Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa offers opportunities for foreign nationals, including Filipinos, to work in various industries facing labor shortages. This guide provides an overview of the qualifications and application process for Filipinos interested in the SSW visa.

What is the SSW Visa?

The SSW visa is designed for foreign workers with specific skills to work in Japan's labor-shortage industries. There are two types:

SSW (i): Allows work in 12 designated sectors for up to five years.​

SSW (ii): For more advanced skills in specific sectors, offering longer stays and the possibility to bring family members.​mfasia.org

For more details, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

 

Qualifications for Filipinos

To be eligible for the SSW visa, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass a Japanese language proficiency test, such as the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) or JLPT N4 level.
• Pass a skills proficiency test relevant to the intended industry.
• Be in good health.
• Have no history of overstaying in Japan.

Note: Those who have completed Japan's Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) may be exempt from the language and skills tests if applying in the same field.

 
Eligible Industries

The SSW visa covers 12 sectors, including:

1. Nursing Care
2. Building Cleaning
3. Material Processing Industry
4. Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
5. Electric and Electronic Information Industries
6. Construction
7. Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery
8. Automobile Maintenance
9. Aviation
10. Accommodation Industry
11. Agriculture
12. Fishery and Aquaculture

For a comprehensive list and details, visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.​

 

Application Process

Pass Required Tests: Obtain certifications for Japanese language proficiency and industry-specific skills.​
Secure Employment: Find a job offer from a Japanese company in the relevant sector.​
Apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): The employer in Japan will assist in this process.​
Visa Application: Submit the COE and other required documents to the Japanese embassy or consulate in the Philippines.​
Travel to Japan: Upon visa approval, make arrangements to move and start working in Japan.​

Detailed procedures can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

Required Documents

Application Form: Completed by both applicant and employer.​
Medical Examination Report: Obtained from a certified medical institution.​
Proof of Language and Skills Proficiency: Certificates from relevant tests.​
Employment Contract: Signed agreement with the Japanese employer.​
Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.​

For a full list, refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

 

Additional Resources

Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic)
Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines