Specified Skilled Worker Visa - Overview

What Is a Specified Skilled Worker Visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker Visa is a status of residence established to accept foreign nationals with a certain level of expertise and skills in designated industries facing serious labor shortages in Japan.

There are two categories: Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii). They differ in areas such as the required skill level, permitted period of stay, and eligibility to bring family members to Japan.

A Specified Skilled Worker Visa is not granted solely because the foreign national satisfies the examination and other individual requirements. The accepting company must also meet requirements relating to employment conditions, its acceptance structure, and the support system provided to the worker.

It is therefore important to confirm that both the foreign national and the accepting company meet all applicable requirements before proceeding with the application.

Requirements for Obtaining a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

The requirements for obtaining a Specified Skilled Worker Visa apply not only to the foreign national applicant but also to the accepting employer.

While the requirements differ between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii), the main points reviewed are as follows.

① The Applicant Must Meet the Required Skill and Japanese Language Standards

For Specified Skilled Worker (i), applicants are generally required to pass both the relevant skills examination and a Japanese language proficiency examination for the applicable industry sector.

However, applicants who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) or otherwise satisfy certain conditions may be exempt from the skills and Japanese language examinations.

② The Job Duties Must Fall Within the Scope of Eligible Specified Skilled Worker Activities

Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, each industry sector has a defined scope of work that foreign nationals are permitted to perform.

The actual duties performed after employment must fall within the scope of activities authorized under the applicable Specified Skilled Worker category.

③ The Accepting Employer Must Meet the Applicable Requirements

The accepting employer must satisfy the requirements established under the system, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the execution of an appropriate employment contract.

Depending on the industry sector, additional requirements may apply, such as membership in the relevant industry council or limitations on the number of foreign workers accepted.

④ An Appropriate Support System Must Be in Place

When accepting a Specified Skilled Worker (i), the employer is required to provide support relating to the worker’s daily life and employment in Japan.

The accepting employer may provide such support directly or outsource the support services to a Registered Support Organization.

Eligible Applicants for a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

The Specified Skilled Worker Visa is intended for foreign nationals who wish to work in designated industry sectors and who meet the required standards of skills, Japanese language proficiency, and other eligibility requirements.

For Specified Skilled Worker (i), applicants are generally required to pass both the relevant skills examination and the Japanese language examination for the applicable industry sector.

However, applicants who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) or otherwise satisfy certain conditions may be exempt from the skills and Japanese language examinations.

In addition, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, must not have paid any guarantee deposits, and must not be subject to contracts that impose penalties for non-performance or early termination, among other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I bring my family to Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i)?
A. In principle, family members such as a spouse or children are not permitted to accompany a holder of Specified Skilled Worker (i) status. Under Specified Skilled Worker (ii), however, spouses and children may be eligible to stay in Japan under a Dependent Visa, provided the applicable requirements are met.

Q2. Can a Specified Skilled Worker change jobs?
A. Yes. Job changes are permitted. However, the scope of permissible employment depends on the worker’s occupational category and skills. In addition, when changing employers, it is generally necessary to complete the required immigration procedures.

Q3. Can a Technical Intern Trainee transition to a Specified Skilled Worker Visa?
A. Yes. Individuals who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may be eligible to transition to Specified Skilled Worker status. If the technical intern occupation is sufficiently related to the Specified Skilled Worker field, the skills examination and Japanese language examination may be waived.

Q4. Is there a limit on the number of Specified Skilled Workers a company can accept?
A. As a general rule, there is no fixed upper limit on the number of Specified Skilled Workers that an accepting organization may employ. However, certain sectors, such as nursing care and construction, have industry-specific restrictions regarding the number of foreign workers that may be accepted.

Q5. Can a Specified Skilled Worker work part-time for another company?
A. No. Specified Skilled Workers are generally required to work full-time for their designated accepting organization and are not permitted to engage in part-time work for another employer.

Important Considerations for a Specified Skilled Worker Visa Application

In a Specified Skilled Worker Visa application, immigration authorities review not only the qualifications of the foreign national but also the accepting company’s organizational structure, employment conditions, and the nature of the work to be performed.

If there are inconsistencies in the submitted documents or if the employer requirements have not been adequately verified, additional documents or explanations may be requested, which can result in longer processing times.

In particular, it is important to carefully review matters such as salary levels, job duties, the number of foreign workers to be accepted, social insurance and tax compliance, and the support system before submitting the application.

At Nasu Administrative Scrivener Office, we do more than simply prepare application documents. We carefully review the circumstances of the accepting company in advance, identify any potential concerns, and provide comprehensive support throughout the application process.