Complete Guide to the Specified Skilled Worker Visa [2026 — SSW Type 1 & 2, 16 Fields]

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) residence status was established in 2019 to allow foreign nationals to work in sectors facing serious labour shortages. It is also a common destination for those transitioning from Technical Intern Training. If the conditions are met, it may open doors to long-term employment, family reunification and even permanent residence. This guide covers the difference between Type 1 and Type 2, eligible fields and how to obtain the status. For a broader overview of all work-based statuses, see Japan work visa types.

① What is the Specified Skilled Worker status?

Specified Skilled Worker is a residence status that accepts foreign nationals with certain skills into sectors facing serious labour shortages. It is divided into SSW Type 1 and SSW Type 2, which differ in the level of skill required and the permitted period of stay.

② Differences between SSW Type 1 and Type 2

③ Eligible fields (16 for Type 1, 11 for Type 2)

SSW Type 1 is currently accepting workers in 16 fields (four fields — road transportation, railway, forestry and lumber industry — were added in 2024).

• Nursing care
• Building cleaning management
• Industrial product manufacturing (formerly: casting & forging materials, industrial machinery, and electronic/electrical information industries)
• Construction
• Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
• Automobile repair and maintenance
• Aviation
• Accommodation
• Agriculture
• Fishery and aquaculture
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• Food service industry
• Road transportation (added 2024)
• Railway (added 2024)
• Forestry (added 2024)
• Lumber industry (added 2024)

SSW Type 2 is available primarily in fields other than nursing care. The nursing care field has a dedicated "Nursing Care" residence status and a career path via SSW Type 1. For a full breakdown of the nursing care routes, see working in nursing care in Japan.

④ How to obtain SSW Type 1 (two routes)

1. Examination route: pass the field-specific skills test and Japanese language test
2. Transition from Technical Intern Training: those who complete Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be able to transition to a related field with test exemptions in some cases (see Technical Intern Training Guide for details)

⑤ Required examinations

• Skills test: the examining body and test content differ by field
• Japanese language test: JLPT N4 or above, or JFT-Basic. Those who have completed Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be exempt in some cases
• The nursing care field additionally requires the Nursing Care Japanese Evaluation Test

⑥ Role of accepting organisations and registered support organisations

When a worker holds SSW Type 1, the accepting company (specified skilled worker-affiliated organisation) is obliged to create and implement a support plan to ensure the foreign national can work and live stably.

• Examples of support: orientation upon arrival, life consultations, opportunities for Japanese-language learning, assistance accompanying the worker to various procedures, etc.
• If in-house support is difficult, the company can outsource the support to a registered support organisation
• You can also conduct job-hunting activities through a registered support organisation

⑦ Transition from Technical Intern Training and Ikusei Shuro

Those who complete Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be able to transition to SSW Type 1 in a related field with test exemptions in some cases. This may allow for an accumulation of a longer period of work in Japan.

In addition, the 2024 legal reform decided that Technical Intern Training will transition to the Employment for Skill Development (Ikusei Shuro) system (implementation planned around 2027). The Ikusei Shuro system is designed with a seamless connection to Specified Skilled Worker status in mind. See Technical Intern Training Guide for more details on the system.

⑧ Family reunification and the path to permanent residence

• SSW Type 1: the total stay is capped at 5 years, and family reunification is not permitted in principle
• SSW Type 2: there is no upper limit on renewals, and a spouse and children may also come to Japan. You can build up a residence record under a work-authorised status

Those who wish to remain in Japan for the long term may also consider applying for permanent residence in due course. However, permanent residence involves a separate eligibility review covering length of stay, financial stability and other criteria — approval is not guaranteed simply by applying.

FAQ

Can I transition from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker status?Those who complete Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be able to transition to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in a related field with test exemptions in some cases. The available fields and conditions differ depending on the relationship between the training occupation and the SSW field, so please check with your accepting organisation or a registered support organisation.

Can I bring my family to Japan on SSW Type 1?Family reunification is not permitted in principle under SSW Type 1. Once you obtain SSW Type 2, you may be able to bring your spouse and children to Japan on a family stay residence status in some cases.

How long can I stay in Japan on SSW Type 1?The total permitted period of stay is up to 5 years, including renewals. SSW Type 2 is renewable with no upper limit on the total period of stay.

Does SSW Type 2 lead to permanent residence?SSW Type 2 has no upper limit on renewals, allowing you to build up a residence record under a work-authorised status. However, permanent residence involves a separate eligibility review covering length of stay, financial stability and other criteria — approval is not guaranteed simply by applying.