The SSW visa explained for students in Kerala

The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa lets people from other countries work in Japan in sectors that are short of staff. Japan introduced it in 2019, and India is one of the countries that has signed an agreement with Japan for this program.

SSW (i) and SSW (ii)

SSW (i) is where most people start. It allows you to work in Japan for up to five years in total, but family members cannot usually join you. SSW (ii) is a higher level for experienced workers in some sectors. It allows longer stays and lets you bring your family.

What you need for SSW (i)

• A pass in the skills test for your sector, such as nursing care, food service or agriculture.
• Proof of basic Japanese: usually JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher. Nursing care also needs a separate care Japanese test.
• A job offer from an employer in Japan.
• Good health and the usual visa documents.

The usual steps

1. Learn Japanese and pass JFT-Basic or JLPT N4.
2. Prepare for and pass your sector skills test.
3. Apply to employers and attend interviews, often online and in Japanese.
4. Once you have an offer, your employer supports the visa application.
5. Travel to Japan and start work.

Mistakes to avoid

• Anyone who guarantees a job or visa. Employers and the Japanese authorities make those decisions. Be very careful with agents who promise them for a fee.
• Skipping the language. Interviews and daily work are in Japanese. Students with stronger Japanese find work faster and settle in more easily.
• Relying on old information. Rules and sectors change. Check the latest details with official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

One Zero prepares you for the language requirement and the interviews, and guides you on the next steps. Read our Working in Japan guide to learn more.