How is SSW2 different from SSW1?

The key differences are: (1) SSW2 has no cumulative time limit, while SSW1 is capped at 5 years; (2) SSW2 allows family members (spouse and children) to accompany you, while SSW1 does not; (3) SSW2 requires higher skills (Category 2 test) — no separate Japanese language exam is required for most sectors, while SSW1 requires N4; (4) SSW2 represents supervisory-level expertise, while SSW1 is for workers with 'considerable knowledge and experience.' SSW2 is a significant upgrade in terms of stability, rights, and long-term settlement potential.

Can I bring my family to Japan on SSW2?

Yes. According to published guidelines, SSW2 holders may sponsor their spouse and children for dependent visa status. Family members receive their own Residence Cards and can reside in Japan for the same period as the SSW2 holder. Dependent family members may apply for work permission separately.

Is there a path from SSW2 to permanent residency?

Published guidelines indicate that SSW2 holders may pursue permanent residency through the standard 10-year residence route. Since SSW2 has no time limit, it is possible to accumulate the required years of continuous residence. The pathway from SSW to permanent residency is still being formalized by the Immigration Services Agency, and specific requirements may evolve.

Which sectors currently offer SSW2 testing?

As of the March 2024 Cabinet Decision, all 16 SSW sectors are eligible for SSW2. Not all sectors have active Category 2 testing programs yet — availability varies by sector and is expanding over time. According to published information, construction and shipbuilding were among the first sectors to offer SSW2. Check the ISA and SSW support websites for the current list of sectors with active Category 2 testing.

What if my sector does not yet offer Category 2 testing?

If your sector does not currently offer the Category 2 Specified Skills Test, you may not be able to transition to SSW2 in that sector at this time. Published guidelines indicate the government is actively working to expand SSW2 testing availability across all 16 sectors. Monitor the ISA website for updates.

Do I need to take the Category 2 test if I have a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate?

According to published guidelines, holding a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate (技能検定1級) in the relevant trade may satisfy the skills requirement for SSW2 without taking the Category 2 test. Verify with the Immigration Services Agency that your specific certificate is accepted for your designated sector.

What salary should I expect as an SSW2 worker?

SSW2 workers are expected to receive compensation reflecting their supervisory skill level, which is typically higher than SSW1 wages. Published guidelines require that pay be equal to or greater than Japanese workers in comparable supervisory roles. Exact salaries vary by sector, region, and employer, but the supervisory premium generally results in meaningful salary increases over SSW1.

Can I switch from SSW2 in one sector to another sector?

Switching between designated sectors on SSW2 generally requires passing the Category 2 test for the new sector and obtaining a new employment contract. Published guidelines indicate that sector changes are treated as formal changes of employment and require immigration approval. Cross-sector moves are not straightforward.

What happens to my family's visas if my SSW2 renewal is delayed?

Dependent visas are tied to the primary SSW2 holder's status. Published guidelines indicate that you should apply for renewal well before your current status expires. If there is a processing gap, consult your regional immigration bureau about provisional measures. Family members' visa status cannot extend beyond the primary holder's authorized period.

How does the upcoming Employment for Skill Development (ESD) system affect SSW2?

The ESD system, scheduled to replace the Technical Intern Training program starting in 2027, is expected to create a clearer pipeline into the SSW framework. Published guidelines suggest that ESD completers will have a structured pathway to SSW1 and eventually SSW2. The SSW program itself is not being replaced — it is expected to continue and expand alongside ESD.

What happens to my family's dependent visas if I lose SSW2 status?

Family dependent visas are tied to the primary SSW2 holder's status. If your SSW2 status expires or is revoked, dependent visas are also affected. Published guidelines indicate that you should apply for renewal well before your current status expires to avoid gaps. Family members' visa status cannot extend beyond the primary holder's authorized period.

Japan Specified Skilled Worker 2 (特定技能2号)

Advanced skilled worker status with indefinite renewal and family inclusion

At a Glance

Duration

6 months, 1 year, or 3 years

Fees

Tests: ¥6,000–¥10,000

Visa: ¥3,000–¥6,000

Processing Time

4–8 weeks for Change of Status processing

Max Stay

No maximum

Pass the Category 2 Specified Skills Test (higher standard than SSW1)
Employment contract with an accepting organization
Full-time employment contract with authority to supervise or manage worksites
Minimum age of 18 years old
Pass medical examination and criminal background check

Key Requirements

Pass Category 2 skills test (or Grade 1 National Trade Certificate), typically after 3+ years on SSW1. No separate Japanese language exam required for most sectors.

RequiredPass the Category 2 Specified Skills Test (higher standard than SSW1)
According to published guidelines, applicants must pass the Category 2 Specified Skills Test, which evaluates proficiency at a supervisory or expert level. The test standard is significantly higher than the Category 1 test required for SSW1.
Not all sectors currently offer Category 2 testing — verify availability before committing to the SSW2 transition plan
RequiredEmployment contract with an accepting organization
Must have an employment contract with a Japanese accepting organization (受入れ機関). SSW2 workers demonstrate higher expertise and do not require a support plan.
RequiredFull-time employment contract with authority to supervise or manage worksites
A valid employment contract with a Japanese employer registered under the SSW program is required. The contract must specify supervisory or management responsibilities consistent with the SSW2 skill level.
RequiredMinimum age of 18 years old
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. In practice, most SSW2 applicants are older due to the experience requirements.
RequiredPass medical examination and criminal background check
Recent medical examination and police clearance certificate from home country are required. Documents must be translated into Japanese by a certified translator.

OptionalAlternative: Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate or 3+ years supervisory experience
Published guidelines indicate that holding a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate (技能検定1級) or demonstrating 3 or more years of supervisory or management experience in the relevant sector may satisfy the skills requirement as an alternative to the Category 2 test.
OptionalJapanese language: no separate exam required for most SSW2 sectors
No separate Japanese language exam is required for most SSW2 sectors. SSW2 assessment is primarily through a practical skills exam. N3 or equivalent may be required only for specific sectors (fisheries, food service).

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionWork is limited to the designated sector specified in the employment contract
RestrictionMust hold a supervisory or management role consistent with SSW2 skill level
RestrictionCannot engage in self-employment or business ownership
RestrictionChanging employers requires formal change of employment procedure
RestrictionChanging employers on SSW2 still requires formal immigration procedures — unauthorized changes are visa violations

SSW2 holders have broader work authorization than SSW1 within their designated sector. The supervisory role allows greater autonomy and responsibility. As with SSW1, changing employers or sectors requires formal immigration procedures.

If your sector requires JLPT N3 for SSW2 (fisheries or food service), start studying as soon as you arrive on SSW1 — the jump from N4 to N3 is substantial. Many workers underestimate the time required and miss the July or December test dates. For most other sectors, no separate language exam is required for SSW2.
Document every supervisory task you perform on SSW1 — training new workers, managing schedules, quality inspections. When you apply for SSW2, this documented experience strengthens your application and may serve as alternative qualification if Category 2 testing is not yet available in your sector.

Process

3-6 months

Estimated total timeline

3-6 months

Processing times vary by regional immigration bureau and application volume. Published guidelines indicate that well-documented applications with clear supervisory credentials tend to process faster. If applying from outside Japan with a COE, add 2–4 weeks for COE issuance and 5–10 working days for embassy visa processing.

Build Experience and Prepare for Category 2 Test

3+ years on SSW1 status

Accumulate 3 or more years of work experience in your designated sector on SSW1 status. During this time, study for the Category 2 Specified Skills Test. If your sector requires it (fisheries or food service), upgrade your Japanese language proficiency to N3 level.

Begin studying for the Category 2 test during your SSW1 period — do not wait until the 5-year limit approaches. If your sector requires N3 (fisheries or food service), start that preparation early as well.
Seek supervisory responsibilities at work to build the management experience that SSW2 requires
Check sector availability for Category 2 testing early — not all sectors have active SSW2 programs yet

Pass the Category 2 Skills Test (and Language Test if Required)

1–3 months (for test registration and results)

Register for and pass the Category 2 Specified Skills Test in your sector. A separate Japanese language test (JLPT N3) is only required for specific sectors — fisheries and food service. Most sectors do not require a language exam for SSW2. Alternatively, obtain a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate.

Category 2 tests evaluate supervisory-level competence — practical experience is as important as study
If you already hold a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate, you may not need the Category 2 test
The Category 2 test is significantly more difficult than Category 1 — adequate preparation is essential. Allocate more study time than you expect.
Check whether your sector requires a separate Japanese language exam — most SSW2 sectors do not

Secure or Confirm Employment with Supervisory Contract

1–4 weeks

Ensure you have an employment contract that specifies supervisory or management duties consistent with SSW2. This may be an updated contract with your current employer or a new contract with a different registered employer.

Apply for Change of Status of Residence

4–8 weeks for processing

Submit your Change of Status of Residence application at the regional immigration bureau. Include all required documents: test certificates, employment contract, proof of experience, and current Residence Card.

Apply for SSW2 status change before your SSW1 5-year limit expires — late applications may result in a gap in legal status

Apply before your SSW1 status expires — immigration processing times can vary
Bring all original documents and copies to the immigration bureau

Receive SSW2 Status and Updated Residence Card

1–2 weeks for card update

Once approved, your Residence Card is updated to reflect SSW2 status. You may now also apply for dependent visas for your spouse and children.

Review the expiration date on your new Residence Card — SSW2 periods are typically 1 or 3 years
If bringing family, file dependent visa applications promptly after receiving SSW2 status

Construction and shipbuilding were the first sectors to offer SSW2 — they have the most established testing and transition processes. If your sector is newer to SSW2, look at how these sectors handle the transition for guidance on what to expect.

FAQ

Show all 11 questions

Tips

Start preparing for the Category 2 test during your SSW1 period — waiting until year 4 or 5 leaves no margin for error. If your sector requires JLPT N3 (fisheries or food service), begin that preparation early too.
Seek supervisory responsibilities early in your SSW1 career — practical management experience strengthens both your test performance and your application
Check whether your sector currently offers Category 2 testing before building your transition plan
If you hold a Grade 1 National Trade Skill Certificate, verify its acceptance for SSW2 with the ISA — this can significantly shorten your pathway
If your sector requires JLPT N3 (fisheries or food service), budget for the language upgrade from N4 — this typically requires 300–600 additional study hours
Once on SSW2, file dependent visa applications for family members promptly — processing takes additional time
Keep all employment records, tax certificates, and pension documentation organized — these serve as proof of continuous work history
Monitor the ISA website for policy updates — the SSW program is actively evolving with new sectors and testing schedules

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 2 (特定技能2号)

At a Glance

Key Requirements

Work Permission

Documents

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

Build Experience and Prepare for Category 2 Test

Pass the Category 2 Skills Test (and Language Test if Required)

Secure or Confirm Employment with Supervisory Contract

Apply for Change of Status of Residence

Receive SSW2 Status and Updated Residence Card

FAQ

Tips

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Related Visas

Work Permission

Required Documents (0 of 10 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Build Experience and Prepare for Category 2 Test

Pass the Category 2 Skills Test (and Language Test if Required)

Secure or Confirm Employment with Supervisory Contract

Apply for Change of Status of Residence

Receive SSW2 Status and Updated Residence Card

Tips

Official Sources

Related Visas