What is a Specified Skilled Worker Visa? Explaining the applicable occupations and acquisition requirements, focusing on the accommodation, dining, and food and beverage manufacturing industries
"I want to work in Japan, but can I get a visa without an academic background?"
"I want to go to Japan to work in nursing care or a hotel, but what should I do?"
For those with these concerns, one viable option is the "Specified Skills Visa."
The specific skills visa isA residence status that can be obtained even without a university degree or other educational background, as long as you can prove certain skills and Japanese language ability.
It has been introduced in 14 industries to make up for Japan's labor shortage, mainly in the accommodation, restaurant, and food and beverage manufacturing industries.
In this article, we will provide a simple explanation, with illustrations and concrete examples, of what a Specified Skilled Worker visa is, the types of jobs it covers, the conditions for obtaining it, the application process, the period of stay, and how it differs from other visas.
▶Other visasFor more information on part-time work for international students in general,This articlecheck
What is a Specified Skilled Worker Visa? How it Works and How It Differs from a Work Visa
The Specified Skilled Worker Visa is a relatively new system that started in 2019. It allows foreign nationals with a certain level of skill and Japanese language proficiency to work full-time in Japan in a specific industrial field.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of foreign workers with specific skills increased to 6 in 206,995, an increase of 49.4% (68,477 people) compared to the previous year.
Specified Skilled Worker visa holders are included in the "Professional and Technical Field Residence Status" shown in the diagram below.
Officially, it is one of the "status of residence that allows employment," but the content of the work and the conditions for obtaining it are significantly different from those of the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (Technical Person Visa)," which is commonly called a "work visa.".Let's take a closer look below.
The Specified Skills Visa is a "visa that allows you to work," but it has a slightly special status
- Work visas (such as those for skilled workers) are suitable for jobs that require specialized knowledge or an academic background, such as IT engineers, interpreters, and accountants. In many cases, graduating from a university or vocational school is required.
- Specific skills visaPractical work on-site in the food service, accommodation, and food manufacturing industriesNo academic background is required, but instead you will need to pass a "proficiency assessment test" and a "Japanese language test."
In other words, although both visas allow you to work, the type of work you can do and how you obtain them are completely different.
Who is a Specified Skilled Worker Visa suitable for?
- I haven't graduated from university, but I want to work in Japan
- I'm good at working on-site and enjoy physical work.
- People with experience in technical training (→ easier to transition to specific skills)
For these people, a Specified Skilled Worker visa is a good fit. On the other hand, if you want to work in clerical or office work using a computer, or translation, you should aim for a work visa (such as a Skilled Worker visa).
Supported occupations and noteworthy industries (accommodation, restaurant, food and beverage manufacturing)
What occupations are eligible for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa?A total of 14 industriesHowever, the following are in particularly high demand:
If you work in the accommodation industry (hotels and inns)
At hotels and inns, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as handling check-in and check-out at the front desk, cleaning rooms (making beds), and serving customers in restaurants and hot springs.
To work in the accommodation industry,Conversational ability to converse with customers in JapaneseIn addition, basic manners such as hospitality, a smile, good appearance, and polite greetings are important in this workplace.
There are many foreign tourists, so there are also opportunities to use your native language. During busy periods, physical strength is also required, so this job is suitable for energetic and cheerful people.
In fact, there are staffing agencies specializing in the hotel and bridal industries."Fine Stuff"We also have many foreign staff members with specific skills type 1 residence status working here.
Fine Staff has a wealth of experience in hiring part-time international students, so you can start with peace of mind knowing you'll have plenty of colleagues!
Working in the restaurant industry: Popular jobs close to home
In the food service industry, you will be responsible for cooking and plating food, serving customers in the dining area, and cleaning at restaurants, izakayas, fast food restaurants, etc.
The appeal of this job is that you can get close to Japanese life by serving meals. Since customer service requires communication in Japanese, everyday conversation level language skills are useful.
Fine Staff has a support system in place for the specific skills assessment test in the food service industry, providing an environment where you can take on the challenge with peace of mind.
If you want to work in the food and beverage manufacturing industry | Fine Staff allows you to work in group companies
In the food and beverage manufacturing industry, the main tasks include cutting and arranging food, packing it, labeling it, and maintaining hygiene within the factory.
This is a field that is suitable for people who are good at steadily continuing to do the same tasks, and it is easy to find stable employment.
In addition, Fine Staff is a group company"Tsushima Fisheries"is also actively hiring foreigners for part-time work, offering a variety of work styles to those interested in this field.
Tsushima Fisheries processes domestic brand conger eel.Frozen boiled conger eel sushi rollWe offer!
What about the other 11 fields (excluding accommodation, etc.)?
| Industry name (field) | Examples of main job duties |
| Construction industry | Building and road construction, scaffolding assembly, rebar and concrete work, electrical equipment installation, painting, etc. |
| Nursing care | Assisting elderly people with bathing and eating, supervising, cleaning, record entry, etc. |
| Building cleaning Management | Cleaning of commercial facilities and offices, hygiene management of toilets and hallways, etc. |
| Materials industry (manufacturing) | Metal casting, welding, pressing, cutting, and other processes |
| Industrial machinery manufacturing industry (manufacturing) | Machine assembly and processing, screw tightening, line work, etc. |
| Electrical, electronic and information-related industries (manufacturing) | Electronic equipment component assembly, inspection, soldering, etc. |
| Shipbuilding and marine industry | Welding of ship frames, painting, piping work, quality inspection, etc. (*Can be transferred to No. 2) |
| Automobile maintenance industry | Oil changes, tire changes, vehicle inspections and maintenance, parts replacement, etc. |
| Aviation industry | Handling baggage at the airport, cleaning the aircraft, boarding instructions, etc. |
| Fishery: | Aquaculture, fixed net fishing, landing, fish sorting and packaging, etc. |
| Agriculture: | Growing, harvesting, shipping, planting seedlings, operating farm machinery, etc. |
Industries such as nursing care, food service, and food manufacturing accept a particularly large number of foreign workers, and have well-established examination and support systems.
Requirements for obtaining a specific skills visa and required skills
To obtain a specific skills visa,"Skills" and "Japanese language ability"However, you must meet certain criteria. There is also a special transition system for those who have already worked in Japan. We will explain it in an easy-to-understand manner below.
Pass the skills assessment test
First, about the job you want"Skills Evaluation Test"The content of this exam varies depending on the industry.
For example, someone who wants to work in a hotel would take the "Hotel Industry Skills Assessment Test," and someone who wants to work on a construction site would take the "Construction Field Specified Skills Assessment Test."
The exam tests technical knowledge such as "what kind of work to do and how to do it" as well as practical skills that require actual physical exertion.
Before taking the exam, we recommend that you prepare by looking at sample questions and past exam questions online!
If you pass, you will be recognized as having the skills to work in that occupation, and you will have met one of the requirements for applying for a visa.
Fine Staff also provides support for the Food Service Industry Specified Skills Assessment Test. (Clicking on the links in the table will take you to Fine Staff's Instagram.）
| Industry | Main work content | Skills evaluation test name |
| Accommodation | Front desk, customer service, cleaning | Accommodation skill measurement test |
| Restaurant business | Cooking, hall service | Food Service Industry Specific Skills Evaluation Test |
| construction | On-site work, painting, scaffolding, etc. | Construction field specific skills evaluation test (by field) |
| Nursing care | Physical assistance, facility work | Caregiving Skills Assessment Test + Caregiving Japanese Assessment Test |
| Agriculture: | Crop cultivation and shipping | Agricultural Skills Assessment Test (Cultivation and Livestock) |
| Beverage food manufacturing | Food processing and packaging | Food and Beverage Manufacturing Skills Assessment Test |
| Fishery: | Aquaculture, fishing work | Fisheries Skills Assessment Test |
| Building cleaning Management | Building cleaning and common area management | Building cleaning skills evaluation test |
The content of the exam varies depending on the field, but all of them test "basic knowledge and skills related to work." The exam content and sample questions can be checked in advance on the Internet.
Japanese language ability: JLPT N4 or above
"Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or above" or "The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)." Generally, you are expected to be able to carry out daily conversation to a certain extent.
Depending on the industry you work in, N3 to N2 level may be recommended.
| Level | Contents guide | Necessity of specific skills |
| N5 | Able to read hiragana and katakana. Able to speak simple words. | × (not enough) |
| N4 | Able to have some level of everyday conversation | ◎(Minimum requirements) |
| N3 | I can understand slow conversations | ◯ (Recommended for the hospitality industry) |
| N2 | Able to understand news and work instructions to some extent | ◯ (Advantageous for senior positions) |
| JFT-Basic | Practical Japanese language ability equivalent to N4 | ◎ (Alternative) |
Important points when transitioning from technical training
If you already have experience working in Japan as a "technical intern trainee," you may be able to smoothly transition to a specific skills visa.
For example, if someone who worked in agriculture as part of their technical intern training applies for a specific skills visa in the same agricultural field, they may be able to apply without taking many exams.
This system is designed to make it easier for people who are already accustomed to working and living in Japan to continue working in Japan.
However, whether you are eligible for an exemption will vary depending on the field and conditions, so be sure to check with your employer or a professional institution.
Specific Skills Visa Application Process and Required Documents
Obtaining a specific skills visa does not simply mean passing an exam.
After passing,Contract with a Japanese company, prepare a support plan and apply to immigration authoritiesPlease be aware that if you make a mistake in preparing your application documents or submitting it at the wrong time, your visa may be denied.
Here we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the basic steps for applying for a Specified Skilled Worker Visa and the necessary documents.
Employment offer required
To apply for a specific skills visa, firstCompanies to work for in Japanmust be decided.
By signing an employment contract, the company becomes the accepting party and can begin the application process to the Immigration Bureau.
Application steps to the Immigration Bureau
- Passing the proficiency test and Japanese language test
- Employment contract conclusion
- Formulation of support plan (accepting company)
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility
- Entry into Japan and start of work
List of required documents and points to note
- Passport and photo
- Pass certificate
- employment agreement
- Support plan
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility, etc.
If there are any deficiencies, your application may be denied, so it is reassuring to receive support from a specialist institution or company.
Period of stay and renewal system for Specified Skilled Worker Visa No. 1 and No. 2The difference of
There are two types of specific skills visas, "No. 1" and "No. 2," and each has different rules for the period of stay and renewal.
Difference between No. 1 and No. 2
| Classification | Specific Skill 1 | Specific Skill 2 |
| Period of stay | Maximum 5 years | No restrictions (renewable) |
| Target occupation | 14 industries | Some industries (construction, shipbuilding, etc.) |
| Family belt | Improper | Possible |
| Permanent residence application | difficult | Possible under certain conditions |
It is especially important for those who want to work in Japan for a long time to fully understand this difference!
Type 1 can be for up to 5 years, and type 2 can be indefinite.
The Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa will initially issue a residence permit for six months or one year, after which it can be renewed based on the contract details and work situation.
You will need to go through immigration procedures every time you renew your visa.The maximum period of time you can work as a No. 1 employee is 5 years in total.It is decided that this is until
on the other hand,There is no limit to the period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker No. 2.There are no restrictions on renewal, making this a very attractive system for people who want to work in Japan for a long time in a stable manner. If you meet the conditions, you can also aim to apply for permanent residency.
What impact will this have on family and permanent residency status?
In other words, it is assumed that you will come to Japan and work alone.
But,If you acquire Specified Skills No. 2, you will be able to bring your family to Japan.You will be able to live with your spouse (wife/husband) and children, which will lead to a stable life.
Furthermore, if you work for a long period of time under the No. 2 visa and have established a base of life in Japan, you can consider applying for "permanent resident" status in the future.
If you obtain permanent residency, you will no longer be subject to renewal procedures or restrictions on your period of stay, allowing you greater freedom in your life in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions | For those considering a Specified Skills Visa
Here we answer some frequently asked questions from foreign nationals who are considering obtaining a specific skills visa.
Q1. What is a Specified Skilled Worker Visa?
A. This is a residence status that was introduced in 14 industries in Japan to make up for labor shortages, and it is a system that allows people to work without an academic background as long as they have the skills and Japanese language ability.
Q2. What is the difference between a specific skills visa and a work visa (such as a technical visa)?
A. Specified skills visas are for "field work" while work visas are for "specialized occupations," and the required educational background and occupation type are different.
Q3. How many years can a Specified Skilled Worker (Specified Skills No. 1) work?
A. You can work for up to five years, and the visa can be renewed every six months or one year.
Q4. How can I transition to Specified Skilled Worker No. 2?
A. For some eligible occupations, work experience under Category 1 and passing the exam for Category 2 are required. Currently, the system is being considered for expansion, so it is important to check the latest information.
Summary | What you need to know to work in Japan with a Specified Skills Visa
The Specified Skilled Worker Visa is a status of residence that offers great opportunities for those who want to work in the field as an immediate asset, not just in specialized occupations.
In addition to being able to work in industries with serious labor shortages, such as accommodation, restaurants, and food and beverage manufacturing, it is possible to obtain this qualification even if you do not have a university degree or other educational background, as long as you pass skills and Japanese language tests..
The maximum period of stay for Type 1 is five years, and Type 5 has no renewal restrictions and allows you to bring your family with you. It is important to understand the field and conditions that suit you and make the appropriate preparations.
If you have any questions, consult with a specialist agency or recruitment agency as soon as possible so you can apply and come to Japan with peace of mind.
Fine Staff is also actively accepting foreign staff working under the Specified Skills No. 1 visa!
If you are looking for work in the accommodation, restaurant, or food manufacturing industries, please contact us using the registration form. We will introduce you to jobs that suit your experience and Japanese language ability.
? Register now and check out our job listings!
