What is the Specified Skilled Worker Program in Japan?

Japan is currently facing a serious labor shortage due to its aging population and declining birth rate. As a solution, the Japanese government introduced the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Program in April 2019 to welcome more foreign workers in specific industries where manpower is urgently needed.

This program provides an opportunity for foreign nationals, especially from countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and others, to work in Japan legally, with proper wages and conditions.

What is the Specified Skilled Worker Visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker visa is a residence status that allows foreign workers with certain skills and Japanese language ability to live and work in Japan. It is different from Japan’s traditional Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), as SSW offers more rights, higher pay, and in some cases, a pathway to long-term stay.

There are two types of SSW visas:

1. Specified Skilled Worker (i) – SSW Type 1

This category is for foreign workers with basic skills in one of 16 designated industries, including:

• Nursing care
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Hospitality (hotels)
• Shipbuilding
• Building cleaning
• Fishery
• Aviation, and more

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 5 years, renewable annually
• No family members allowed to accompany the worker
• Requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT Basic)
• Workers under this visa are entitled to the same wages and working conditions as Japanese workers

This is currently the most common SSW visa type.

2. Specified Skilled Worker (ii) – SSW Type 2

This category is for workers with higher-level skills and experience, usually in:

• Construction
• Shipbuilding and marine industry
• (Other sectors may be added in the future)

Key Features:

• Can be renewed indefinitely (no 5-year limit)
• Family members are allowed to live in Japan
• May lead to long-term residency or permanent residence

Because the requirements are higher, SSW Type 2 is less common but offers more long-term benefits.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the SSW Program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass the required skills proficiency test in the chosen field
• Pass a Japanese language test (at least JLPT N4 or JFT Basic)
• Have a valid job offer from a Japanese employer

However, those who have completed at least 2–3 years under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program may be exempted from retaking the skills and language tests if they are applying in the same industry.

Why Choose the SSW Program?

Here are some benefits of working in Japan under the SSW visa:

• Legal work status with proper rights and protections
• Equal pay as Japanese workers
• Safe working and living conditions
• Support from registered support organizations (for SSW Type 1 holders)
• Opportunity to gain Japanese work experience and learn new skills
• For Type 2, the chance to bring family and build a long-term life in Japan

Things to Keep in Mind

While the SSW program is a good opportunity, applicants should be careful of illegal recruiters or fake job offers. Always apply through licensed recruitment agencies and ensure your employer is registered in Japan’s immigration system.

Also, remember that SSW Type 1 does not allow family members and has a maximum 5-year stay. If you want to settle in Japan long-term, you may need to upgrade to Type 2 or explore other visa options in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Specified Skilled Worker Program is a promising pathway for skilled foreign workers to build a better future in Japan. Whether you’re in healthcare, construction, or food processing, this visa can help you earn a good living while contributing to Japan’s economy.