The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa (特定技能) was created in 2019 to address Japan's critical labor shortages in designated industrial and service sectors. It provides a formal, regulated pathway for foreign workers with demonstrated industry-specific skills to work legally in Japan — unlike the Technical Intern Training program, which is framed around training rather than employment.
The SSW visa comes in two tiers. Type 1 is for workers who have passed the relevant skills evaluation exam and Japanese language test, allowing up to 5 years of cumulative stay. Type 1 holders may not bring family members and must be supported by a registered support organization. Type 2 is for workers who have demonstrated a higher level of skill and has been expanded since August 2023 to nearly all sectors except care work (which has its own dedicated 介護 status). Type 2 holders may bring family members and can renew their status indefinitely, potentially leading to long-term permanent residency.
Japan has set annual intake targets for each sector, and the program is actively expanding. Former Technical Intern Trainees represent a significant portion of SSW applicants, as they can transition without retaking skills or language examinations. The SSW program is seen as a significant step toward Japan creating a more transparent and worker-friendly managed immigration system.
Who Is This For
- ✓Workers in designated labor-shortage sectors (manufacturing, construction, hospitality, agriculture, etc.)
- ✓Foreign nationals who have passed industry-specific skills tests and Japanese language requirements
- ✓Former Technical Intern Trainees seeking to continue working in Japan
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Type 1: Up to 5 years total; Type 2: Up to 3 years per renewal (unlimited renewals)
Requirements
- •Pass the relevant sector-specific Skills Evaluation Examination (特定技能評価試験)
- •Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at JLPT N4 level or the Japanese-Language Evaluation Test (日本語能力評価試験) — required for Type 1
- •An employment contract with a registered specified skilled employer (特定技能所属機関)
- •For Type 2: higher-level skills demonstrated through Type 2 industry-specific examination (construction and shipbuilding sectors have established pathways)
- •Former Technical Intern Trainees (having completed 2nd or 3rd grade) may be exempt from skills and language tests
- •Valid passport and clean immigration record
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Employment contract with a registered specified skills employer
- Skills Evaluation Examination certificate
- Japanese language proficiency certificate (JLPT N4 or equivalent)
- Health certificate
- Support plan from the registered support organization (for Type 1)
- Previous residence cards and Technical Intern Training certificates (if transitioning from TIT)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Pass the sector-specific skills evaluation test for your target industry
- 2Pass the Japanese language test (unless exempt as a former Technical Intern Trainee)
- 3Find a registered specified skills employer in one of the 16 designated sectors
- 4Sign an employment contract that meets the Specified Skills standards
- 5Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
- 6Receive the COE and apply for a visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
- 7Enter Japan and register your address within 14 days
- 8For Type 1: engage a registered support organization (登録支援機関) to assist with daily life support
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Type 1 & Type 2) — Type 1
Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Type 1 & Type 2) — Type 2
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 allows a maximum stay of only 5 years, non-extendable
- ⚠Type 1 does not allow family accompaniment, a major restriction for those with families
- ⚠Must pass designated skills examinations and Japanese language examination
- ⚠Employers must be registered Specified Skilled Worker organizations
Practical Tips
- →Technical Intern Training Type 2 graduates can switch directly to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 without examination
- →Type 2 is currently only open in some sectors (construction, shipbuilding, etc.) but is gradually expanding
- →Switching from Type 1 to Type 2 requires passing a higher-level skills examination
- →Consider switching from Type 1 to Type 2 or another visa type as early as possible