Facebook-f Telegram Google-plus-g
Home-
>>
Specified Skilled Worker Program

SPECIFIED SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM

what is  Specified Skilled Worker Program?

The Specified Skilled Worker Program is a new residency status introduced in April 2019 in Japan. It aims to address severe labor shortages in specific industries by accepting foreign workers with certain skills. This program not only provides short-term labor solutions but also offers opportunities for foreign workers to acquire skills and build their careers in Japan.

Types of Specified Skilled Worker

Specified Skilled Worker (i)

Eligibility: Foreign workers with specific skills and Japanese language proficiency
Duration: Up to 5 years (renewable every 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months)
Family Accompaniment: Not permitted
Industries: Caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electronics, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant services (14 sectors)

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

Eligibility: Foreign workers with advanced skills who have completed Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Duration: No limit on renewals (renewable every 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months)
Family Accompaniment: Permitted
Industries: Construction and shipbuilding (with plans for future expansion)

Specified Skilled Worker (i)

Eligibility: Foreign workers with specific skills and Japanese language proficiency
Duration: Up to 5 years (renewable every 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months)
Family Accompaniment: Not permitted
Industries: Caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electronics, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant services (14 sectors)

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

Eligibility: Foreign workers with advanced skills who have completed Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Duration: No limit on renewals (renewable every 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months)
Family Accompaniment: Permitted
Industries: Construction and shipbuilding (with plans for future expansion)

Costs for Applicants

According to the agreement between the Japanese and Myanmar governments, the maximum amount an applicant can pay to a sending institution is $1,500, but some sending institutions may pay other fees.

Benefits of the Specified Skilled Worker Program

Resolves labor shortages in specific industries

Offers opportunities for foreign workers to acquire and enhance skills

Encourages multicultural exchange and coexistence

Requirements for Specified Skilled Worker

Pass the skill test specified for each industry

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 level or equivalent

18 years or older

Pass a health examination to ensure fitness for work

process
training

Procedure for Specified Skilled Worker from Myanmar

Application to Sending Organization: Apply through a sending organization in Myanmar. The organization verifies eligibility for the program.
Preparation for Exams: Attend preparatory courses provided by the sending organization for the skill test and Japanese language proficiency test (JLPT N4 level).
Taking the Exams: Take the specified skill test and Japanese language proficiency test at designated test centers.
Applying for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): The Japanese employer applies for the COE at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Visa Application:  Once the COE is obtained, apply for the Specified Skilled Worker visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in Myanmar. Required documents include the COE, employment contract, and passport.
Travel and Entry to Japan:  Prepare for departure after obtaining the visa. Arrive in Japan and pass through immigration control.
Commencing Work under Specified Skilled Worker Status: Attend an orientation at the host company to learn about the work environment and job responsibilities. Start working, with regular support and monitoring provided by the employer and registered support organizations.

Management and Support

Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Manages the residency status and supervision
Employers and Organizations: Ensure proper working conditions and support
Registered Support Organizations: Provide support for living and working in Japan
help-desk
self-improvement
ideas (1)

Comparison with Technical Intern Training Program

The Technical Intern Training Program focuses on skill transfer and international cooperation, aiming for interns to utilize the skills in their home countries. The Specified Skilled Worker Program addresses labor shortages and skill acquisition, focusing on long-term labor solutions in Japan.

The Technical Intern Training Program lasts up to 5 years (divided into stages 1, 2, and 3). The Specified Skilled Worker Program allows for up to 5 years for Specified Skilled Worker (i) and no limit on renewals for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

Family accompaniment is not permitted under the Technical Intern Training Program. It is permitted under Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

The Technical Intern Training Program provides support through supervising organizations and sending organizations. The Specified Skilled Worker Program provides support through registered support organizations and employers.

Job changes are generally not allowed under the Technical Intern Training Program. Under the Specified Skilled Worker Program, job changes within the same industry are possible, but there are restrictions on changing industries.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Working Conditions:   Improvement needed in some companies.
Transparency:  Efforts required to enhance the transparency of program operations.
Support Systems: Need to strengthen support systems for foreign workers.
performance
difficulties
This overview page of the Specified Skilled Worker Program aims to provide foreign workers with the necessary information to understand the process of working in Japan under this program.