electronics, and information equipment
- Textile and apparel industry
Japan has significantly increased the approved quotas for SSW workers in recent years, particularly in care work, construction, and food manufacturing.
Type 1 vs Type 2: What Is the Difference?
The SSW programme has two types:
Type 1 — Entry Level
- Cumulative cap of 5 years across all employers
- In most industries, no family dependants can accompany you
- Requires: industry skills evaluation test + JLPT N4 (or JFT-Basic equivalent)
- Can be renewed within the 5-year cap
Type 2 — Advanced
- No time limit — can be renewed indefinitely
- Family dependants permitted (spouse and children)
- Can lead directly to Permanent Residency after meeting residence requirements
- Currently available in 9 of the 16 industries (expanding: construction and shipbuilding were among the first, with others being added progressively)
- Requires: passing the more demanding Type 2 skills evaluation test, and Japanese ability at approximately JLPT N3 level or above (formally assessed through employer demonstration)
For most people entering the SSW programme, Type 1 is the starting point. Transitioning to Type 2 within your industry is the path to unlimited residency and eventual PR.
Language Requirements in Detail
JLPT N4 is the minimum Japanese language requirement for Type 1. N4 is described as "elementary" — it means you can understand basic Japanese used in everyday situations. This is roughly 150–300 hours of study for a total beginner, depending on your native language and learning aptitude.
An alternative is the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese), which is offered more frequently than the JLPT (which is only held twice a year in July and December). The JFT-Basic is accepted as equivalent to N4 for SSW purposes.
For Type 2, there is no separate formal Japanese test, but the industry skills evaluation test is conducted in Japanese, and you must demonstrate functional professional communication in Japanese. Reaching JLPT N3 (pre-intermediate to intermediate) is strongly recommended.
Who Is Exempt From the Skills Test?
Former Technical Intern Training (TIT) programme participants who successfully completed their programme at the same type of industry are exempt from the SSW skills evaluation test. They must still pass the Japanese language test unless they hold a Japanese proficiency certificate from their TIT programme. This exemption makes the SSW pathway particularly accessible for former TIT workers.
Finding an SSW Employer
Japanese employers must be registered to hire SSW workers and must either have their own support system or engage a registered support organisation (登録支援機関 — registered shien kikan) to provide the required support services to SSW workers (housing guidance, life counselling, Japanese language learning opportunities, etc.).
Common ways to find SSW employers:
- Overseas job fairs organised by JITCO and other organisations (particularly in Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and China — the most common sending countries for SSW workers)
- Specialist SSW recruitment agencies in Japan and your home country
- Online portals such as Japan's Hello Work (public employment service) and SSW-specific job boards
- Direct applications to major companies with large SSW programmes (food manufacturers, nursing care chains, hotel groups)
Pathway to Permanent Residency via SSW Type 2
The clearest path from SSW to Permanent Residency:
- Enter Japan on SSW Type 1 in a Type-2-eligible industry (construction, shipbuilding, building cleaning, food manufacturing, casting, forging, industrial machinery, automotive, or accommodation)
- Work toward and pass the Type 2 skills evaluation assessment
- Transition to SSW Type 2 status
- After accumulating the required years of continuous residence (10 years standard, or shorter with HSP points), apply for Permanent Residency
Type 2 SSW workers can also apply for Highly Skilled Professional status if they meet the HSP points threshold — combining high income and experience — which enables the 1–3 year fast-track to PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between industries once I am in Japan on SSW Type 1?
No. You must work within the specific industry for which you passed the skills evaluation test. Changing to a different SSW industry requires passing that industry's separate skills test.
What happens when I reach the 5-year Type 1 cap?
Once you reach the cumulative 5-year limit, you must either transition to Type 2 (if your industry has Type 2 status and you pass the assessment), switch to a different visa status (e.g. Engineer/Humanities if you have qualifying experience), or leave Japan.
Is there an age limit for the SSW visa?
No. The SSW visa has no upper age limit — the only requirement is being 18 or older at the time of application.
This is general guidance only. Always verify current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.