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?
The SSW visa meaning is Specified Skilled Worker Visa, designed for foreign workers to fill labor shortages in Japan. There are two main categories: SSW (i) and SSW (ii). SSW Japan Visa 2025
- 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/
SSW Visa Japan Requirements
To successfully apply, you must meet the SSW visa Japan requirements. These typically include:
- 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.
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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
Secure a job offer in one of the 14 approved sectors. Popular SSW jobs in Japan include nursing, caregiving, hospitality, construction, and agriculture. Employers often assist with 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)
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
Before approval, candidates must pass the SSW skills exam and Japanese language proficiency tests. These confirm that you can perform your job duties and communicate effectively 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.
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
Many people confuse TITP and SSW. The TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) is mainly for skill transfer and cultural exchange, while the SSW visa is employment-based, allowing full-time work in specific industries. Understanding this difference helps applicants plan their career path efficiently.
TITP Program Official Website: https://nsdcindia.org/home-titp
Why TLS – The Japanese Language School is Important
Language and cultural preparation are critical before applying for an SSW visa. TLS – The Japanese Language School helps candidates:
- 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 apply for a SSW visa in Japan, you must be between 18–45 years old, have a minimum high school education, pass the sector-specific skills exam, and secure a job offer in an eligible industry. Basic Japanese language skills are also required for communication at work.
Q2: What is the qualification for SSW?
A2: The minimum qualification is typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also pass a skills test relevant to their industry and demonstrate basic Japanese proficiency to be eligible for a SSW visa in Japan.
Q3: How to get SSW 1 visa in Japan?
A3: To obtain the SSW 1 visa, secure a job in one of the 14 eligible sectors, pass the skills and language tests, and submit the application along with required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate. The SSW visa application process usually takes 2–3 months.
Q4: What is the salary of SSW visa in Japan?
A4: The salary depends on the sector and experience. Typically, SSW jobs in Japan offer between ¥160,000 to ¥250,000 per month, with allowances for accommodation and transportation in some companies.
Q5: What kind of projects does SSW work on?
A5: SSW jobs in Japan vary by industry. Workers may handle caregiving tasks, hospitality services, construction projects, agriculture, or manufacturing, depending on the company and sector under the SSW 2 visa Japan requirements.
Q6: How much is a 1 hour salary in Japan?
A6: Hourly wages in Japan vary by profession and location. For SSW workers, it typically ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 per hour, depending on the sector and experience level.
Q7: Is Japan costly than India?
A7: Yes, living expenses in Japan are generally higher than in India. Rent, transportation, and daily expenses cost more, but salaries for SSW jobs in Japan often compensate for the higher cost of living.
Q8: What is the lowest paying job in Japan?
A8: Part-time or entry-level jobs, especially in hospitality or retail, tend to be the lowest paying. For SSW workers, wages are usually standardized by sector and tend to be higher than typical minimum wage jobs.
Q9: Is $280,000 enough to live in Japan?
A9: $280,000 is more than sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Japan for several years. For most SSW workers, annual earnings are far below this amount, so budgeting according to local living costs is recommended.
Q10: Which job is high in demand in Japan?
A10: High-demand sectors for SSW jobs in Japan include caregiving, nursing, construction, hospitality, agriculture, and shipbuilding. These sectors are prioritized under the SSW visa program due to labor shortages.
Conclusion
Applying for an SSW Visa in Japan requires careful preparation, including meeting eligibility criteria, securing a job, passing skills and language tests, and submitting proper documentation. The SSW visa processing time may vary, so starting early is essential. SSW Visa Requirements
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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