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jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)
JapanJapan•Asia
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jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now 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

For foreign workers with advanced skills in specific industrial fields (e.g., construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing).

The SSW2 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 2) is Japan's advanced-tier work visa for foreign nationals with verified technical expertise and supervisory experience in designated industrial sectors. Employer-sponsored, it requires passing a sector-specific skills evaluation or holding a National Skills Test Level 1.

Stay periods of 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months renew with no upper limit, making permanent residency achievable. Spouses and children may join on dependent visas and can work up to 28 hours per week with immigration permission. Dual intent is permitted, so holders can pursue permanent residency concurrently.

This visa is ideal for experienced industrial workers with supervisory skills who want indefinite stay in Japan and a clear route to permanent residency.

Japan

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Processing Time

Track 11–2 months
Track 22 weeks – 1 month
Track 31–3 months

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Pass the sector-specific SSW2 Skills Evaluation Test or hold a National Skills Test Level 1

2–3+ years of supervisory/managerial experience in the relevant field

At least 18 years old

Good health

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Valid Passport

Proof of skills evaluation/National Skills Test

Employment contract

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No limit on total period of stay
  • Qualifying for Permanent Residency
  • Dependents allowed

Worth Knowing

  • Requires specific technical skills
  • Limited to specific industrial sectors
  • Failure to pass skills evaluation
  • Lack of supervisory experience
  • Health issues

Application Process

1

Obtain Certificate of qualification (COE) via employer

2

Apply for visa at Japanese Embassy/Consulate

3

Entry and residence registration

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