Are the required documents for SSW fixed?

There are basic categories (applicant documents, receiving-organization documents, employment contract items, the support plan, field-specific documents), but the specific documents change by field, residence situation, individual circumstances and framework revisions. Confirm the latest forms and guidance with the Immigration Services Agency and other official sources.

Is the application different for people overseas vs. in Japan?

Generally, inviting a candidate from overseas means a Certificate of Eligibility application, while hiring someone already residing in Japan means a Change of Status of Residence application. Steps differ by situation—confirm with official sources.

How long does screening take?

Processing time varies by case, timing and the content of documents, and can take from several weeks to several months. We cannot guarantee timelines or outcomes, so we recommend preparing with ample lead time.

Do we have to provide support in-house?

You can delegate the full implementation of the SSW (i) support plan to a registered support organization. You can either build an in-house structure or delegate, choosing based on your structure and field.

SSW documents & application flow (for employers)

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

Hiring under Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) involves several stages: confirming requirements, selecting candidates, signing the employment contract, drafting the SSW (i) support plan, applying for residence status, and starting work with support. This page is reference information for employers, outlining the overall flow, an overview of the main documents, and a sense of timing. Required documents, requirements and procedures change by field, individual circumstances and framework revisions—always confirm the latest, accurate information with the Immigration Services Agency and other official sources.

The overall intake flow

Typically: (1) confirm intake requirements and field, (2) select candidates, (3) conclude the employment contract / conditions, (4) draft the SSW (i) support plan, (5) apply for residence status, and (6) entry, start of work and provision of support. For step (5), inviting a candidate from overseas generally means a Certificate of Eligibility application, while hiring someone already residing in Japan generally means a Change of Status of Residence application. Steps and responsible authorities may differ by field and situation.

Overview of the main documents

Applications generally require documents on the applicant (candidate), documents on the receiving organization (employer), the employment contract and conditions of employment, the support plan, and field-specific documents. However, required documents differ substantially by field, residence situation and individual circumstances, and forms and copies are revised over time. This is an overview only—not an exhaustive or definitive checklist. Confirm the actual documents to submit against the official forms and guidance of the Immigration Services Agency and the field-specific information of the responsible ministries.

→ Intake preparation materials (free)

The support plan and mandatory support

Under SSW (i), receiving organizations are expected to provide support for the worker's professional, daily and social life. So-called mandatory support items include pre-arrival guidance, airport pick-up/drop-off, help securing housing and necessary contracts, life orientation, accompaniment for public procedures, opportunities for Japanese-language learning, consultation and complaint handling, promoting exchange with Japanese people, job-change support (e.g. on involuntary separation), and regular interviews and reporting to authorities. Confirm the detailed items and content in official sources.

Delegating to a registered support organization

You can delegate the full implementation of the support plan to a registered support organization (RSO). You can either build an in-house support structure or delegate to an RSO, choosing based on your structure and field. When considering a partner, it helps to check languages supported and track record. See the following page for how to think about the Japan-side intake structure.

→ About the Japan-side intake structure

Councils and field-specific procedures

For SSW, some fields require joining a council established by the responsible ministry, or have field-specific requirements and procedures. Timing and requirements for joining differ by field and framework revisions, so it is important to confirm the latest information for your intended field with both the responsible ministry and the Immigration Services Agency.

For employers considering hiring

We at Watari (operated by COSTA LINK) provide recruitment support connecting employers with overseas talent, centered on Cambodia. For consultations on the SSW intake flow, preparing documents, or structuring support, we offer a free consultation. We do not guarantee eligibility, application outcomes or timelines—final requirements and documents must be confirmed against official sources.

→ Free consultation for employers

FAQ

Are the required documents for SSW fixed?: There are basic categories (applicant documents, receiving-organization documents, employment contract items, the support plan, field-specific documents), but the specific documents change by field, residence situation, individual circumstances and framework revisions. Confirm the latest forms and guidance with the Immigration Services Agency and other official sources.
Is the application different for people overseas vs. in Japan?: Generally, inviting a candidate from overseas means a Certificate of Eligibility application, while hiring someone already residing in Japan means a Change of Status of Residence application. Steps differ by situation—confirm with official sources.
How long does screening take?: Processing time varies by case, timing and the content of documents, and can take from several weeks to several months. We cannot guarantee timelines or outcomes, so we recommend preparing with ample lead time.
Do we have to provide support in-house?: You can delegate the full implementation of the SSW (i) support plan to a registered support organization. You can either build an in-house structure or delegate, choosing based on your structure and field.

Free consultation for employers Japan-side intake structure About SSW Registered support organizations Cost & estimator

General reference information. Required documents, requirements, procedures and timing change by field, individual circumstances and framework revisions. This does not guarantee any particular outcome, application result or timeline. Confirm the latest, accurate information with the Immigration Services Agency and the ministries responsible for each field.