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Work visas

Japanese Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)

A status introduced in 2019 to bring capable workers into designated Japanese industry fields facing labour shortages, across two levels of skill and permitted stay.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Japan government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Specified Skilled Worker (i) / (ii)
Route type
Work status of residence for specified industry fields
Introduced
April 2019
Minimum age / health
Over 18 years old and in good health
SSW (i) language
Pass JFT-Basic or hold JLPT N4 (not required for SSW (ii))
Family
Dependants allowed under SSW (ii); not under SSW (i)

Who it is for

  • Workers ready to take up jobs in Japan's specified industry fields without prior training
  • SSW (i): applicants with considerable knowledge or experience in a specified field
  • SSW (ii): applicants with proficient, higher-level skills in a specified field

Requirements

  • Be over 18 years old and in good health
  • Have the occupational skills needed to work immediately
  • For SSW (i): pass the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or hold JLPT N4
  • Pass the relevant skills test for the specified industry field

What you can do

  • Work in the designated industry field in Japan
  • Under SSW (ii), bring a dependent spouse and children to reside in Japan
  • Move toward more skilled work under SSW (ii)

How to apply

  • Pass the required skills test and (for SSW (i)) the Japanese-language test
  • Complete the procedures required before working as an SSW
  • Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility and apply for the visa at a Japanese mission
  • Enter Japan and begin work in the specified field

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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