Navigating Job Opportunities in Japan with an SSW Visa
SSW Visa Application Guide
Introducing the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa Application Guide.

Why did Japan create this Visa? Japan has a problem: its population is getting older, and not enough babies are being born. This means they don't have enough people to do all the jobs needed. The SSW visa helps fill these job openings by inviting skilled foreign workers.
Good things about the SSW visa:
- You can work in one of 14 specific job areas that need workers.
- There are two types: SSW(i) and SSW(ii) with different rules.
- You can stay for different amounts of time depending on the type.
- With SSW(ii), you might be able to bring your family.
- It could be a way to live in Japan permanently later on.
- ou can use Japan's healthcare system.
- It's a chance to live and work in Japan and experience its culture.
How it compares to other work visas: The SSW visa is moderately easy to get compared to some others. It lets you stay longer than some and is specifically for those 14 job areas. You also have good worker rights.
Who can apply for the SSW Visa?
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Age: There's no strict age limit, but you should be old enough to work.
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Nationality: People from any country can apply, but Japan has special agreements with some Asian countries.
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Health and Character: You need to be healthy, show a health certificate, and not have a criminal record. You should also be a good person.
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Skills: You need to have the right skills for the job you want to do. You'll need to pass a skills test for that job. Some jobs might also need work experience.
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Japanese Language: You need to know some basic Japanese, at least enough for everyday life and work. Usually, this means passing a test like the JLPT N4. Some jobs might need you to know more Japanese.
Important Note: The exact rules can change, so always check the newest official information!
The Two Types of SSW Visas:
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SSW(i): This is the basic level. You can stay for up to 5 years in total. You cannot bring your family. You need basic Japanese (like JLPT N4). You can work in any of the 14 job areas.
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SSW(ii): This is for higher-skilled workers. You can renew this visa as long as you meet the rules, so you can stay for a long time. You can bring your husband or wife and children. You need to know more Japanese than for SSW(i). Right now, this type is only for jobs in Construction and Shipbuilding.
Main Differences:
Feature | SSW(i) | SSW(ii) |
---|---|---|
Skill Level | Basic to medium | Advanced |
Stay Length | Up to 5 years total | Can stay indefinitely |
Family | No | Yes (spouse and children) |
Job Areas | All 14 | Only 2 (Construction, Ships) |
Japanese Needed | Basic (JLPT N4) | More |
Moving from SSW(i) to SSW(ii): If you have an SSW(i) visa, you might be able to switch to SSW(ii) later. To do this, you need to gain more skills and experience, improve your Japanese, and apply for SSW(ii) in one of the eligible job areas (Construction or Shipbuilding for now).
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa Guide
The 14 Job Areas
Here are the 14 types of jobs you can do with an SSW visa:
- Taking care of elderly or sick people (Nursing care)
- Cleaning buildings
- Working with machine parts and tools
- Working with industrial machines
- Working with electrical things, electronics, and information technology
- Building things (Construction)
- Building and fixing ships
- Fixing cars
- Working in the airplane industry
- Working in hotels and other places people stay
- Farming (Agriculture)
- Fishing and raising fish
- Making food and drinks
- Working in restaurants and food places
Job Area Requirements
Each job area has its own specific rules. For example:
- Nursing care: Need to speak basic Japanese, understand care terms, and pass a care worker test.
- Construction: Need to know about safety, understand building plans, and pass a construction skills test.
- Food service: Need to know about keeping food clean, have basic cooking skills, and maybe know about Japanese food.
Remember: These rules can change, so always check the latest official information for your specific job area.
Proving Your Skills (Skills Assessment)
- You'll take tests to show you have the skills and knowledge for your job.
- These tests are usually in Japanese or with help from someone who translates.
- They might have written parts and hands-on parts.
How to get ready for skills tests:
- Study materials for your job area from the test people.
- Practice the hands-on skills you'll need.
- Work on your Japanese, especially words used in your job.
- You can sometimes take classes to help you get ready.
Where and when to take tests:
- Tests are usually held in your home country.
- Sometimes you can take them in Japan if you're already there.
- Tests happen at different times depending on the job and place. Check the official SSW website or ask the Japanese embassy in your country for test dates.
What happens during the test:
- A written test about job knowledge.
- Showing you can do the job skills.
- Maybe an interview to see how you communicate.
- The test length is different for each job.
Getting your test results:
- Results usually come in a few weeks.
- The score you need to pass can be different for each job.
- Sometimes they tell you what you need to improve.
- The test result is usually good for 2 years for your visa application.
Japanese Language Rules
- Most jobs need you to know at least basic Japanese, like JLPT N4.
- This is like studying Japanese for about 300 hours.
- You should be able to understand simple Japanese used every day.
- Some jobs might need you to know more Japanese.
About the JLPT Test:
- This is a common Japanese language test.
- It happens twice a year in most countries.
- There are 5 levels, N5 (easiest) to N1 (hardest).
- It tests reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar (no speaking or writing).
Other Language Tests:
Some other Japanese tests might also be accepted, like the JFT-Basic, NAT-TEST, J.TEST, and TOP-J. Some job areas might have their own language tests too.
How to get better at Japanese:
- Use language learning apps.
- Watch Japanese TV and movies with subtitles.
- Find people online to practice speaking with.
- Go to Japanese classes or schools.
- Read and listen to Japanese news or podcasts.
Job-Specific Japanese Words:
- Learn the Japanese words used in your specific job.
- Use books or websites for your job area.
- Practice using those words when you talk.
- Look for language classes that focus on your job if you can.
Finding a Job in Japan
- First, make sure you have the skills and Japanese needed.
- Look for companies in your job area in Japan that hire SSW visa workers.
- Get your resume and application ready.
- Apply for jobs yourself or through agencies.
- You'll likely have interviews, maybe online.
- If you get a job offer, review it carefully.
- Then, you'll start the visa application with your employer's help.
Where to look for jobs:
- Websites like JICA, HelloWork (Japanese government site), GaijinPot, Daijob.
- Websites just for jobs in your specific industry.
- LinkedIn is also becoming useful.
How recruitment agencies help:
- They can give you advice about finding a job and applying.
- They might know about jobs you can't find elsewhere.
- They can help you with your application and getting ready for interviews.
- They often help with the visa application too.
- Some agencies focus on certain jobs or the SSW visa.
Making a good application:
- Make your resume like Japanese ones (include a photo, age, etc.).
- Show the skills and experience needed for the SSW visa.
- Show how good your Japanese is.
- Include any test scores or certificates for your job.
- Write a good letter explaining why you want to work in Japan.
Understanding job offers:
- Read the offer carefully, including: Pay, hours, time off, how long the job is for, if there's a trial period.
- Make sure the company is allowed to hire SSW visa workers.
- Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- It's a good idea to have someone who speaks Japanese read the contract with you.
The Visa Application Steps
- Get a job offer from a company in Japan that can hire SSW workers.
- Collect all the papers you need.
- Your employer in Japan applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) for you.
- Once the CoE is approved, you apply for the SSW visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
- If your visa is approved, you'll get your visa and get ready to go to Japan.
Papers you will likely need:
- Your passport
- The visa application form
- Recent photos of you
- The Certificate of Eligibility (the original and a copy)
- Your skills test results
- Your Japanese language test results
- Copies of your school certificates
- Letters showing your work experience (if needed)
- A paper saying you don't have a criminal record
- A health certificate
Where to send your application:
- The CoE application is sent by your employer to the Immigration office in Japan.
- The visa application is sent to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
How long it takes and how much it costs:
- Getting the CoE usually takes 1 to 3 months.
- Getting the visa after you have the CoE usually takes about 5 to 10 working days.
- There are fees for the CoE application, the visa application, and maybe postage if you mail things. The cost is different depending on the country.
Why applications might be rejected (and how to avoid it):
- Missing or wrong papers.
- Not meeting the skill or language rules.
- Giving different information in different parts of your application.
- Having health problems or a criminal record.
- Your employer not being allowed to hire SSW workers.
To avoid problems:
- Check all your papers very carefully.
- Make sure you meet all the requirements before you apply.
- Always be honest in your application.
- Work with good employers or immigration lawyers.
Getting Ready for Life in Japan
Finding a place to live:
- Your company might help, or you can find your own apartment or share house.
- Be ready to pay extra money upfront (like a deposit).
- Think about how close it is to your job.
Healthcare:
- You must join the National Health Insurance.
- Find out where the hospitals and clinics are near you.
- Learn some basic Japanese medical words.
Opening a bank account:
- You'll likely need your residence card, passport, and proof of address.
- Some banks have help in English.
- You can also use online banking.
Getting around:
- Learn how to use public transport with special cards like Suica or PASMO.
- Figure out the local buses and trains.
- A bicycle can be useful for short trips.
- Know the rules if you want to drive.
Culture and customs:
- Learn basic Japanese manners (like bowing, taking off shoes).
- Understand how things work at your workplace.
- Learn about eating customs and how to sort trash.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Your job contract:
- Know your work hours, overtime rules, and time off.
- Understand your pay.
- Be aware of any trial period.
- Follow company rules.
Working conditions:
- You have the same worker rights as Japanese people.
- Laws protect you regarding work hours, pay, etc.
- You can join a workers union.
- You have ways to solve problems if there are issues at work.
Health insurance and pension:
- You must join the National Health Insurance and the National Pension System.
- Understand what they cover and how to use them.
- Learn about paying into the pension and what you get later.
Taxes:
- You'll pay income tax and local tax.
- You might need to file tax papers each year.
- Understand what money is taken from your pay.
- Think about how this affects any money you have in other countries.
Changing jobs:
- You can usually change jobs if it's in the same industry.
- You must tell the immigration office when you change jobs.
- Your new employer must also be allowed to hire SSW workers.
- Make sure you don't have a gap in your job to keep your visa valid.
Staying Longer and Growing Your Career
Renewing your visa:
- You need to apply to renew your SSW visa before it runs out.
- You can usually renew it if you still meet the rules.
- The process is similar to when you first applied.
- You might need new papers, like updated language test scores.
Moving from SSW(i) to SSW(ii):
- You need to meet the higher skill and language requirements.
- Right now, this is only for Construction and Shipbuilding jobs.
- You'll apply for the new visa and might need new skills tests.
- SSW(ii) can give you more stability and let you bring family.
Getting permanent residency:
- You can usually apply for permanent residency after living in Japan for 10 years.
- Sometimes it's faster for people with high-level skills.
- You need to show you have a stable job, pay taxes, and are a good person.
- Good Japanese language skills are usually needed.
Improving your skills:
- Many companies train you on the job.
- You can get more certificates.
- Getting better at Japanese can lead to more job chances.
- Meeting people in your job area can help your career.
Common Questions Asked
Can I bring family?
- Only SSW(ii) visa holders can bring their husband/wife and children.
- SSW(i) holders cannot.
How long can I stay?
- SSW(i) is up to 5 years total.
- SSW(ii) can be renewed forever.
Can I change jobs?
- Yes, but only in the same industry, and you must tell immigration.
Which jobs need the most SSW workers?
- Jobs like nursing care, construction, and food service often have high demand.
Are there age limits for jobs?
- No official limit, but some physical jobs might prefer younger workers.
What Japanese level do I need?
- Usually JLPT N4 or similar is the minimum, but some jobs need more.
Can I take the Japanese test in Japan?
- Some tests are available, but it's often easier to take them in your home country before applying.
How long does the application take?
- From getting a job offer to getting the visa, it can take 3 to 6 months.
Can I apply without a job offer?
- No, you must have a job offer from a qualified employer in Japan to apply.
How much does it cost to live in Japan?
- It depends a lot on where you live. Big cities like Tokyo are more expensive than country areas.
Can I study on an SSW visa?
- The SSW visa is for working. If you want to study a lot, you might need a different visa.
Final Thoughts: Making Your SSW Visa Journey a Success
The Specified Skilled Worker visa offers an incredible opportunity to build a career in Japan while experiencing its unique culture. While the application process requires preparation and patience, thousands of workers successfully navigate it each year.
Key Takeaways to Remember:
- Start early - Give yourself at least 6-12 months to prepare skills tests and Japanese language requirements
- Focus on your specialty - Deep knowledge in your field matters more than general skills
- Document everything - Keep copies of all test results, certificates, and work experience proofs
- Build your network - Connect with others in your industry who have gone through the process
Helpful Resources:
- Official SSW Portal: www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/koyou/gaikokujin/index.html
- JLPT Information: www.jlpt.jp
- Japan Immigration Services: www.immi-moj.go.jp
A Final Word of Encouragement:
Many before you have successfully made the transition to working in Japan through the SSW program. While there are challenges, the rewards - both professional and personal - can be immense. Stay focused on your goals, be patient with the process, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed.
We'd love to hear about your SSW visa journey! Share your questions or experiences in the comments below.
Last updated: [2025 April 04]
Note: Visa policies and requirements may change. Always verify information with official sources before applying.