1. Purpose of the program

The Specified Skilled Worker program enables Japan to accept foreign nationals with a defined level of occupational knowledge and skills in industrial fields where labor shortages remain serious despite productivity improvements and domestic recruitment efforts. Unlike programs centered on skill development, SSW assumes that the worker meets the required level when employment begins.

2. SSW(i) and SSW(ii)

Eligible fields, work categories, examinations and transition requirements differ by field. Employers should confirm the exact work category before recruitment.

3. Support plan for SSW(i)

An accepting organization must prepare and submit a support plan with the residence application for an SSW(i) worker. Statutory support is designed to help the worker live and work in Japan safely and steadily.

Main support measures

1. Advance guidance
2. Transportation at arrival and departure
3. Housing and essential contract assistance
4. Orientation for daily life in Japan
5. Opportunities to learn Japanese
6. Consultation and complaint handling
7. Support for interaction with Japanese residents
8. Job-change assistance when employment ends for reasons attributable to the employer
9. Regular interviews and reporting to public authorities when necessary

4. Accepting and registered support organizations

An accepting organization may provide support itself or outsource all support services to a registered support organization. Full outsourcing does not remove the employer’s responsibilities for employment management, residence procedures or statutory notifications.

What to check before outsourcing

• Languages and emergency response
• Experience by region and industry
• Interview and recordkeeping methods
• Services included in the monthly fee
• Use of subcontractors or external interpreters

5. From recruitment to work

1. Confirm the eligible field and work category
2. Confirm skill and Japanese-language examinations or transition exemptions
3. Present employment conditions and sign the contract
4. Prepare the support plan and any outsourcing agreement
5. Check field council and other industry requirements
6. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status
7. Arrival, daily-life orientation and start of work

The process differs for overseas recruitment and domestic job changes. Some countries also require official sending procedures.

6. Periodic and event-based notifications

Accepting organizations and registered support organizations have statutory notification duties concerning employment and support. Contract changes, inability to continue acceptance and changes in the support structure may require event-based notification.

Practical controls

• Maintain a list of residence expiry dates and renewal start dates
• Share contract changes, resignations and missing-person cases promptly
• Retain support and interview records
• Assign owners and deadlines for each notification
• Clarify which notifications are handled by the support organization

Official resources