Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa provides foreign workers employment pathways across 16 key industries. Since 2019, this program has enabled thousands of international workers to build careers in Japan without university degrees, focusing on practical skills and basic Japanese proficiency.
Official Information Sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Japan is looking for Specified Skilled Workers!
- Immigration Services Agency: Support Website for the Specified Skilled Worker Program
What is the SSW Visa in Japan?
Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker Program
The SSW visa addresses Japan’s critical labor shortages from aging population and declining birth rates. Launched April 2019, it enables foreign workers with specific skills to work legally in designated sectors.
Key Features:
- 16 eligible industries (nursing care, construction, agriculture, food service, etc.)
- No university degree required
- Focus on practical skills and basic Japanese
- Two categories: SSW (i) and SSW (ii)
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 284,466 foreign workers received SSW status by January 2025, indicating continued opportunities for qualified applicants.
Differences Between SSW and Technical Intern Training
| Aspect | SSW | TITP |
| Purpose | Address Japan’s labor shortages | Skills transfer to developing countries |
| Job Mobility | Can change employers within industry | Cannot switch companies |
| Family Rights | SSW (ii) can bring family | No family accompaniment |
| Process | Simple employer-worker contract | Five-party involvement |
Transition Opportunity: TITP graduates can transition to SSW without retaking exams.
SSW Visa Meaning in Japanese and Nepali
Japanese: “Tokutei Ginou” (特定技能) = “specified skills” Nepali: “विशेष कुशल कामदार भिसा” = “Special Skilled Worker Visa”
Types of SSW Visa: SSW1 and SSW2
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Features:
- Stay: Maximum 5 years (renewable 4-12 months)
- Family: No accompaniment allowed
- Salary: Equal to Japanese workers
- Mobility: Can change employers within industry
Requirements:
- Industry-specific skills tests
- Japanese: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2
- Exception: TITP graduates exempt
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Features:
- Stay: Unlimited renewals
- Family: Can bring spouse and children
- Industries: 11 sectors available
- Pathway: To permanent residence
Requirements:
- Complete SSW (i) experience
- Advanced skills examinations
- Supervisory/training abilities
Industries and Job Categories Covered
16 industries: nursing care, building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, automobile transport, railway, agriculture, fisheries, food/beverage manufacturing, food service, forestry, timber processing.
Official Industry Information: Immigration Services Agency – SSW Industries
Eligibility and Requirements for SSW Visa
Skills Test and Japanese Language Test
Language Requirements:
- JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic A2 minimum
- Nursing care: Additional specialized test
- Global availability
Skills Tests:
- Industry-specific techniques/safety
- Administered by Prometric
- Official study materials available
Official Test Information: Immigration Services Agency – Test Information
Education and Qualification Criteria
Unlike other Japanese work visas, SSW requires no university degree. Program prioritizes practical competence over academic credentials, accepting candidates from various educational backgrounds including vocational training.
Age Limit for SSW Visa Applicants
Minimum age: 18 years. No upper limit, though younger candidates (18-35) have better prospects in physically demanding industries.
Medical Test Requirements
All applicants need medical examinations including general health assessment, tuberculosis screening, and job-specific fitness evaluation.
Application Process: How to Apply for the SSW Visa
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Pass Tests: Skills and language examinations
- Job Search: Secure employment with authorized companies
- COE Application: Employer applies (1-3 months)
- Visa Application: Apply at embassy with COE (5-10 days)
- Enter Japan: Within 3 months of COE issuance
Required Documents
Essential documents: valid passport, visa form, COE, test certificates, medical reports, criminal background checks. Additional country-specific documents may apply.
Official Requirements: Immigration Services Agency – Required Documents
Where to Apply and Get Help
Submit applications to Japanese embassies/consulates. Contact Immigration Information Center: 0570-013904.
Official Support: Immigration Services Agency
Online Application Options
Most applications require in-person/mail submission. Some preliminary steps (downloading forms) available online.
Costs, Processing Time, and Validity
| Cost Category | Amount |
| Official visa fees | 3,000 yen ($20-25) |
| Language training | $200-2,000 |
| Skills testing | $100-300 |
| Medical exams | $50-200 |
| Documents | $10-50 each |
| Total preparation | $3,000-6,000 |
Timeline: Complete process 4-8 months (testing 2-6 months, COE 1-3 months, embassy 5-10 days)
Validity: SSW (i) 4 months-1 year initially, renewable to 5 years total. SSW (ii) 6 months-3 years, unlimited renewals.
Official Fees: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Fees
Salary and Working Conditions for SSW Workers
Average Monthly Salary for SSW in Japan
| Level | Salary Range | USD Equivalent |
| Entry-level | ¥160,000-210,000 | $1,100-1,450 |
| Experienced | ¥220,000-280,000 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Specialized | ¥300,000+ | $2,050+ |
Industry Variations:
- Aviation: ¥350,000-420,000 (highest)
- Construction/Manufacturing: ¥220,000-280,000
- Agriculture/Food: ¥160,000-220,000
- Nursing care: ¥150,000-200,000
Benefits: Overtime pay (25% premium), annual bonuses (1-3 months), allowances, subsidized meals.
Salary Differences by Industry and Nationality (Nepal, India, Bangladesh)
Japanese law prohibits nationality-based discrimination. Apparent differences reflect industry choices, language skills, and regional markets. Stronger Japanese proficiency often earns ¥10,000-30,000 monthly bonuses.
Working Hours and Benefits
Standard: 40 hours weekly, 10+ paid vacation days, national health insurance, pension (50% employer-paid), various allowances.
Dependent Visa and Family Rules for SSW Holders
Can SSW Workers Bring Family to Japan?
SSW (i): No family accompaniment allowed. Must live independently up to 5 years. SSW (ii): Can bring spouse and unmarried children under 20. Dependents can work part-time (28 hours/week).
Conditions and Limitations for Dependent Visa
Eligible: Legal spouses and unmarried children under 20. Requirements: Valid health insurance, legal compliance.
Transition from SSW1 to SSW2 and Family Eligibility
Transition enables family reunification but requires completing SSW (i) period and passing advanced skills examinations in 11 available industries.
Support Systems and Life in Japan for SSW Holders
Registered Support Organizations
RSO Services:
- Pre-arrival guidance, airport assistance
- Housing/utility setup, life orientation
- Government office support, language training
- Workplace consultation, job placement
Usage: Small companies lacking multilingual support, specialized industry assistance.
Official Information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Support System
Employer Responsibilities and Worker Support
Employers must provide ten mandatory support types directly or through RSOs. Since April 2025, must submit “Cooperation Confirmation Letters” to local municipalities demonstrating community integration commitment.
Living in Japan: First Few Weeks as SSW Worker
Initial weeks include airport pickup, accommodation arrangement, essential administrative tasks: residence registration, health insurance enrollment, bank account opening with employer assistance.
Country-Specific Information for SSW Applicants
Applying for SSW Visa from Nepal (Cost, Salary, Process)
| Category | Details |
| Total Cost | NPR 400,000-600,000 ($2,800-4,200) |
| Monthly Salary | ¥160,000-250,000 (NPR 150,000-250,000) |
| Income Multiple | 3-5 times average Nepali salary |
| Advantages | Strong bilateral relations, established infrastructure, TITP networks |
Applying for SSW Visa from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka
Bangladesh: Official cooperation memorandum, developing infrastructure, costs $2,000-4,000, Dhaka testing. India: NSDC comprehensive system, multiple cities, standardized programs, strong technical performance. Sri Lanka: Early development, limited local testing, infrastructure building, temporary visa testing option.
Success Rate and Recent Updates by Country
Nepal: High success rates from established infrastructure. India: Strong technical sector performance. Bangladesh/Sri Lanka: Building momentum with government support.
Latest Updates and Future Outlook of SSW Visa
SSW Visa Updates 2024–2025
April 2025 introduced inclusion measures requiring employer-municipality cooperation. Program reached 284,466 workers by end-2024: Vietnam (133,478), Indonesia (53,538), Philippines (28,234). Administrative improvements include streamlined applications, enhanced protections.
Official Updates: Immigration Services Agency Statistics
Expansion of Eligible Industries
March 2024 added automotive transportation, railways, forestry, timber processing (total: 16 industries). SSW (ii) expanded from 2 to 11 industries including agriculture, food service, manufacturing. Future: healthcare support, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy.
Official Expansion: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – 16 Industries
Conclusion
The SSW visa offers exceptional opportunities in Japan’s advanced economy with competitive salaries (¥160,000-280,000 monthly), comprehensive support, and permanent residence pathways through SSW (ii).
Success requires N4/A2 language proficiency and industry-specific skills. Total investment $3,000-6,000 provides access to Japan’s dynamic market with continued expansion and immigration reform integration.
For skilled workers seeking stable, well-compensated employment with cultural exchange, the SSW visa provides an exceptional pathway to professional and personal goals in Japan’s innovative economy.
For those who want to learn more about moving to Japan, please visit Nishiyama Immigration Service
Nishiyama immigration Service provides residence(work permit) application support with low prices for Japanese companies to accept foreign workers or foreign nationals themselves.
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