Specified Skilled Worker Visa

New status of Residence: Specified Skilled Worker

 “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. 

Two types of the Specified Skilled Worker visa

 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.



Specified Skilled Workers (1)
  • Period of Renewal : 1 year / 6 months/ 4 months / 3 months, for up to 5 years in total

  • Skill Standards : Job Skills Tests (Exemption for those who have completed Technical Intern Trainees (ii) program in specified field)

  • Japanese Language Level: JLPT N4 level or higher (Exemption for those who have completed Technical Intern Trainees (ii) program))

  • Spouse/Dependent: Not permitted

  • Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations must provide support

  • Specified Skilled Worker (2)
  • Period of Renewal : Renewable and length of stay is unlimited

  • Skill Standards: Measured by Skill Test

  • Japanese Language Level: No test required.

  • Spouse/Dependent: Permitted

  • No requirement of support

  • 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.



    Accepting Organization Requirements
  • 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.


  • Duties of Accepting Organization
  • Must Comply with the terms of their employment contracts.


  • Must Provide support to their Specified Skilled Workers accordingly.


  • Must file the notifications to the Immigration bureau/Residency office.




  • Support For Specified Skilled Workers (1)
    Accepting Organizations are responsible to offer sufficient support to their Specified Skilled Workers. This includes providing guidance regarding their daily lives in Japan before AND after entering Japan to make sure the workers can smoothy carry out their activities in Japan whether in their work, daily life, or social life.