This page summarizes points that people who want to work in Japan under SSW often find confusing. Always check official pages for the latest exam schedule, application method, and required documents.
Q. Which tests are required to work under SSW?
For Specified Skilled Worker (i)、you generally need a field-specific skills exam、plus JLPT N4 or higher or JFT-Basic A2.2（A2・200 points or more）。For Nursing Care、the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test is also required。For taxi・bus drivers and railway transport staff、Japanese requirements differ、so check the page for each field。
Q. Do people who completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 also need exams?
After successfully completing Technical Intern Training No. 2、you are generally exempt from the Japanese exam。Skills exam exemptions are determined、based on how the completed job type・tasks correspond to the desired field。Prepare your completion certificate or similar documents、and check the field-specific conditions。
Q. In newly added fields、can I take exams right away？
Adding a field and starting its exams are separate steps。For Linen Supply・Logistics Warehousing・Resource Recycling、check each field’s official guidance for exam dates and when applications open。
Q. Can I automatically move from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to (ii)？
The change is not automatic。Specified Skilled Worker (ii) covers 11 fields、with requirements such as skills exams and work experience。A requirement to verify Japanese proficiency equivalent to B1 or higher is scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2027。Check the page for each field for current conditions and when they change。
View exam・career information by fieldQ. Which field should I choose?
First, check the job duties, Japanese level needed, physical strength, night shifts and shifts, work location, and how to read salary. Conversation skills are important in fields with much customer service, while safety checks and physical strength are important in construction, forestry, fishery, and similar fields.
Q. Is the average salary take-home pay?
No。The listed average monthly payments are reference statistics from 2021、not current market rates or take-home pay。Check base pay、allowances、taxes・social insurance contributions、dormitory fees and other costs in the job listing and employment contract。
Q. What should I check when looking for a company?
Check the monthly salary, estimated take-home pay, overtime and night-shift allowances, dormitory fees, work location, job duties, days off, social insurance, who handles the residence status application, and the registered support organization.
Q. What is a registered support organization?
A registered support organization supports daily life and procedures for people working under SSW (i). If you use one, check that it is listed in the Immigration Services Agency registry.
Q. What should I check in an interview?
Check the job duties, work location, working hours, deductions from salary, dormitory, support staff, and who will prepare the residence status application. It is important not to sign a contract without understanding the conditions.
Q. Are COE and visa the same?
No. A COE certifies that the planned activity meets Japan's residence-status requirements. After receiving it, applicants coming from overseas apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for their area.
Q. Do people in Japan also need to apply for a visa?
People already in Japan usually apply for permission to change status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau, instead of applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy overseas.