"Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker Visa: Complete Guide to 14 Sectors & How to Apply (2024)"
"Discover how Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa opens doors to nursing, construction, IT jobs, and more. Learn eligibility rules, highest-paying sectors, and step-by-step application tips for 2024!"
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa?
Japan introduced the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa in April 2019 to attract skilled foreign workers to fill labor shortages in 16 key industries. Unlike the Technical Intern Training Program, the SSW visa allows workers to:
✅ Work immediately (no training period required)
✅ Change employers within the same industry
✅ Earn competitive wages (not tied to trainee salaries)
The SSW visa has two categories:
SSW (i) – Basic Skilled Workers
Maximum Stay: 5 years (non-renewable)
Family Sponsorship: Not allowed
Support: Eligible for assistance from registered agencies
SSW (ii) – Highly Skilled Professionals
Maximum Stay: Unlimited (renewable)
Family Sponsorship: Spouse & children allowed
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
SSW-1 vs SSW-2
Feature SSW-1 (Basic) SSW-2 (Advanced) Duration 5 years max Unlimited Skills Test Basic Skill exam Advanced Skill exam Japanese N4 required No test required Family Not allowed Spouse/children allowed PR Path No Eligible after 5 years
16 Eligible Fields for SSW Visa
Japan accepts SSW workers in the following 16 high-demand industries:
1. Nursing Care (介護)
Jobs: Elderly care, rehabilitation support
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + caregiving skills
2. Building Cleaning (ビルクリーニング)
Jobs: Office/hotel maintenance
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam
3. Industrial Machinery (産業機械製造業)
Jobs: Factory machine assembly
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Technical skills
4. Construction (建設業)
Jobs: Carpentry, civil engineering,Building, Life line
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam
5. Shipbuilding (造船・舶用工業)
Jobs: Welding, marine equipment
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Specialized training
6. Automobile Maintenance (自動車整備)
Jobs: Car repair, diagnostics
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Mechanic experience
7. Aviation (航空業)
Jobs: Airport ground staff
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+English/Japanese skills
8. Hospitality (宿泊業)
Jobs: Hotel reception, cleaning
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Customer service skills
9. Agriculture (農業)
Jobs: Farming, livestock care
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Physical endurance
10. Fisheries (漁業)
Jobs: Fishing, aquaculture
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Sea work tolerance
11. Food Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業)
Jobs: Food processing, packaging
Requirements:JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+ Hygiene training
12. Food Service (外食業)
Jobs: Restaurant staff, chefs
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam
13. Automobile Transportation (自動車輸送業)
Jobs: Truck/bus driving
Requirements: For Truck(JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Japanese driver’s license)
For Taxi/Bus((JLPT N3 + skill Exam+Japanese driver’s license)
14. Railway (鉄道業)
Jobs: Station staff, maintenance
Requirements: JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+Safety training
15. Forestry (林業)
Jobs: Logging, forest management
Requirements:JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+ Outdoor work ability
16. Wood Industry (木材産業)
Jobs: Furniture making, lumber processing
Requirements:JLPT N4 /JFT + skill Exam+ Carpentry skills
How to Apply for an SSW Visa
Step 1: Choose Your Field
Select from the 16 eligible industries based on your skills.
Step 2: Pass Required Exams
Skills Test: Varies by sector (e.g., nursing exam, welding test)
Japanese Test: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic (for SSW-i)
Step 3: Find a Job Offer
Apply through registered agencies or direct hiring
Employers must be SSW-approved
Step 4: Apply for Visa
Submit documents to the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country.
Why Choose the SSW Visa?
✔ No Age Limit (unlike Technical Internship)
✔ Higher Wages (market-rate salaries)
✔ Career Growth (SSW-ii leads to PR)
🔗 Official SSW Information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Ready to work in Japan? Check job openings and start your application today!