Specified Skills Worker (SSW) Visa in Japan (特定技能)

Beginning in April 2019, a new specific skilled visa ( Specified Skills Worker) will be introduced as a response to labor shortages. This will mean a significant increase in demand for approximately 340,000 foreign workers between April 2019 and 2024. This means that the new Specified Skills Visa could have a significant impact on the production of companies and businesses, leading to financial growth.

On the other hand, it also means more employment opportunities for foreign skilled workers and professionals who want to work in Japan.

Below are some of the top questions regarding this new implementation in Japan.

Type of Specified Skills Visa in Japan

There are two type classification of SSV as mention below.

First Classification: (SSV-1)
Second Classification: (SSV-2)

1. First Classification: (SSV-1) ※ Specified Skills Visa-1 (5-year renewable visa)

There was 14 Occupations Covered by SSW. You can work as a SSW in japan in the following 14 fields.

Nursing Care
Building Cleaning
Industrial Machinery
Electronics
Construction Industry
Shipbuilding & Marine Industry
Raw Materials Industry
Automobile Repair and Maintenance
Aviation Industry
Accommodation Industry
Agriculture
Fishery and Aquaculture Industries
Manufacture of Food and Beverages
Food Service Industry

Requirements

You must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4)
Must pass the Specified Proficiency Exam Test
Workers in this classification are not allowed to bring their family members to Japan.
After gaining sufficient experience in Japan, workers in this category may apply for a non-suspended renewal visa to benefits of the second classification
Foreign workers may stay and work in Japan for up to 5 years.

2. Second Classification: (SSV-2) ※ Specified Skills Visa-2 (Renewable Visa)

Aviation
Construction
Automobile Maintenance
Lodging
Shipbuilding and Marine

Requirements

Must have passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)*.
Possess a higher level of specialized skills due to experience or qualifications.
Workers in this category may bring their immediate relatives (spouse and children) to Japan.
Foreign workers may stay and work in Japan with visa renewal until they become a resident of Japan or until their stay in Japan becomes indefinite.

Procedures Required Before Working as a SSW

The general procedures for working as an SSW in Japan are as follows. Please note, however, that there are slight differences from country to country, and some countries have their own domestic procedures (for details, please contact your embassy in Japan or the Overseas Worker Dispatch Office in your home country).