SSW Recruitment Services for International Workers
Secure Your SSW Career in Japan
We connect certified skilled workers with trusted employers across Japan. Whether you are transitioning from the ESD program or have passed the SSW exams, we match you with companies offering stable employment and long-term support.
100% Free
No placement fees or hidden costs for job seekers.
Verified Employers
Direct access to a trusted network of SSW-hiring companies.
Skilled Job Placements
Matched roles across 19 designated SSW industries.
Residence Status Overview
Understanding the "Specified Skilled Worker" Status
The Specified Skilled Worker visa (特定技能, Tokutei Ginou) is Japan's main visa for skilled trade, manual, and service jobs in industries facing labor shortages. Unlike the Gijinkoku visa for office professionals, SSW is built for hands-on roles and requires no university degree.
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
- Stay Duration
Up to 5 years total. - Family Sponsorship
Not permitted. - Support Level
Mandatory support provided by the accepting organization or a Registered Support Organization.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
- Stay Duration
Indefinite (renewed periodically). Pathway to permanent residency. - Family Sponsorship
Permitted (spouse and children can join you in Japan). - Support Level
No mandatory support required, reflecting higher independence.
Eligibility Guidelines
Is the SSW Visa Right for You?
The Specified Skilled Worker path doesn't require a traditional university degree, making it an incredibly accessible, high-yield professional work status. Verify if you fulfill the standard criteria:
- Skill Exams
Pass the industry-specific skill evaluation test. - Japanese Proficiency
Pass the JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. - Physical Ability
Meet health and physical requirements for the specific industry. - Educational Background
No formal degree or academic background is required to qualify for the SSW program. - ESD Transition
Currently in the ESD program? Pass the required exams and take the next step toward an SSW career in Japan.
SSW Sectors
SSW Employment Fields
We provide reliable placement services across Japan’s officially recognized Specified Skilled Worker categories. Explore the industries based on your qualifications.
Candidates holding SSW (i) can be placed in the following sectors:
Industrial & Technical
- Industrial Product Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery
- Automobile Repair & Maintenance
- Construction Industry
- Resource Recycling Field
- Wood Industry
Transport & Logistics
- Aviation Industry
- Automobile Transportation
- Railway
- Logistics Warehouse Field
Service, Care & Primary
- Nursing Care
- Building Cleaning Management
- Accommodation Industry
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service Industry
- Agriculture Industry
- Fishery & Aquaculture
- Forestry
- Linen Services Field
For candidates looking to upgrade to a permanent career path, the following 11 highly specialized sectors allow progression to SSW (ii):
Industrial & Technical
- Industrial Product Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery
- Automobile Repair & Maintenance
- Construction Industry
Transport & Logistics
- Aviation Industry
- Building Cleaning Management
Service, Care & Primary
- Accommodation Industry
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service Industry
- Agriculture Industry
- Fishery & Aquaculture
Applicant Ecosystem
Who We Support
Our premium consulting ecosystem is built to support your unique background and current visa status.
ESD (Ikusei Shuro) Professionals
Individuals currently enrolled in the ESD program who have successfully passed the required exams for the transition to SSW and are seeking employment opportunities in Japan.
Exam Passers
Language or vocational students currently in Japan who have successfully passed the JLPT (N4+) or JPT-Basic and the specific SSW industry skill exam, looking to jump into the workforce.
SSW Career Changers
Workers currently holding an SSW visa in Japan looking to change employers within their permitted industry for better conditions, higher salary, or safe environments.
Overseas Applicants
Certified candidates applying directly from abroad who have successfully passed the required language and skill exams in their home country.
Career Insights in Japan
Loading Career posts...
Your Pathway to Employment
Career Assessment
We analyze your skills, Japanese proficiency, and career goals to determine your marketability in Japan.
Document & Strategy Prep
We help you craft impeccable Japanese resumes (Rirekisho & Shokumukeirekisho) and outline your customized job-hunting strategy.
Search, Interview & Selection
We guide you through job applications and provide rigorous interview coaching to help you secure a firm job offer.
Visa Processing & Onboarding
Once hired, we manage the complex Work Visa application and provide guidance on workplace etiquette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family with me on an SSW visa?
What is exact difference between SSW (i) and SSW (ii)?
Can I apply for SSW jobs from outside Japan?
Yes. It is possible to apply for SSW jobs directly from overseas if you have passed the required Japanese language and skills examinations. However, job opportunities can be more limited, and the recruitment process may take longer.
For many candidates, attending a Japanese language school first can be a practical pathway. Studying in Japan allows you to improve your language skills, adapt to daily life and work culture, and access a wider range of employment opportunities before transitioning to the SSW program.
Do I need to speak fluent Japanese?
What kind of exams do I need to pass for an SSW job?
1. Japanese Language Proficiency Test: You must demonstrate basic conversational ability by passing either the JLPT (N4 or higher) or the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese).
2. Specified Industry Skills Test: You must pass the practical skills evaluation exam specific to your chosen industry (e.g., the Food Service Skills Test, Agriculture Skills Assessment Test, etc.). This exam evaluates whether you have the foundational knowledge and technical skills required to perform the job safely and effectively.
Do I need a specific educational background or university degree to get an SSW job?
Can I change from a Student Visa to an SSW visa?
Yes, absolutely. If you are currently studying in Japan on a Student Visa (whether at a language school, vocational school, or university), you can directly transition to a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
To make this switch, you do not need to graduate. You simply need to:
1. Pass the Japanese language exam (JLPT N4+ or JFT-Basic).
2. Pass the industry-specific skill evaluation test.
3. Secure a job offer from a verified employer.
Once you have your job offer, we will help you apply for a "Change of Status of Residence" directly at the immigration office, allowing you to start your career without having to leave Japan.
Can I transition from the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) program to SSW?
Yes. The Employment for Skill Development (ESD) program is explicitly designed as a direct 3-year pathway to the SSW visa. However, to successfully transition from ESD to the SSW (i) status—whether at the end of your 3-year term or earlier—you must pass the following evaluations:
1. Skill Requirement: You must pass Grade 3 of the Trade Skill Test OR the standard SSW(i) Evaluation Test.
2. Language Requirement: You must achieve an A2 or higher level on a Japanese language proficiency test (for example, passing the JLPT N4).
Can I change employers if I am already on SSW visa?
Will JEC Partners guarantee me a job?
Ready to Start Working in Japan?
Start your SSW job search with JEC Partner.
We help international candidates connect with trusted Japanese employers and navigate the recruitment process from application to employment.
