The SSW Visa is one of the most sought-after work permits for foreigners looking to gain practical work experience in Japan. Officially known as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa, it allows foreign nationals to work in Japan across multiple sectors, from caregiving to hospitality. If you’re planning your career in Japan, knowing how to apply for SSW Visa in Japan and understanding the requirements is essential. TLS – The Japanese Language School can also guide aspirants who need language proficiency and cultural understanding before applying.
What is an SSW Visa in Japan?
How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan — The SSW visa, or Specified Skilled Worker Visa, is designed for foreign workers to fill labor shortages across various sectors in Japan. There are two main categories under this program: SSW (i) and SSW (ii).
- SSW (i): This allows workers to stay up to 5 years in Japan and is limited to 14 specific industries.
- SSW (ii) / SSW 2 Visa category: This allows workers to stay longer, often for permanent employment in Japan, but only for a few sectors like construction and shipbuilding.
Understanding the SSW full form and categories helps applicants identify the right visa path.
SSW Visa Japan Official Website: https://www.ssw.go.jp/en/
For a detailed guide on working in Japan, check our SSW Japan Visa page.
SSW Visa Japan Requirements
To understand How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you must first meet the SSW visa Japan requirements. These typically include fulfilling specific skill standards, passing a Japanese language proficiency test, and obtaining a job offer from an approved Japanese employer.
- Age Limit: The general SSW visa Japan age limit is between 18 and 45 years. Certain sectors may have slightly flexible age criteria.
- Educational Qualification: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Language Proficiency: Basic Japanese communication skills are necessary. TLS – The Japanese Language School offers specialized courses to prepare applicants for SSW visa interviews and language tests.
- Job Offer: A confirmed employment contract with a Japanese employer in an eligible sector.
- Passing the Skills Test: You must pass the sector-specific skills exam to demonstrate your capabilities.
For aspiring candidates from the Philippines, knowing how to apply SSW visa in Japan from Philippines involves completing these requirements and coordinating with the Japanese embassy or consulate.
If you plan to study in Japan, follow our step-by-step instructions on how to apply for Japan student visa online.
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Step-by-Step SSW Visa Application Process
Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for SSW Visa in Japan:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the SSW visa requirements and age criteria. Identify if your industry falls under the approved sectors for SSW (i) or SSW 2 Visa category.
Step 2: Learn Basic Japanese
Language proficiency is crucial. Enroll in a Japanese language course online or at institutes like TLS – The Japanese Language School. These courses improve your chances of passing the Japanese language test, which is often mandatory for visa approval.
Step 3: Find an Employer in Japan
To begin the process of How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you need to secure a job offer in one of the 14 approved sectors. Popular SSW jobs in Japan include nursing, caregiving, hospitality, construction, and agriculture. In most cases, employers also assist candidates with the necessary visa application documentation.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Documents typically include:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed visa application form
- Recent photographs
- Job offer letter or contract
- Proof of education and skills
- Language proficiency certificate (if required)
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Step 5: Submit the SSW Visa Application
Submit your documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. Make sure all papers are verified and complete. Multiple applicants often check guidelines for SSW visa application to avoid delays.
Step 6: Skills and Japanese Language Tests
As part of How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, candidates must pass the SSW skills exam and Japanese language proficiency tests before approval. These assessments ensure that applicants can effectively perform their job duties and communicate confidently while living and working in Japan.
Step 7: SSW Visa Processing Time
The SSW visa processing time generally takes between 2–3 months, but it may vary based on your country of application. Staying updated with embassy notifications ensures timely completion.
Step 8: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility, which allows you to apply for the SSW Visa at your local Japanese embassy or consulate.
Step 9: Visa Issuance
Submit your CoE along with other required documents to obtain the SSW Visa. After issuance, you can legally work in Japan under the SSW (i) or SSW (ii) category.
Stay updated on exam schedules with our JLPT December 2025 online registration guide.
SSW Visa for Filipinos
For applicants in the Philippines, the procedure involves coordination with Japanese recruitment agencies and the embassy. How to apply SSW visa in Japan from Philippines requires:
- Submitting educational and skill documents
- Passing the Japanese language and skills test
- Following embassy-specific steps for visa issuance
SSW 2 Visa Japan Requirements
The SSW 2 Visa category is more advanced and targets workers who have experience under SSW (i). Requirements include:
- Minimum experience in a Japanese company (usually 1–5 years)
- High-level Japanese language proficiency
- Skills exam in the relevant sector
This visa allows long-term employment and can lead to permanent residency in Japan.
TITP and SSW
When learning How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, it’s important to understand the difference between TITP and SSW. The TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) focuses on skill transfer and cultural exchange, while the SSW visa is employment-based, allowing full-time work in designated industries. Knowing this distinction helps applicants plan their career path more efficiently.
TITP Program Official Website: https://nsdcindia.org/home-titp
Learn more about exam procedures and guidelines in our JLPT registration process article.
Why TLS – The Japanese Language School is Important
Language and cultural preparation are essential parts of How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan. TLS – The Japanese Language School supports candidates by offering specialized Japanese language training, cultural orientation, and interview preparation to help them meet all visa and employment requirements effectively.
- Prepare for Japanese language tests
- Understand Japanese workplace culture
- Improve communication skills required for SSW jobs in Japan
Enrolling in a Japanese language course at TLS increases your chances of successfully obtaining the SSW visa and adapting quickly to life in Japan.
FAQs – How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan
Q1: What are the requirements for a SSW visa in Japan?
A1: To understand How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants should be between 18–45 years old, possess at least a high school education, pass the sector-specific skills exam, and secure a job offer in an eligible industry. Basic Japanese language proficiency is also necessary for smooth workplace communication.
Q2: What is the qualification for SSW?
A2: As part of learning How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, the minimum qualification required is typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also clear a skills test relevant to their chosen industry and demonstrate sufficient Japanese language ability.
Q3: How to get SSW 1 visa in Japan?
A3: If you’re exploring How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, the process for obtaining the SSW 1 visa involves securing a job in one of the 14 eligible sectors, passing the designated skills and language exams, and submitting your application with required documentation to the Japanese embassy or consulate. The entire process generally takes 2–3 months.
Q4: What is the salary of SSW visa in Japan?
A4: When researching How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you’ll find that the salary varies by sector and experience. Typically, SSW visa holders earn between ¥160,000 to ¥250,000 per month, with additional benefits such as housing and travel allowances depending on the employer.
Q5: What kind of projects does SSW work on?
A5: Understanding How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan also involves knowing the nature of available jobs. SSW workers in Japan are employed across various industries such as caregiving, hospitality, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing under the SSW (ii) visa category.
Q6: How much is a 1 hour salary in Japan?
A6: For those interested in How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, it’s helpful to know that the average hourly wage for SSW workers ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 depending on location, experience, and job type.
Q7: Is Japan costly than India?
A7: Yes, Japan is generally more expensive than India in terms of living costs. However, individuals who understand How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan can find employment opportunities that offer salaries aligned with Japan’s higher cost of living.
Q8: What is the lowest paying job in Japan?
A8: While part-time roles in retail or hospitality are among the lowest-paying, candidates who know How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan can secure more stable positions with standardized wages across different industries under the SSW program.
Q9: Is $280,000 enough to live in Japan?
A9: For anyone exploring How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, $280,000 is more than sufficient for long-term living in Japan. However, SSW workers typically earn much less, so proper budgeting is advised.
Q10: Which job is high in demand in Japan?
A10: While researching How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan, you’ll discover that caregiving, construction, hospitality, agriculture, and shipbuilding sectors are among the most in-demand, offering consistent employment opportunities for foreign workers.
Conclusion on How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan
How to Apply for SSW Visa in Japan requires careful preparation, including meeting all eligibility criteria, securing a valid job offer, passing both skills and language proficiency tests, and submitting accurate documentation. Since the SSW visa processing time may vary depending on individual cases, it’s crucial to start the application process early to avoid delays.
Whether you are from the Philippines or any other country, understanding SSW visa Japan requirements, SSW 2 Visa category, and the application steps is vital. For aspiring candidates seeking language guidance and better preparation, TLS – The Japanese Language School provides expert courses and support to ensure success.
Start your journey today and take advantage of the opportunity to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker Visa program.
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