Foreign nationals looking to work in Japan after studying or while seeking job opportunities can utilize the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) framework. Established to address labor shortages, this system allows individuals who meet age, health, language, and vocational skill requirements to work across 16 industrial sectors. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and possess immediate operational skills to begin working without fundamental on-the-job training.
Because visa policies and exam schedules are managed by official government bodies, candidates should always verify their eligibility and test details directly with the official authorities.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system in Japan for 2026?
The SSW program is a status of residence created by the Japanese government to welcome foreign talent with specific technical competencies. As outlined by the MOFA website, candidates can enter the workforce immediately if they pass the designated skill assessments and language tests.
Individuals who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) satisfactorily are exempted from both the skill proficiency exam and the Japanese language exam when staying within the same field. However, if a former technical intern chooses to transition to a different industry under SSW (i), taking the skill proficiency test for that new sector remains mandatory.
How do SSW (i) and SSW (ii) compare?
The system is divided into two categories, each carrying distinct terms of stay, family sponsorship rules, and skill criteria:
- Specified Skilled Worker (i): Designed for jobs requiring operational knowledge or experience in designated fields. Workers can remain in Japan for up to 5 years in total. Applicants must demonstrate daily life and workplace Japanese language proficiency alongside job-specific skills through exams. Family members are generally not permitted to accompany the worker. Individuals under SSW (i) receive support from Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations.
- Specified Skilled Worker (ii): Designed for specialists possessing proficient skills in their chosen industry. This status offers a renewable period of stay without a total limit. Holders may bring family members (spouse and children) if they fulfill standard conditions. Passing a high-level skill proficiency test is mandatory, though taking a separate Japanese language test is not required. Work experience may be necessary to qualify for certain SSW (ii) skill exams.
Which 16 industrial fields accept Specified Skilled Workers?
As of April 2024, the framework encompasses 16 industrial fields. Note that five of these sectors only offer the SSW (i) classification: Nursing Care, Automobile Transportation Business, Railway, Forestry, and Wood Industry.
- Nursing Care: Physical and mental care support (bathing, feeding, excretion) and related recreational or functional training support (SSW (i) only).
- Building Cleaning Management: Internal building cleaning operations.
- Manufacture of Industrial Products: Formerly known as Machine Parts and Tooling Industries until April 2024. Covers machining, metal surface treatment, electronic equipment assembly, printing/book binding, corrugated box making, concrete manufacturing, paper/plastics fuel making, pottery, fabricated textiles, and sewing.
- Construction Industry: Civil engineering, building, and infrastructure installation.
- Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry: Hull construction, ship machinery, and electrical equipment.
- Automobile Repair and Maintenance: Routine, regular, and certified maintenance of vehicles.
- Aviation Industry: Airport ground handling (baggage, freight, ground driving) and aircraft maintenance.
- Accommodation Industry: Front desk, public relations, hospitality, and restaurant services within hotels or inns.
- Automobile Transportation Business: Drivers for motor trucks, taxis, and buses (SSW (i) only).
- Railway: Construction and maintenance of tracks/facilities, rolling stock manufacturing/overhaul, and train operation (SSW (i) only).
- Agriculture: General crop farming and livestock management.
- Fishery and Aquaculture Industries: Fishing operations, gear maintenance, catch processing, and marine organism cultivation.
- Manufacture of Food and Beverages: General production and safety management of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Food Service Industry: Restaurant preparation, customer service, and store management.
- Forestry: Silviculture and log production (SSW (i) only).
- Wood Industry: Sawmilling and plywood processing (SSW (i) only).
What Japanese language and skill tests are required in 2026?
To qualify for SSW (i), applicants must pass both a recognized Japanese language examination and an industry-specific skill proficiency exam, unless exempted by prior intern training.
According to the Immigration Services Agency SSW test information page, acceptable Japanese language exams include:
- Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic): Administered on computer testing networks across Japan and overseas. In Japan, tests take place across multiple blocks in October and November 2026 (such as Oct 2–11, 13–16, 18–23, 26–30, and Nov 2, 4–6, 9–13).
- Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): Held on December 6, 2026 inside Japan.
Skill tests for each of the 16 fields are scheduled throughout the year across Japan and internationally (including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, and others). Taking these skill and language examinations involves test fees. Candidates can check detailed scheduling links published on the official Ministry of Justice test information page.
What is the difference between a visa and a status of residence?
It is essential to understand the procedural distinction between these two official terms:
- Visa: Issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Obtaining a visa allows you to travel to a Japanese port of entry but does not guarantee entry.
- Status of Residence: Granted by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) during airport immigration examination upon arrival. This status legally authorizes your specific activities and length of stay inside the country.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging accommodation is a key step when preparing for a transition to working life in Japan. Candidates should begin searching for housing after securing their Certificate of Eligibility or visa confirmation, ensuring their home is ready before arriving in Tokyo. Look for housing options that offer clear pricing and flexible lease terms to avoid unnecessary upfront expenses while settling into a new job.
OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card.