Are you looking for opportunities to work in Japan? Japan has launched the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa program to welcome foreign professionals in specific industries facing labor shortages. This new visa offers a chance to contribute your skills and build a career in Japan.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker Visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker visa is designed for foreign nationals with a certain level of skills and Japanese language proficiency to work in designated sectors in Japan. It aims to address the increasing need for skilled labor in industries such as:
- Caregiving
- Building Cleaning
- Manufacturing of Basic Industrial Materials
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
- Electrical, Electronic and Information Industries
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industries
- Automobile Maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Agriculture
- Fishery and Aquaculture
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service Industry
Types of Specified Skilled Worker Visas
There are two types of Specified Skilled Worker visas:
Specified Skilled Worker [i]
This visa is for individuals with a certain level of skill and requires a basic level of Japanese language proficiency. The maximum period of stay is a total of five years. This visa does not permit the holder to bring family members to Japan.
Specified Skilled Worker [iI]
This visa is for individuals with more advanced skills and higher Japanese language proficiency. It allows for indefinite renewal and, in principle, permits the holder to bring family members to Japan. Currently, this visa is available in all business fields except care giving, which field has the status of care giving.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Specified Skilled Worker visa, applicants generally need to:
- Meet the required skill level:
This is typically assessed through examinations or practical skill tests specific to each industry. - Demonstrate Japanese language proficiency:
For Specified Skilled Worker [i], a basic level of Japanese language ability is required (generally equivalent to JLPT N4 or passing a similar test). For Specified Skilled Worker [ii], a higher level of proficiency is necessary. - Be in good health.
- Not have a criminal record.
Application Process
The application process generally involves the following steps:
- Find an Employer
- Finding an accepting organization (employer) in your home country.
- Pass the Tests
- Taking and passing the required skill and Japanese language proficiency tests.
- COE Application
- The accepting organization applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
- Apply for Visa
- Applying for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence with the COE.
- Enter and Work
- Entering Japan and commencing employment.
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