How is SSW different from Technical Intern Training?

Technical Intern Training aims at skills transfer/international contribution; SSW is a status for working in labor-short fields, assuming job-ready workers.

How long can SSW (i) work?

Up to five years total. With higher proficiency, workers can move to SSW (ii), which is renewable.

In-house support is possible if it meets the standards; otherwise employers outsource to an RSO.

Which fields are covered?

Care, food service, construction, agriculture and more — expanding over time. Check official sources for the latest.

What is Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)? Fields, flow, and (i) vs (ii)

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

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) is a residence status created in 2019 to accept skilled foreign workers in sectors facing labor shortages. It has type (i) and (ii), and covered fields are expanding. This guide covers the framework, hiring flow, costs, and the role of registered support organizations.

What is SSW?

SSW admits foreign nationals with substantial knowledge and experience into fields where domestic hiring is difficult. It requires skills and Japanese-language tests (or successful completion of Technical Intern Training (ii)), assuming job-ready work.

Covered fields

Care, food service, accommodation, construction, agriculture, fisheries, food/beverage manufacturing, machine parts and industrial/electrical-electronics, shipbuilding, auto maintenance, aviation, building cleaning, industrial product manufacturing, road transport, railways, forestry, timber, and more — expanding over time. On Watari you can search organizations by industry and prefecture.

→ Find organizations by industry / area

SSW (i) vs (ii)

SSW (i) caps residence at five years total, generally does not allow family accompaniment, and requires support (e.g., via an RSO). SSW (ii) requires higher proficiency, is renewable, allows family accompaniment, and is exempt from the support obligation. Moving from (i) to (ii) matters for long-term hiring.

Hiring flow

1) Confirm requirements 2) Source/select candidates (with sending organizations) 3) Sign the employment contract 4) Prepare the (i) support plan (in-house or via an RSO) 5) Apply for and obtain the status 6) Entry, start of work, and life support. Procedures differ for new entrants vs. status change of residents.

Costs

Referral fees, application costs, and RSO initial/monthly support fees apply, varying by field, region and structure. See the cost guide.

→ Cost guide

Role of registered support organizations

SSW (i) requires carrying out a support plan. Without an in-house structure, employers can fully outsource to an RSO.

→ Registered support organizations

Hiring from Cambodia

Cambodia is a growing source country for Japan. Khmer-capable support helps communication and retention.

→ Hiring from Cambodia

FAQ

How is SSW different from Technical Intern Training?: Technical Intern Training aims at skills transfer/international contribution; SSW is a status for working in labor-short fields, assuming job-ready workers.
How long can SSW (i) work?: Up to five years total. With higher proficiency, workers can move to SSW (ii), which is renewable.
Is an RSO mandatory?: In-house support is possible if it meets the standards; otherwise employers outsource to an RSO.
Which fields are covered?: Care, food service, construction, agriculture and more — expanding over time. Check official sources for the latest.

Registered support organizations Employment for Skill Development Hiring from Cambodia Cost guide Find organizations

General reference information. Fields, requirements and procedures may change; check official sources for the latest.