What is Specified Skills System? We'll explain it in simple terms!
Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).
When foreigners think, "I want to work in Japan," there is something called the "Specified Skills System."
This system was established in Japan in 2019, so many people may not be aware of it.
So, this time I will explain the following about the "Specified Skills 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 the Specified Skills System? An easy-to-understand explanation!
Specified Skills System is one of the residence statuses that allows foreigners to enter and reside in Japan.
It is also sometimes called "Specified Skills (SSW/Tokuteiginou)."
Japan's population is declining and there are not enough workers.
Therefore, Specified Skills was created with the aim of enabling foreign nationals 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 "immediately start working" in Japan.
There are two types of Specified Skills qualifications: "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" and "Specified Skilled Worker (ii)"
The jobs that can be done under Specified Skills System are those in what are called "special industrial fields," which are jobs for which there is a particular labor shortage in 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 ★
- Industrial product manufacturing industry (formerly: Basic materials, industrial machinery, electrical, electronic and information-related manufacturing industry)★
- Automobile maintenance ★
- Aviation ★
- Accommodation ★
- Agriculture ★
- Fisheries ★
- Food and beverage manufacturing industry ★
- Food service industry ★
- Construction ★
- Shipbuilding and marine industry ★
- Automobile transport industry
- Railway
- forestry
- Timber Industry
In industrial sectors that do not have a "★", you cannot work with Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
Differences between Specified Skills and technical intern training
There is also a system under which foreigners can work in Japan called "technical training," but this 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 Internship>
- 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 training is to have trainees "return to their home countries and spread the knowledge they have gained in Japan," so they cannot stay in Japan for long.
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 | This is for foreigners who have a certain level of skill in a specific industrial field. | This is aimed at foreigners who are accustomed to working in a specific industry 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 | I will check it with a test etc. (Foreigners who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may not have to take the exam.) |
I will check this through tests etc. |
| Japanese language proficiency level | Tests to check the Japanese language proficiency required for daily life and work (Foreigners who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) may not be required to take the 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. |
| Support from host organizations or registered support organizations | It is eligible. | Not eligible. |
Next, we will explain the section at the bottom of the table titled "Support from host institutions or registered support organizations."
Specified Skilled Worker (i) under the Specified Skills System can receive support
Foreign nationals with Specified Skilled Worker (i) can receive various forms of support to help them live and work in Japan.
Support activities are carried out by the host organization (the company where you work) or a "registered support organization" that carries out support activities on behalf of the host organization.
- 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 language exam," choose either the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)" or the "Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Test (JFT)."
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): N4 or above is required to acquire Specified Skills.
- The Japan Foundation Test for Japanese Language (JFT): A score of 200 or more out of a total of 250 is required to pass.
You may take either the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or the Japan Foundation Test for Fundamental Japanese (JFT).
The Japan Foundation Test for Japanese-Language (JFT) is held more frequently than the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), and because it is a test taken on a computer or tablet, you can find out whether you passed or failed immediately.
It is also possible to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skills!
Technical intern trainees who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) for more than two years and ten months can change their residence status to Specified Skills and work in Japan in the same industry.
- However, there are only a limited number of industries in which you can change from technical intern training to Specified Skills.
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Construction
- Food manufacturing related
- Textiles and clothing
- Machinery and metal related
- Others (furniture manufacturing, printing, building cleaning, nursing care, etc.)
- Airport Ground Handling etc.
Is an exam required to change from technical intern training to Specified Skills?
In order to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) you need to take a "skill test" and the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test," but if you are transitioning from technical training, you are exempt from the tests.
The transfer will be completed simply by submitting the necessary paperwork.
However, since this applies only if you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) for more than two years and ten months, you will need to have passed the "Level 3 Skill Test" or an "equivalent practical exam for the Technical Intern Training Evaluation Examination."
Alternatively, even if you don't pass either of these two, it's OK as long as you have an "evaluation report."
Before the expiration of your period of stay as Technical Intern Training (ii), you can change to a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status by submitting an "Application for Permission to Change Residence Status" and the necessary documents to obtain a "Specified Skilled Worker (i) Specified Skilled Worker (i) charge.
*However, it may take two to three months to review the documents (investigate in detail and reach a decision).
The construction industry's Specified Skills system is supported by JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources)!
JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources) is an organization established by the construction industry to ensure that foreign workers working as specified skilled workers in Japan's construction industry receive fair wages 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 Skills System is a system that allows foreigners with skills to work in Japan.
Specified Skills System is one of the residence statuses that allows foreigners to enter and reside 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 specified skilled workers, you must pass a Japanese language and skill level test.
However, people who have worked as technical intern trainees can 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 Japanese construction industry. We work with companies that accept specified skilled workers to create a comfortable work environment for all of you.
We also conduct the exams necessary to become specified skilled workers!
JAC has also received many job offers from companies looking to hire specified skilled workers.
Recruiting specified skilled workers! 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!
