Specified Skilled Worker System (SSW)
A residence status introduced in April 2019 to accept foreign workers with certain skills and Japanese language ability as ready-to-work human resources. SSW No. 1 covers 16 fields, and SSW No. 2 covers 11 fields. After obtaining registered support organization approval, BEGIN will provide integrated support for member companies accepting SSW workers.
Current Status：BEGIN plans to apply for registered support organization approval after applying for Supervising Organization approval under TITP. For SSW cases consulted before approval, we introduce partner registered support organizations.
System Overview
The SSW system is a residence status established in April 2019 to respond to serious labor shortages. SSW No. 1 allows a total stay of up to five years. SSW No. 2 is renewable and may allow family accompaniment. The system accepts foreign workers with a certain level of skills and Japanese ability as ready-to-work human resources.
Difference between No. 1 and No. 2
SSW No. 1
📌 TITP No. 2 completers may be exempt from examinations
SSW No. 2
📌 Long-term employment and permanent residence may be considered
16 Eligible Fields for SSW No. 1 after the 2024 Revision
Four fields were added in 2024: automobile transport, railway, forestry, and wood industry. There are currently 16 eligible fields.
Suspension of New Acceptance in the Food Service Industry
On March 27, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency announced that new acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry would, in principle, be suspended from April 13, 2026. The current number of residents is approximately 46,000, and the cap of 50,000 is expected to be reached. Please check the Immigration Services Agency for the latest status.
BEGIN Cooperative's Support after Licensing
Registered Support Organization Services
We handle submission and implementation of support plans to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), including quarterly reports.
Residence Status Applications
Preparation of documents for Certificate of Eligibility, change of status, and renewal applications
Pre-Entry Guidance
Employment contracts, working conditions, and daily-life information are explained in the worker's native language before entry.
Life Orientation
Guidance on housing, bank accounts, mobile phone contracts, and daily-life rules for at least eight hours
Japanese Language Learning Support
Online learning and school introductions aimed at JLPT N3 or higher
Consultation and Complaint Handling
Native-language consultation desk, job-change support, and intervention when problems occur
Regular Interviews and Administrative Reporting
Interviews with the worker and supervisor at least once every three months, and regular reporting to immigration authorities
Support When Changing Jobs
Support for finding a new employer based on the worker's intention, handover, and re-orientation at the new employer
Difference from TITP
TITP is intended for international contribution through skill transfer. In principle, job changes are not permitted, and the maximum stay is five years. SSW is intended for employment as ready-to-work human resources; job changes are possible, with SSW No. 1 up to five years and SSW No. 2 allowing long-term employment without a fixed upper limit.
Learn more about the Technical Intern Training Program →For Companies Urgently Considering SSW
Even before our registered support organization approval is granted, we can introduce trusted partner registered support organizations to companies considering SSW. Please feel free to contact us.
Request Partner Introduction →Details of the SSW system are provided based on the operational guidelines of the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), reflecting the latest information.
Source: Immigration Services Agency (ISA) official website（www.moj.go.jp/isa）
Compare Systems
3つの制度を比較する
外国人材受入の3制度。御社の業種・期間・目的に合わせてお選びください。
技能実習制度（TITP）
技能・技術・知識の移転による国際貢献が目的。1号→2号→3号で最長5年。原則として転職不可。90職種167作業が移行対象。
特定技能制度（SSW）
即戦力としての就労が目的。1号は通算5年、2号は更新無制限・家族帯同可。同一分野内で転職可能。16分野（1号）／11分野（2号）が対象。
育成就労制度（2027年4月施行予定）
技能実習を発展的に解消した新制度。人材確保＋育成が目的。原則3年で特定技能1号への移行を想定。同一業務区分内で本人意向の転籍可能。対象分野は特定技能と原則整合。
Consultation on Specified Skilled Worker
We can introduce partner organizations even before the registered support organization license is granted.
Contact Us →