Procedures Required Before Working as a SSW

Procedures Required Before Working as a SSW

Specified Skilled Worker (top)

What is the SSW ?

Procedures Required Before Working as a SSW

*There are two types of "Specified Skilled Worker" - (i) and (ii) - but the explanation here pertains to (i), which is applicable to most people.

General Process

The general process for working as a SSW in Japan is as follows. However, please note that the procedures differ slightly depending on the country, and some countries have their own domestic procedures (for details, please contact the embassy of Japan or overseas worker dispatch authority in your home country).

Firstly, Requirements for foreign nationals are as follows: Over 18 years old, has passed skill/Japanese tests (foreign nationals who have satisfactory completed Technical Intern Training 2 are exempted from the tests), and has not stayed for more than 5 years as Specified Skilled Worker 1. No security deposit has been collected, nor has been signed contract for penalties, and well understood the details of one's responsibilities if there were any fees or expences to be borne by oneself. The general process for working as a SSW in Japan is as follows. After passing skill/Japanese tests overseas , foreign nationals newly entering Japan would conclude an employment contract with accepting organization by applying for jobs directly or receiving assistance in job searching from private employment agencies (those who have satisfactory completed Technical Intern Training 2 are exempted from the tests). Next, apply for certificate of eligibility (proxy application by staff of the accepting organization), and regional immigration services bureau would send the certificate of eligibility to the accepting organization. Then, submit the certificate of eligibility sent by the accepting organization to the overseas embassy and apply for visa. After determination, visa will be issued, you will entry into Japan, and start working at the accepting organization.
Firstly, Requirements for foreign nationals are as follows: Over 18 years old, has passed skill/Japanese tests (foreign nationals who have satisfactory completed Technical Intern Training 2 are exempted from the tests), and has not stayed for more than 5 years as Specified Skilled Worker 1. No security deposit has been collected, nor has been signed contract for penalties, and well understood the details of one's responsibilities if there were any fees or expences to be borne by oneself. The general process for working as a SSW in Japan is as follows. After passing skill/Japanese tests overseas , foreign nationals newly entering Japan would conclude an employment contract with accepting organization by applying for jobs directly or receiving assistance in job searching from private employment agencies (those who have satisfactory completed Technical Intern Training 2 are exempted from the tests). Next, apply for certificate of eligibility (proxy application by staff of the accepting organization), and regional immigration services bureau would send the certificate of eligibility to the accepting organization. Then, submit the certificate of eligibility sent by the accepting organization to the overseas embassy and apply for visa. After determination, visa will be issued, you will entry into Japan, and start working at the accepting organization.
  • ※1Testing based on specified industry fields
  • ※2- Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (Japan Foundation)
    - Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or higher) (Japan Foundation/Japan Educational Exchanges and Services)
  • ※3○over 18 years old
    ○Has passed a skill/Japanese language test (foreign nationals that have satisfactory completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt)
    ○Has not stayed for more than 5 years as Specified Skilled Worker (i)
    ○No security deposit has been collected and no contract has been signed which sets out penalties
    ○Where self-supported, fully understands the details of their responsibilities
    etc.
  • ※4○Attend life orientation provided by the accepting organization
    ○Register as a resident in the municipalities in which the individual lives
    ○Open a salary bank account
    ○Secure housing
    etc.

About the Exam

①Test to measure Japanese language proficiency

In order to obtain a "Specified Skilled Worker" status of residence, it is necessary to pass the "Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)" or acquire the N4 certificate for the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)". Both JFT-Basic and JLPT are conducted within and outside Japan.

*For nursing care, applicants also need to pass the “Nursing care Japanese language evaluation test”.

②Skill Exams

In order to obtain a "Specified Skilled Worker" status of residence, it is necessary to pass skill exams for each specified industry field, conducted within and outside Japan.

An Introduction to Specified Skilled Workers Currently Working in Japan

The following videos were produced by March 2022. In May 2022, the "Machine Parts and Tooling Industries" was merged into one field along with other manufacturing fields.

Support System for SSWs

Click here for more information

Blossom! in Japan.

The following videos were produced by March 2022. After May 2022, there are 12 industrial fields.

  • Play movie in a new window：14 in demand occupations
  • Play movie in a new window：Specified Skilled Workers supported in work & life
  • Play movie in a new window：utilize your skills experience