About Specified Skilled Worker Program
“Specified Skilled Worker” is a new residency status introduced in April 2019 in Japan. It allows foreign nationals to work in 12 industries where there is a severe shortage of domestic labor.
The system associated with this residency status, “Specified Skilled Worker,” is designed to address acute labor shortages, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite efforts to increase productivity and secure domestic talent, these industries continue to face difficulties in securing sufficient workers. The system allows the acceptance of foreign nationals who possess certain expertise and skills and can immediately contribute to the workforce. There are two types of this new residency status: “Specified Skilled Worker 1” and “Specified Skilled Worker 2.”
OK Support Cooperative is registered as a supporting organization for this program.
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1
Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 is a residency status for foreign nationals who possess considerable knowledge and experience in specific industry sectors.
To obtain this status, candidates must pass a Japanese language test and a skills test relevant to the specific industry sector.
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2
Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 is a residency status intended for foreign nationals who possess advanced skills in specific industry sectors.
Primarily, it is designed as the next step for those who have completed the Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 program. The residency period for Type 2 can be renewed every 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months without an upper limit. If the requirements are met, it allows for family accompaniment, including spouses and children.
Key Points of the “Specified Skilled Worker” Residency Status
| Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 | Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Period | Total of up to 5 years | No upper limit with residence permission |
| Skill Level | Verified through tests and evaluations in the relevant industry sector （Foreign nationals who have completed Technical Intern Training Type 2 are exempt from these tests and evaluations） | Verified through tests and evaluations in the relevant industry sector |
| Japanese Language Proficiency | Japanese language skills necessary for daily life and work are verified through tests and evaluations （Foreign nationals who have completed Technical Intern Training Type 2 are exempt from these tests and evaluations） | No verification required |
| Family Accompaniment | Not allowed | Only spouses and children may accompany |
| Support | Eligible for support | Not eligible for support |
| Eligible Occupations | 12 sectors ①Caregiving ②Building cleaning ③Materials, industrial machinery, and electronics and information-related manufacturing ④Construction ⑤Shipbuilding and marine industry ⑥Automobile maintenance ⑦Aviation ⑧Accommodation ⑨Agriculture ⑩Fisheries ⑪Food and beverage manufacturing ⑫Eating and drinking establishments | 2 sectors ④Construction ⑤Shipbuilding and marine industry |
About Registered Support Organization
A Registered Support Organization is an entity that creates support plans and assists in facilitating stable and smooth activities for Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 on behalf of companies that accept foreign talent (specific skill-affiliated institutions).
A Registered Support Organization can be a company or an individual, but must apply for registration with the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency and be approved.
OK Support Cooperative is certified as a Registered Support Organization.