What are the 16 designated sectors for SSW1?

As of the March 2024 Cabinet Decision, the 16 designated sectors are: Nursing Care (介護), Building Cleaning (ビルクリーニング), Material Processing/Industrial Machinery/Electrical & Electronics (素形材・産業機械・電気電子情報関連), Construction (建設), Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery (造船・舶用工業), Automobile Maintenance (自動車整備), Automobile Transport (自動車運送業), Aviation (航空), Accommodation (宿泊), Agriculture (農業), Fisheries (漁業), Food and Beverages Manufacturing (飲食料品製造業), Food Service (外食業), Forestry (林業), Wood Industry (木材産業), and Railway (鉄道). Published guidelines indicate the sector list is continuously reviewed for further expansion.

Can I skip the skills test and language test?

According to published guidelines, applicants who have completed 3 years of Technical Intern Training Program (Phase ii) in a related sector are exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test. This is the most common exemption pathway. No other exemptions are currently documented.

What is the difference between SSW1 and SSW2?

SSW1 is for workers with 'considerable knowledge and experience' — it has a 5-year cumulative limit, does not allow family members, and requires passing the Category 1 skills test. SSW2 is for workers with 'proficient skills' at a supervisory level — it has no time limit, allows family members (spouse and children), and requires passing the more advanced Category 2 test. SSW2 represents a significant upgrade in terms of stability and rights.

How do I transition from SSW1 to SSW2?

Published guidelines indicate that SSW1 holders can apply for SSW2 after accumulating 3 or more years of experience in their designated sector and passing the Category 2 Specified Skills Test (a higher-standard evaluation) or holding a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate. Demonstrated supervisory or management experience in the sector is also a pathway. The transition is not automatic — it requires a formal application and status change.

Can I change employers while on SSW1?

Changing employers on SSW1 is possible but requires a formal change of employment procedure through immigration. You cannot simply quit and start working for another employer. The new employer must be registered for SSW in the same designated sector, and a new employment contract and support plan must be submitted. Published guidelines indicate that unauthorized employer changes constitute a visa violation.

What happens when I reach the 5-year limit on SSW1?

According to published guidelines, SSW1 has a strict 5-year cumulative maximum. When this limit is reached, you must either transition to SSW2 (by passing the Category 2 test) or leave Japan. There is no extension beyond 5 years on SSW1 status. Time spent on Technical Intern Training does not count toward the 5-year SSW1 limit.

Is the salary for SSW1 comparable to Japanese workers?

Published guidelines require that SSW1 workers receive salary and working conditions equal to or better than Japanese workers in the same role and sector. Employers must demonstrate compliance with this requirement. If you believe your compensation is below prevailing wages, you can consult the Hello Work (ハローワーク) employment service or the Labor Standards Inspection Office.

What support does my employer provide?

Under published guidelines, employers or their designated registered support organizations must provide: Japanese language training, daily life assistance (housing, banking, medical access), workplace orientation, complaint and consultation channels, airport pickup upon arrival, and assistance with administrative procedures. This support plan is a mandatory part of the SSW program.

Can I bring my family to Japan on SSW1?

No. According to published guidelines, SSW1 holders cannot bring family members (spouse or children) as dependents. This is one of the key differences between SSW1 and SSW2. Family members would need to obtain their own independent visa status to reside in Japan.

What is the Technical Intern Training program and how does it relate to SSW?

The Technical Intern Training (TIT) program is a government program that brings foreign trainees to Japan for skills development over 1–3 years. Completing 3 years of TIT Phase ii in a related sector qualifies you for SSW1 without taking skills or language tests. Note that TIT is being replaced by the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) system starting in 2027, though the transition pathway to SSW is expected to continue.

Japan Specified Skilled Worker 1 (特定技能1号)

Skilled labor visa for Japan's high-demand sectors

At a Glance

Duration

Up to 1 year

Fees

Tests: ¥6,000–¥10,000

Visa: ¥3,000–¥6,000

Processing Time

6–8 weeks from test completion to visa issuance

Max Stay

5 years maximum

Minimum age of 18 years old
Pass the Category 1 Specified Skills Test (written + practical exam)
Pass Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N4 level or higher
Employment contract with an accepting organization
Full-time employment contract with a registered Japanese employer
Pass medical examination and criminal background check

Key Requirements

Pass sector-specific skills test + Japanese N4, OR complete 3 years Technical Intern Training

RequiredMinimum age of 18 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. There is no upper age limit, though employers may have their own preferences.
RequiredPass the Category 1 Specified Skills Test (written + practical exam)
According to published guidelines, applicants must pass a sector-specific skills evaluation test that includes both written and practical components. The test content varies by sector and is administered by designated testing organizations in Japan and select overseas locations.
RequiredPass Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N4 level or higher
Published guidelines require applicants to demonstrate basic Japanese conversational ability at JLPT N4 level minimum. Some sectors may require higher proficiency. The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) is also accepted as an alternative to JLPT.
RequiredEmployment contract with an accepting organization
Must have an employment contract with a Japanese accepting organization (受入れ機関). The organization must meet standards for support plans.
RequiredFull-time employment contract with a registered Japanese employer
A valid employment contract with a Japanese employer registered under the SSW program is required. The employer must meet labor standards and provide adequate working conditions, including salary comparable to Japanese workers in the same role.
RequiredPass medical examination and criminal background check
Applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide a criminal background check from their home country. Both documents must be recent and translated into Japanese by a certified translator.

OptionalTechnical Intern Training (3 years) exempts from both skills and language tests
Applicants who have completed 3 years of Technical Intern Training Program (Phase ii) in a related sector are exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test. This is the most common entry pathway for SSW1.

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionWork is limited to the designated sector specified in the employment contract
RestrictionCannot work for employers other than the contracted employer without formal change of employment procedures
RestrictionCannot engage in self-employment or business ownership
RestrictionMust notify immigration immediately if employment ends
RestrictionWorking outside your designated sector or for unauthorized employers is a visa violation that can result in deportation and future visa denial
RestrictionChanging employers without following the formal change of employment procedure is a violation — always process the change through immigration

SSW1 holders are authorized to work full-time in their designated sector only. Changing employers requires a formal change of employment procedure through immigration. Working outside the designated sector or for unauthorized employers constitutes a visa violation.

If you are currently in a Technical Intern Training program, completing the full 3-year Phase ii is the fastest and most reliable path to SSW1. You skip both the skills test and the language test entirely, saving months of preparation and test fees.
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) is offered much more frequently than the JLPT and is accepted as an equivalent for SSW1 language requirements. If JLPT test dates do not align with your timeline, consider JFT-Basic instead.
Sector-specific skills test study materials are available for free on the SSW support website (ssw.go.jp). Many sectors also offer practice tests. The pass rate varies significantly by sector — construction and caregiving tend to have more rigorous testing than food processing or cleaning.
Check the prevailing wage for your sector and prefecture before accepting an offer. Published data from Hello Work (ハローワーク) shows average wages by sector and region. Some employers in rural areas offer lower wages that still meet minimums, but may be below urban averages for the same work.

Process

3-6 months

Estimated total timeline

3-6 months

Total timeline includes skills test registration and results (2–4 weeks), COE processing (2–4 weeks), and embassy visa processing (5–10 working days). Published guidelines indicate that SSW applications are generally processed faster than professional visa categories. Actual timelines vary by region and embassy.

Pass the Skills Test and Language Test

1–6 months (depending on test availability and study time)

Register for and pass the Category 1 Specified Skills Test in your designated sector, and the JLPT N4 (or JFT-Basic) language test. If you completed 3 years of Technical Intern Training, you are exempt from both tests.

Skills tests are offered at designated locations in Japan and select countries
JLPT is held in July and December; JFT-Basic is offered more frequently
Study materials for sector-specific skills tests are available on the SSW support website (ssw.go.jp)

Secure Employment with a Registered Employer

2–8 weeks

Find and sign an employment contract with a Japanese employer who is registered to accept SSW workers in your designated sector. The employer must provide a support plan and meet labor standards.

Use the SSW support website or authorized recruitment agencies to find registered employers
Verify that the employer is registered with the Immigration Services Agency for SSW hiring

Employer Applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

2–4 weeks for COE processing

Your employer submits the COE application to the regional immigration bureau in Japan on your behalf. The application includes your test certificates, employment contract, support plan, and other required documents.

The employer handles the COE application — provide all documents promptly when requested
COE processing is generally faster for SSW than for professional visa categories

Apply for Visa at Japanese Embassy or Consulate

5–10 working days for visa processing

Once the COE is issued, take it along with your passport, test certificates, and other documents to the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to apply for the SSW1 visa.

Some countries may offer eVISA application (check embassy website)
Bring all original documents and one set of copies

Enter Japan and Begin Employment

1–2 weeks for settling in

Travel to Japan with your visa, report to immigration at the port of entry, and receive your Residence Card (在留カード). Complete address registration at your local municipal office within 14 days of arrival.

Register your address at the local city/ward office (市区町村役場) within 14 days
Enroll in the National Health Insurance and National Pension programs
Your employer or support organization should assist with initial settlement procedures

FAQ

Show all 10 questions

Tips

Start studying for the JLPT N4 and sector-specific skills test well in advance — preparation typically takes 3–6 months
The Technical Intern Training exemption pathway is the most straightforward route to SSW1 — leverage it if you have completed TIT
Verify your prospective employer is registered with the Immigration Services Agency for SSW hiring before signing any agreements
Keep all test certificates, employment documents, and translations organized — incomplete applications are a common cause of delays
Salary must be equal to or higher than Japanese workers in the same role — know the prevailing wage for your sector and region
The support plan from your employer is not optional — ensure they have a concrete plan or use a registered support organization
Plan your SSW1 to SSW2 transition early — the 5-year cumulative limit comes up faster than expected
Register with your local municipal office within 14 days of arrival — this is a legal requirement, not optional

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-04

This information is compiled from publicly available sources for general reference only. It does not constitute immigration consulting (入管業務), document preparation services (行政書士業務), or legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed immigration lawyer (弁護士) or administrative scrivener (行政書士). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.

Japan Specified Skilled Worker 1 (特定技能1号)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

Pass the Skills Test and Language Test

Secure Employment with a Registered Employer

Employer Applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Apply for Visa at Japanese Embassy or Consulate

Enter Japan and Begin Employment

FAQ

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Pass the Skills Test and Language Test

Secure Employment with a Registered Employer

Employer Applies for Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Apply for Visa at Japanese Embassy or Consulate

Enter Japan and Begin Employment

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas