Japan · work sponsored
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 8 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Work visa for skilled workers in designated industries — requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4+).
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks for COE.
- Government fees
- COE: free; visa fee varies; skills-test fee ¥6,000–¥8,000.
- Typical duration
- Up to 5 years total (not renewable beyond 5 years — must transition to SSW-2 or another status).
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) for Japan is a sponsor-led Japan immigration route. Sources: official Japan government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/japan/specified-skilled-worker-1#answer
What is the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) in Japan?
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) is a sponsor-led Japan route. Indicative government fees are COE: free; visa fee varies; skills-test fee ¥6,000–¥8,000; indicative processing time is 2–6 weeks for COE; typical duration is Up to 5 years total (not renewable beyond 5 years — must transition to SSW-2 or another status). This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Immigration Services Agency (ISA) on 22 June 2026.
Overview
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1 visa was introduced in 2019 and has been expanded across 19 employment fields including nursing care, building cleaning, construction, manufacturing, food services, agriculture, fisheries, accommodation, transport and other shortage sectors. Applicants generally must pass an industry-specific skills test and a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic), unless exempt through qualifying technical-intern training. SSW-1 does not lead directly to permanent residence and is limited to 5 years. However, holders can transition to SSW-2 in eligible sectors, which has no overall stay limit and permits family accompaniment.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Vietnamese applicants
Vietnamese nationals are the largest SSW-1 cohort. Vietnam has a dedicated MOC with Japan and the Vietnamese government …
Filipino applicants
Filipino SSW-1 holders concentrate in nursing care, food services, and manufacturing. The Philippines has an active MOC …
Indonesian applicants
Indonesian SSW-1 holders are concentrated in nursing care, agriculture, and manufacturing. Indonesia has a well-establis…
Indian applicants
India signed an MOC with Japan in 2021. Indian SSW-1 numbers are growing but remain smaller than Vietnam and Philippines…
Additional sources
Primary source
ISA — How to obtain SSW status ↗ · Immigration Services Agency (ISA)
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Pass the industry-specific skills evaluation test for your designated industry.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ✓Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N4 level or above (or the JFT-Basic test).Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ✓Job offer from a Japanese employer in a designated industry.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
Common blockers
- !Failed skills test or language test.
- !Former Technical Intern Training (TIT) participants who did not complete their programme may face restrictions.Immigration Services Agency (ISA) / Ministry of Justice, Japan ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Skills test pass certificate.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·JLPT N4+ or JFT-Basic pass certificate.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·Employment contract.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
- ·Employer's support plan for the SSW worker.Immigration Services Agency (ISA), Japan ↗
Application pathway
Pass the skills and language tests
Take the industry-specific skills test (held in Japan and some partner countries) and the JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.
Secure a job offer
The employer must be in a designated industry and submit a support plan.
Apply for COE and visa
Employer applies for COE; you apply for visa at consulate.
Work for up to 5 years
SSW-1 allows up to 5 years in total. To stay longer, transition to SSW-2 (if available in your sector) or another visa status.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ChecklistApplicant + sponsorCheck SSW required documents ↗
Worker and accepting organisation confirm test certificates, support-plan evidence, and COE documents for SSW status.
Immigration Services Agency (ISA) · verified
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for visa with COE ↗
Applicant uses the COE to file the entry visa application at the competent Japanese embassy or consulate.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Can SSW-1 lead to permanent residence?+
SSW-1 itself does not lead to PR and is limited to 5 years. However, some sectors now offer SSW-2, which does lead to PR. The 2024 expansion significantly broadened SSW-2 eligibility across more industries. Check the ISA website for the current list of SSW-2-eligible sectors.
Do I need to be from a country with an SSW memorandum of cooperation?+
No. ISA guidance says a bilateral memorandum of cooperation is not mandatory for SSW status. Applicants still need the required skills and language evidence, job contract, and supporting documents for their sector.
Can I bring my family on SSW-1?+
No. SSW-1 holders cannot bring family members. SSW-2 holders can bring spouses and children. This is one of the key differences between the two tiers.
Does the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-1) visa lead to permanent residence in Japan?+
No. SSW-1 itself does not lead to permanent residence and is limited to 5 years total, not renewable beyond that — you must transition to SSW-2 or another status to stay longer. Some sectors offer SSW-2, which does lead to PR. Check the current SSW-2-eligible sectors on the Immigration Services Agency website.
Do I need to speak Japanese for the SSW-1 visa?+
Yes. You must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N4 level or above (or the JFT-Basic test), in addition to passing the industry-specific skills test for your designated industry; failing the language or skills test is a common blocker. Confirm the current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency.
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