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Designated Activities (EPA Nurse / Care Worker Candidate)
JapanJapan•Asia
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Designated Activities (EPA Nurse / Care Worker Candidate)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years for nurses, 4 years for care workers

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

This visa is designed for candidate nurses and care workers from partner countries (Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam) to work and train in Japan under a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The goal is to enable candidates to obtain Japanese national licenses (Kangoshi for nurses or Kaigofukushishi for care workers) while working under supervision.

The Designated Activities (EPA) visa lets nurse and care worker candidates from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam work and train in Japan under bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements. Candidates must be matched to a hospital or care facility via JICWELS and hold a qualifying nursing or care credential.

Nurses receive up to 3 years of residence; care workers up to 4 years. The visa is renewable until the national exam is passed. Dependents are not permitted during training. Language proficiency is required: JLPT N4 for Indonesian and Filipino candidates, N3 for Vietnamese.

This visa is ideal for Indonesian, Filipino, or Vietnamese healthcare workers who have been officially nominated by their home government and matched with a Japanese facility through JICWELS.

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Cost Breakdown

Single-entry visaJPY ¥15,000
Multiple-entry visaJPY ¥30,000
Change of Status (In-person)JPY ¥6,000
Change of Status (Online)JPY ¥5,500
TotalJPY ¥50,500–¥51,000

Annual Cap & Quota

Approx 300 care worker candidates per country

Eligible Nationalities (3)

IndonesiaIndonesiaPhilippinesPhilippinesVietnamVietnam

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Citizen of Indonesia, the Philippines, or Vietnam

Accepted through the official bilateral EPA framework

Matched with a Japanese hospital or care facility via JICWELS

Meet specific educational and professional thresholds (nursing degree/license + work experience)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport and Visa Application Form

One photograph (4cm x 3cm)

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Employment contract

Recommendation letter from home country government

Academic transcripts and professional licenses

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to Japanese national licensure
  • Structured training and support
  • Guaranteed employment contract

Worth Knowing

  • Cannot bring dependents during training
  • Strictly tied to one employer
  • Training years do not count toward PR
  • Not being a citizen of Indonesia, Philippines, or Vietnam
  • Failure to match with a JICWELS-approved facility
  • Failure to meet language proficiency requirements

Application Process

1

Apply to sending agency in home country

2

Complete pre-departure training

3

Match with host institution via JICWELS

4

Conclude employment contract

5

Apply for COE

6

Apply for visa at Embassy

7

Enter Japan and complete post-arrival training

Application Forms

Visa Application Form
Visa Application Form (General)
Fill online
COE Application Form
Application for Certificate of qualification
Fill online

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