Can SSW care workers do home-visit care?

Traditionally facility-based; reviews to add home-visit care under conditions are underway. Check official sources.

Can interns move to SSW care?

Yes — completing Technical Intern Training (ii) in care allows a test-exempt transfer.

Is there a headcount cap?

In principle, not exceeding the number of full-time Japanese care staff per office; rules vary by facility type.

Can we hire Cambodians in care?

Yes. Choose a Khmer-capable RSO; filter by 'Khmer' on Watari.

Hiring SSW workers in the care (nursing care) sector: a complete guide

By: Watari Editorial Team·Last updated: 2026-07-01

Care is one of the largest sectors for Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) intake in Japan, driven by severe labor shortages. This guide covers eligible tasks, tests, Japanese requirements, staffing rules, costs, and the role of registered support organizations, from the perspective of both employers and sending/support organizations.

SSW 'Care' at a glance

A field-specific status for physical care (help with meals, bathing, toileting), recreation, and assisting with functional training at care facilities. Home-visit services were long excluded, though reviews to add them under conditions are underway — check official sources for the latest.

Requirements (tests & Japanese)

Candidates generally pass a care skills test, a care Japanese test, and a Japanese-language test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4+). Those who complete Technical Intern Training (ii) in care can move over with test exemptions.

Staffing and headcount

In principle, SSW workers per office may not exceed the total number of full-time Japanese care staff. Detailed rules vary by facility type; confirm official standards.

Hiring flow

Confirm requirements/quota → source candidates → contract → support plan → status application → entry and work. Procedures differ for new entrants vs. status change.

→ Find care-sector organizations

Costs

Referral, application, and RSO initial/monthly support fees apply, varying by organization and region.

→ Cost guide

RSOs and Cambodian workers

SSW (i) requires mandatory support; outsource to an RSO if you lack an in-house structure. For Cambodian workers, Khmer-capable support helps.

→ Hiring from Cambodia

FAQ

Can SSW care workers do home-visit care?: Traditionally facility-based; reviews to add home-visit care under conditions are underway. Check official sources.
Can interns move to SSW care?: Yes — completing Technical Intern Training (ii) in care allows a test-exempt transfer.
Is there a headcount cap?: In principle, not exceeding the number of full-time Japanese care staff per office; rules vary by facility type.
Can we hire Cambodians in care?: Yes. Choose a Khmer-capable RSO; filter by 'Khmer' on Watari.

Care-sector organizations About SSW Registered support organizations Cost guide

General reference information. Tasks, requirements and staffing rules may change; check official sources (MHLW, Immigration Services Agency).