Route guide
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
Work in a labor-shortage sector with a skills test + N4.
Who it's for
Care, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, farming, transport and more.
- Time to a job
- 3–9 months
- From starting this route to your first job in Japan.
- Visa path
- Specified Skilled Worker (i)
- (ii)
- The visas you hold, in order.
- How secure
- Secure
- How likely you can stay if plans change.
- Japanese needed
- JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic
- To get in, and to get hired.
Requirements
- Pass the sector skills test
- JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic
- A job offer from a Japanese employer
- No degree needed. Not available for IT.
Check it on the official site
Timeline
- 1Months 1–4
Study to N4 + sector skills test
Tests are held in Japan and several partner countries.
- 2Months 4–8
Find an employer
Use licensed organizations only.
- 3After
Type 1 up to 5 years; Type 2 renewable with family
Restaurant sector closed to new applicants since April 2026.
Loading costs…
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
- Use licensed sending organizations
- Check sector quotas before you start
✕ Don't
- Don't pay huge broker fees
- Don't expect IT roles on this visa