SSW Visa (Tokutei Ginou) Explained for Indians

Short answer: the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / Tokutei Ginou) visa lets foreigners work in Japan in sectors facing labour shortages. To qualify you generally need to pass a Japanese-language test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) and a skills test for your chosen sector. It is currently the most practical route for Indians to work legally in Japan.

Japan created the SSW programme in 2019 and has expanded it steadily. The government plans to accept up to around 820,000 SSW workers between 2024 and 2029 — one of the largest managed labour-migration programmes in the world. India is a priority partner country, and demand keeps rising as Japan's population ages.

The two SSW categories

• SSW (i): stay of up to 5 years for skilled work; the main entry route. Family generally cannot accompany you at this stage.
• SSW (ii): for higher-skilled workers, renewable with no fixed cap, and can allow family to join — a genuine path toward long-term residence.

The 16 sectors

The SSW programme covers: caregiving, building cleaning, food and beverage manufacturing, food service, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, construction, machine parts and tooling, industrial machinery, electric and electronics, shipbuilding and ship machinery, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, and the newer automobile transportation and railway sectors. Whatever your background, there is likely a sector that fits.

How to qualify — step by step

1. Learn Japanese to JFT-Basic (A2) or JLPT N4 level.
2. Pass the skills test for your chosen sector.
3. Get matched with an employer or a registered sending organisation.
4. Complete the COE and visa documentation.
5. Travel to Japan and begin work.

Why the SSW route is attractive

Unlike uncertain or informal options, SSW is an official, transparent programme with defined requirements. You know exactly what to prepare: a language level and a skills test. For committed learners, that clarity makes it the most reliable path to a Japanese salary.

Frequently asked questions

What Japanese level do I need for SSW? JFT-Basic (roughly A2) or JLPT N4 is the standard language requirement.

Can I bring my family? Not usually on SSW (i). SSW (ii), for higher-skilled workers, can allow family and is renewable.

Do I need a degree? No — SSW is skills-based, not degree-based, which is why it is so accessible.

How long can I stay? Up to 5 years on SSW (i); SSW (ii) has no fixed cap and can be renewed.

How Mozhippattru helps

We prepare you for the language exams the SSW route needs and guide you through the steps that follow. Explore our placement support or call +91 90928 82957.