How to Get a Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) Visa
14 industries covered — comparing exam routes vs. TITP transition
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 was established in 2019 and now covers 14 specified industry fields (as of 2024: automobile transport, railway, and linen supply newly added). Since there is a cumulative 5-year limit, those aiming for long-term employment should also plan a transition strategy to Type 2.
Who this is for: Foreign nationals wanting to work in the 14 specified industries (nursing care, construction, agriculture, food service, etc.), or those who have completed Technical Intern Training Type 2
Latest Law Amendments
Three new fields — automobile transport, railway, and linen supply — were added, bringing the total to 14 fields for Specified Skilled Type 1.
Since 2023, Type 2 target fields have been progressively expanded beyond construction and shipbuilding, creating more transition opportunities. Check the ISA website for the latest on Type 2 exam availability by field.
Case-by-Case Review Points & Strategies
Case 1: Transition from Technical Intern Training Type 2 (Fastest Route)
Low RiskSituation
Completed Technical Intern Training Type 2 in agriculture → transition to Specified Skilled Type 1 in the same field
Strategy
The fastest route with skill and language tests waived. Required steps: ① Obtain a completion certificate (issued by the training company), ② Apply for change of residence status (before visa expiry), ③ Confirm the correspondence between the TITP occupation and the SSW field. Note: If TITP and SSW fields differ, tests are not waived.
Key Point: Start the application process 3 months before visa expiry. During application, you can stay under 'Specified Activities (pending),' but never overstay.
Case 2: Exam Route (Skill Test + Japanese Language Test)
ModerateSituation
Overseas nationals or those without TITP completion → obtaining Specified Skilled status by passing skill evaluation and Japanese language tests
Strategy
① Pass the field-specific skill evaluation test (available domestically and overseas), ② Pass JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic, ③ Sign employment contract with accepting company, ④ Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (for new entrants). Exam schedules are limited to 1–4 times per year by field, so apply early.
Key Point: Nursing care requires additionally passing the 'Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.' Agriculture and fisheries allow dispatch employment (direct employment is the rule in all other fields).
Case 3: Cumulative Stay Approaching 5 Years — Consider Type 2 Transition
High RiskSituation
Cumulative stay under Specified Skilled Type 1 exceeds 48 months (4 years). Only 12 months remaining.
Strategy
Consider transitioning to Type 2 (no stay limit, family accompaniment allowed). Type 2 fields include: construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food manufacturing, food service, materials/machinery/electronics manufacturing. Transition requirements: ① Pass Type 2 skill evaluation exam, ② Continue employment at the accepting company. For fields not covered by Type 2, plan departure or career change within the 5-year limit.
Key Point: No renewal beyond the cumulative 5-year limit is allowed under any circumstances. Don't rely solely on your immigration specialist for deadline management — track it yourself too.
Case 4: Accepting Company Has Compliance Issues
High RiskSituation
The accepting company lacks social insurance enrollment, or has labor law violations, involuntary separations, or missing persons within the past 5 years
Strategy
Under Specified Skilled rules, the accepting company must meet eligibility requirements. Applications to companies in any of the following situations are likely to be denied: ① Not enrolled in social/labor insurance, ② Labor law violations within past 5 years (imprisonment/fine), ③ Caused involuntary separations (within 1 year), ④ Had missing foreign workers. Strategy: Change to a different employer, or confirm violations have been resolved.
Key Point: Before joining, verify the company's eligibility as a Specified Skilled Worker accepting organization. Use the ISA's 'Specified Skilled Accepting Organization Search' to check registration status.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Cannot renew once cumulative employment exceeds 5 years (60 months). Periods at multiple companies are added together.
If the support plan is not established or implemented, the accepting company may receive administrative guidance affecting the application. Select a registered support organization early.
When transitioning from TITP, if the training field and SSW field differ, test waivers don't apply (e.g., agriculture training → food service: not waived).
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