What is Specified Skilled Worker System? I'll explain it in an easy-to-understand way
Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).
When foreigners want to work in Japan, there is something called "Specified Skilled Worker System".
This system was established in Japan in 2019, so many people may not be aware of it.
Therefore, this time I will explain the following about "Specified Skilled Worker System".
- What kind of system is it?
- What kind of work can you do?
- What types of Specified Skills are there?
- Can I get support?
- What should I do to become Specified Skills?
What is Specified Skilled Worker System? Easy-to-understand explanation!
Specified Skilled Worker System is one of the status of residence that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Japan.
It is also called "Specified Skills (SSW/Tokuteiginou)".
Japan's population is declining and there are not enough workers.
Therefore, we were able to create a Specified Skilled Worker System for foreigners who already have the skills to work in a specific field and understand the Japanese to the extent that they are not confined to their daily lives, with the aim of having them work immediately in Japan.
There are two types of Specified Skills qualifications: "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)"
Working at Specified Skilled Worker System is a job called "Specified Industry Fields", and it is a job that is especially understaffed in the Japan.
The jobs that can be done by Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii) are different.
As of May 2024, the following 16 industrial fields are available for workers with Specified Skilled Worker (i).
- nursing care
- Building cleaning management ★
- Industrial product manufacturing industry (formerly: Basic materials, industrial machinery, electrical, electronic and information-related manufacturing industry)★
- Automobile repair and maintenance ★
- Aviation ★
- Accommodation ★
- Agriculture ★
- Fisheries ★
- Manufacture of food and beverages ★
- Food service industry ★
- Construction ★
- Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry ★
- Automobile transportation business
- Railway
- forestry
- Wood industry
In industrial sectors that do not have a "★", you cannot work with Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
Difference Between Specified Skills and Technical Intern Training
There is also a system in which foreigners work in Japan "Technical Intern Training", but it is different from Specified Skills.
- < Specified Skills >
- There is a Japanese language test (there is no test for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)).
- You need knowledge and skills for the job you are doing.
- If you have Specified Skilled Worker (ii), you can live in Japan with your family (subject to certain conditions).
- If you have Specified Skilled Worker (ii), there is no set period during which you can live in Japan.
- < Technical Intern Training >
- There is no Japanese language test (only nursing care jobs have a Japanese language test).
- You will gain knowledge and skills while working.
- Families cannot live together in Japan.
- The period during which you can live in Japan is fixed.
Specified Skills qualifications also allow families to live in Japan together, or to live in Japan for an indefinite period of time.
This is because Specified Skills system is designed to allow people to work in Japan.
The purpose of Technical Intern Training is to "return to your home country and spread what you have studied in Japan", so you cannot live in Japan for a long time.
What are the types of Specified Skills" Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)"?
There are two types of Specified Skills qualifications: No. 1 and No. 2.
Types 1 and 2 differ in the types of work they can do and the skills they need to work.
In order to become Specified Skilled Worker (ii), you need to work as Specified Skilled Worker (i) and then take and pass the exam to become Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
| Specified Skilled Worker (i) | Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification Details | Specified Industry Fields for foreigners who have a certain level of technology. | Specified Industry Fields is for foreigners who are familiar with the job and have excellent skills. |
| Period of stay | This can be renewed every year, six months or four months, for a total period of up to five years. | It can be renewed every three years, one year or six months, but there is no set period. |
| Required Technology | We will check it in the exam. (Foreigners who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may not have an exam). |
I will check this through tests etc. |
| Japanese language proficiency level | Check the Japanese proficiency necessary for life and work through the test (Foreigners who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may not have an exam). |
There are no exams. |
| Can my family live in Japan? | My family can't live in Japan. | If the conditions are met, the wife, husband, and children can live in Japan. |
| Assistance with Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations | It is eligible. | Not eligible. |
Next, let's talk about "Assistance with Accepting Organizations or Registered Support Organizations" at the bottom of the table.
Specified Skilled Worker System Specified Skilled Worker (i) can get help
Foreign nationals with Specified Skilled Worker (i) can receive various forms of support to help them live and work in Japan.
The support activities are carried out by Accepting Organizations (working companies) or "Registered Support Organizations" who provide support activities instead of Accepting Organizations.
- For example, you can receive the following support:
- They will tell you about the job content, wages, immigration procedures, etc.
- When you come to Japan from your home country, and when you return to your home country from Japan, you will be picked up and dropped off at the airport or port.
- They will help you find a place to live in Japan.
- You can receive information about convenient services for daily life, such as what to do if you get sick in Japan, how to ride the train, how to use the bank, etc.
- They will help you fill out the necessary paperwork.
- They can tell you about places and classrooms where you can study Japanese, and help you with the procedures for entering a school to study Japanese.
- If you have any problems at work or in your personal life, you can get advice and support.
- They can tell you about local events in your area and make it easier for you to take time off to attend them.
- If you are no longer able to work, for example if your current company goes out of business, we will help you find your next job.
- You will be able to meet with your boss at work face-to-face more than once every three months to talk to him or her about any issues you may be facing.
How to obtain Specified Skills?
To acquire Specified Skills, you must pass two tests: a test to evaluate your skill level and a Japanese language test.
The content of the "test to evaluate skill level," the location of the test, and the date on which the test is taken will vary depending on the industry in which you work.
When changing from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii), a test called "Specified Skills Evaluation" is also conducted.
- For the "Japanese Exam", you can choose either the "Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT)" or the "Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT)".
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): N4 or above is required to acquire Specified Skills.
- Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT): 200 or more points out of 250 passed.
You can take either the Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT) or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT).
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT) is a test that is conducted more often than the Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT), and it is an exam that uses a computer or tablet, so you can know that you have passed it immediately.
You can even migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills!
Technical Intern Training students who have completed their Technical Intern Training (ii) for more than 2 years and 10 months can change their status of residence to Specified Skills and work in Japan if they are in the same industry.
- However, there are only a limited number of industries that can change from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills.
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Construction
- Food manufacturing related
- Textiles and clothing
- Machinery and metal related
- Others (furniture making, printing, Building cleaning management, nursing care, etc.)
- Airport Ground Handling etc.
Do I need an exam to change from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills?
Specified Skilled Worker (i) requires a "Proficiency Test" and a "Japanese Proficiency Test", but if you are transitioning from Technical Intern Training, you are exempt from the exam.
The transfer will be completed simply by submitting the necessary paperwork.
However, since you have completed the Technical Intern Training (ii) "well" for more than 2 years and 10 months, you must have passed the "Skill Test Level 3" or "the equivalent Technical Intern Training evaluation test practical test".
Or, even if you don't pass either of these two, you can have an "evaluation report".
Before the end of the Technical Intern Training (ii) period, you can change it to Specified Skilled Worker (i) by submitting the "Application for Permission to Change of Status of Residence" and the documents required to obtain the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in charge.
*However, it may take 2 to 3 months to review the documents (to examine them in detail and reach a conclusion).
Specified Skilled Worker System in the construction industry is supported by JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources)!
JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization created in the construction industry so that everyone who works as a Specified Skilled Workers in the Japan construction industry can receive a proper salary and treatment.
At JAC, we create guidelines (promises that companies must follow) so that foreigners can work with peace of mind, and we introduce new jobs to them free of charge (0 yen) when they change jobs (want to change jobs).
JAC holds a seminar every month to explain the textbook for the "Specified Skilled Worker (i) Examination" in an easy-to-understand way. In the seminar, we explain how to find a job and how to take the exam online. It is free to participate (0 yen) and can be viewed on your smartphone. Please join us. You can also watch videos of previous seminars.
Specified Skilled Worker System is a system for foreigners with skills to work in Japan
Specified Skilled Worker System is one of the status of residence that allows foreigners to enter and stay in Japan.
Japan's population is declining and there is a shortage of workers, so this system was created to allow foreigners who "already have the skills to work in a specific field" and "can speak enough Japanese to get by without any problems in daily life" to work in Japan.
There are two types of qualifications for Specified Skills: "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)".
There are differences such as the period of stay and whether you can live with your family.
To become a Specified Skilled Workers, you must pass a Japanese and skill level exam.
However, those who have worked as Technical Intern Training students can also change to Specified Skills without taking the exam.
About us, JAC
JAC（Japan Association for Construction Human Resources）is an organization that supports all Specified Skilled Workers working in the Japan construction industry. We work with companies that accept Specified Skilled Workers to create a work environment that is easy for everyone to work in.
We're also taking the exams you need to become a Specified Skilled Workers!
And JAC has received many requests for job offers from companies that want Specified Skilled Workers to work for.
Specified Skilled Workers Wanted! Job Listings
For those of you who want to work in Japan using Specified Skills, we are introducing jobs that match your occupation and aspirations!
If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us!
