Work in Japan
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW): the honest overview
What the SSW route actually requires — a language step, a skills test, and an employer — and what it never promises.
The language requirement
SSW (i) requires passing the JFT-Basic or holding JLPT N4 or above. JLPT N5 alone does not satisfy it. Nursing Care additionally requires the separate Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
Honest framing
- JLPT N4 is a requirement for the SSW work route, not a job offer and not a visa guarantee.
- SSW also requires passing the industry skills test for your field and having a Japanese employer.
- A test result is not a visa and not a nationality — it is one honest step you can prepare for.
Current industry fields (16)
⁺ requires an additional field-specific language test.
Newly announced fields — not yet open
Three fields were added by the 23 January 2026 Cabinet Decision but are not yet accepting applications — intake begins only once the relevant ministerial ordinances are in force:
- Resource Recycling Field — announced, not yet open
- Linen Services Field — announced, not yet open
- Logistics Warehouse Field — announced, not yet open
What's changing in 2027
From April 2027 the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program replaces TITP and standardises the JLPT-N4-level language requirement across the route. The language bar is becoming universal, not optional.
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