Specified Skilled Worker Guidebook
Updated：2026/5/15
For Indian citizens, the main steps are Japan-side COE, status change, and visa procedures. The Indian government overseas worker system eMigrate lets people going to Japan with SSW and accepting organizations register, but official materials say registration is optional.
Especially important in India
- Use of sending organizations is optional. Whether you are hired directly or use a sending organization, check the employment terms in a language you understand.
- eMigrate registration is optional, but if you register, enter the job details, employment contract, company information, and your information correctly. Be careful if asked to pay high fees for registration.
- In India, the Japanese embassy or consulate for visa applications depends on your region. Check the mission that covers your residence.
- For status of residence applications in Japan, submission of an Indian eMigrate registration certificate is not listed as required.
Flow when going from India to Japan
- First, check the Japanese language test needed for your field.
- Check the company, job duties, salary, housing, deductions, and support details
- Sign an SSW employment contract with the Japanese accepting organization
- For unclear points, I checked with the accepting company, registered support organization, or regional immigration services bureau
- After the COE is issued, the applicant receives the COE information
- Check the Japanese embassy, consulate, or designated application center responsible for your country or region
- Register with eMigrate if needed, and check the registration details and employment terms
- Enter Japan and start working at the company
2. If a person in Japan changes status to SSW
- After signing an employment contract with the company, apply for permission to change status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
- For students, overtime outside permitted activities, unpaid taxes, pension, health insurance, and school attendance often become issues in screening. Organize these before applying.
- People who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3 may be exempt from exams if moving to the same field. If moving to a different field, check the skills exam in principle.
Checklist before application
- Confirmed with the company whether to use eMigrate
- Confirmed the jurisdiction of the embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa
- I checked the salary, working hours, days off, and job content in the employment contract
- You are not being asked for a deposit, penalty fee, or unclear referral fee
Pages to see next
Official links