“Specified Skilled Worker” is a new status of residence established in April 2019 for foreign nationals seeking to live in Japan for the purpose of employment. It allows foreign nationals to stay and work in Japan for the maximum of 5 years length. It covers 14 industrial sectors such as construction, industrial machinery, shipbuilding and marine, fisheries, nursing care, food service, and others.
Specified Skilled Worker (1) is for foreign nationals who work in fields which require a considerable amount of knowledge or experience in specific fields. Specified Skilled Worker (2) is for foreign nationals engaged in the fields which require proficient skills in specific fields.
Things applicants should know:
Applicants can sign employment contract before their skill evaluation tests. However, Specified Skilled Worker Visa will NOT be issued unless the applicants pass their evaluation tests.
Accepting Organization Duties
In order to employ Specified Skilled workers, the employer (Accepting Organization) is responsible for providing hands to their foreign employees.
1. The employment contract is appropriate
The Specified Skilled workers must receive equivalent or better compensation as that of Japanese employees in similar position.
2. The accepting organization is appropriate.
No violations of immigration or labor laws within the past 5 years. No hidden contracts, no deposits, penalties, management fee etc.
3. Must have a solid support structure to ensure the wellness of Specified Skilled workers
4. The support plan is appropriate.