What Is the SSW Visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / Tokutei Ginou) visa was introduced by Japan in 2019 to address labour shortages in a defined set of industries. Unlike the older Technical Intern Training Program, SSW is built around actual employment — you're hired to do a job, not primarily to be trained. For Indian candidates without a university degree, it's currently the most realistic and widely used route into a Japanese job.
A note on accuracy
Visa categories, covered industries and exam formats are set by Japan's Immigration Services Agency and can be updated. Treat the specifics below as a reliable general overview, and confirm current details on the official Immigration Services Agency website before making decisions.
Eligibility
- Age: No strict legal cap, but most employers prefer candidates roughly 18–35 given the physical demands of many roles.
- Education: No university degree required for most SSW categories — you qualify by passing the language and skills exams instead.
- Language: A passing score in the JFT-Basic test or JLPT N4.
- Skills exam: A passing score in the skills test for your specific industry.
- Health & background: A medical fitness certificate and police clearance certificate.
SSW is not a "no-Japanese-needed" shortcut — it's a structured, exam-based route. The candidates who move through it fastest are the ones who treat the language requirement as step one, not an afterthought. — Astha Pokhriyal, Founder & Lead Instructor
Covered Industries
SSW covers a defined list of designated sectors facing labour shortages. The most common ones for Indian applicants are:
- Caregiving (kaigo)
- Food and beverage service
- Construction
- Manufacturing (including machine parts, electronics)
- Agriculture
- Accommodation / hospitality
- Fishery and aquaculture
- Automobile maintenance
The exact list and its scope are set by the Japanese government and periodically reviewed — always check the current designated sector list before committing to exam preparation for a specific industry.
Language Requirement
To qualify for SSW, you need to pass either the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) or JLPT N4. Both are considered roughly equivalent for SSW purposes, though they're structured differently — JFT-Basic is computer-based and offered more frequently, while JLPT N4 follows the standard twice-yearly JLPT schedule. Most candidates starting from zero need 4 to 8 months of structured study to reach this level comfortably. Our free JLPT N5 resources are a solid starting point before stepping up to N4.
The Skills Exam
Beyond language, you must pass a skills exam specific to your target industry — a caregiving exam if you're applying under the caregiving sector, a food-service exam for that sector, and so on. These exams test practical, job-relevant knowledge and are held periodically, sometimes in India and sometimes only in Japan or other countries. Passing JLPT N4 does not automatically prepare you for these — they require separate, dedicated study.
Plan your exam calendar early
Skills exam dates and locations vary by industry and change periodically. Once you've picked a target sector, check the current exam schedule immediately so your language study timeline lines up with an actual exam date.
Application Process
Reach JFT-Basic / JLPT N4 level
Your foundation — start here before anything else.
Pass your industry's skills exam
Confirms you're job-ready for your chosen sector.
Secure an employer
Through a registered sending organisation, recruiter, or direct application.
Certificate of Eligibility & visa
Your employer files your CoE application; once approved, you apply for your visa at the Embassy/Consulate.
Pre-departure & arrival
Orientation, then departure to your workplace in Japan.
We cover this same process in far more depth — including documents, timelines and costs that apply across all visa routes — in our complete guide to getting a job in Japan from India.
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Salary Expectations
Pay varies by industry, prefecture and employer. These are commonly cited general ranges, not a guarantee for any specific offer — Japan's minimum wage differs by prefecture and is revised periodically.
| Industry | Typical Monthly Salary (Gross, JPY) |
|---|---|
| Caregiving | ¥170,000 – ¥230,000 |
| Food service | ¥160,000 – ¥210,000 |
| Construction | ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 |
| Manufacturing | ¥170,000 – ¥240,000 |
| Agriculture | ¥160,000 – ¥210,000 |
SSW Type 1 vs Type 2
| Type 1 (i-gou) | Type 2 (ii-gou) | |
|---|---|---|
| Industries | Most SSW sectors | A smaller number of sectors |
| Maximum stay | Capped total period | Renewable, longer-term |
| Family | Generally not permitted | Generally permitted |
| PR pathway | Not direct | Possible over time |
Type 2 eligibility usually requires additional experience and a higher-level skills qualification built up after time in Type 1 — it's a progression, not a starting point for most applicants.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No degree required | Requires passing a dedicated skills exam |
| Faster route than most degree-based visas | Type 1 has a capped total stay |
| Pay generally aligned with standard local wages | Physically demanding in several sectors |
| Wide range of industries to choose from | Family accompaniment restricted under Type 1 |
SSW vs TITP: The Short Version
SSW and TITP are often confused, but they're structurally different. SSW is designed around actual employment for people who already hold a practical skill level, with pay generally aligned to standard local wages. TITP (Technical Intern Training Program) is framed as on-the-job training rather than standard employment, historically with more restrictive conditions and oversight concerns that have drawn scrutiny over the years. It's common for workers to complete a TITP term and then transition into SSW using the experience gained. We cover this comparison — along with the Engineer visa — in full depth in a dedicated guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSW visa?
SSW (Specified Skilled Worker / Tokutei Ginou) is a Japanese work visa introduced in 2019 for overseas workers in labour-short industries such as caregiving, food service, construction, manufacturing and agriculture. It requires passing a language test and an industry-specific skills exam.
Do I need a degree for the SSW visa?
No. Most SSW categories do not require a university degree — eligibility is based on passing the required language test and the skills exam for your chosen industry.
What is the difference between SSW Type 1 and Type 2?
Type 1 covers most SSW industries, has a maximum total stay period, and generally does not allow bringing family members. Type 2, available in fewer industries, allows longer or renewable stays and permits family members to accompany the worker, with a possible path toward permanent residency over time.
Is SSW better than TITP?
They serve different purposes. SSW is designed for people who already hold a practical skill level and is generally closer to standard employment. TITP is framed as on-the-job training with historically more restrictive conditions. Many workers move from TITP into SSW after their training period. The better option depends on your current skill level and goals.
Astha Pokhriyal
JLPT N2 certified with 6+ years of experience teaching Japanese to Indian students on the jobs and visa track.