SSW guide for Vietnamese people

Updated：2026/5/15

For Vietnamese citizens, the Recommendation List (Specified Skilled Worker List) is a key point in SSW status applications. DOLAB is involved when newly coming from Vietnam, and the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan is involved when people already in Japan change to SSW.

Systems and submission offices may change. This page is a guide to understand the order of preparation. Before applying, check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency, DOLAB, the Labor Management Section of the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam.

Especially important in Vietnam
  • When accepting new workers from Vietnam, Japanese accepting organizations are instructed to make a labor supply contract with a DOLAB-certified sending organization.
  • For a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application, you must submit a recommendation list approved by DOLAB in advance.
  • When a Vietnamese person in Japan changes to SSW, they get a recommendation list approved by the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan in advance and submit it with the status change application.
  • For people already staying under SSW, a recommendation list is not required when changing status for a job change or field change, or when renewing the period of stay.
Flow when going from Vietnam to Japan
  1. Pass the skills and Japanese exams, or confirm successful completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3
  2. The Japanese accepting organization signs a labor supply contract with a DOLAB-certified sending organization
  3. The certified sending organization recruits people for the job, and the company and applicant interview and check the terms
  4. The company and applicant sign an SSW employment contract
  5. The applicant gets recommendation list approval from DOLAB through the certified sending organization
  6. The accepting organization applies for a COE at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with the recommendation list
  7. After the COE is issued, it is sent to the applicant, who applies for a visa at the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam or another office
  8. After the visa is issued, enter Japan and start working at the company
2. If a person in Japan changes status to SSW
  • Before signing an employment contract with the company, check the job duties, salary, deductions, support details, and costs paid by the applicant.
  • The applicant, accepting organization, or another party completes the recommendation list approval procedure at the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan.
  • Prepare the recommendation list, exam pass certificate or proof of good completion of technical intern training, employment contract documents, and other papers, then apply for permission to change status at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
  • If the recommendation list was issued based on expected completion of technical intern training or expected school graduation, documents proving completion or graduation may be needed when submitting to immigration.
Checklist before application
  • People coming from Vietnam confirmed that the sending organization is DOLAB-certified
  • Confirmed where to get the recommendation list, DOLAB if coming from Vietnam, or the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan if changing status in Japan
  • Checked that the recommendation list has no errors in validity period, name, passport number, job type, or accepting organization name
  • Read the employment terms in a language you understand, and checked salary, deductions, work location, overtime, and days off
  • You are not being asked for a deposit, penalty fee, or unclear referral fee
Pages to see next
Official links