Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-1)
Embassy required
- Fee
- 3,000 JPY
- Validity
- 12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all nationalities. Japan has bilateral cooperation agreements (MOCs) with several countries including Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, and others.
-
Age
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Min age: 18
-
Employment
Must pass the specified skills evaluation test for the relevant sector, OR have completed Technical Intern Training Level 2 in a related field.
Required status: SSW skills test pass or TITP Level 2 completion
-
Health
Must be in good health as confirmed by a medical examination.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 45mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months
-
Skills assessment
Assessing authority: Designated testing organizations for each sector; Occupation list: Nursing care, building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, auto repair, aviation, accommodation, auto transport, railway, agriculture, fishery, food manufacturing, food service, forestry, wood industry
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: Designated physician; Validity months: 3
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Certificate of
Issuing authority: Immigration Services Agency of Japan; Residence status: Specified Skilled Worker (i); Validity months: 3
-
Language test score
Accepted tests: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese); Minimum score: JLPT N4 pass or JFT-Basic 200+ points
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Pass the SSW skills test and Japanese language test (or complete TITP Level 2). Obtain employment contract from a registered supporting organization in Japan.
-
Processing wait
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility at Regional Immigration Bureau. Processing 1-3 months.
-
Document submission
Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate with COE, test results, and employment contract.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 3,000 JPY.
-
Visa collection
Collect visa and enter Japan. Register at municipality within 14 days.