Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
🇯🇵 Japan visas · Work
What it is
For foreign nationals with proficient (advanced) skills. Offers longer stay and family accompaniment, unlike SSW(i). No 5-year cap. Expanded to 11 sectors as of 2023. Typical holders: workers in skilled roles in a specified industrial field.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 3 years, 2 years, 1 year or 6 months
- Processing time
- 3 months
- Maximum validity
- 3 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (band 14,900-15,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 15,100
- Application fee (band 29,900-30,100; local amount per mission)
- JPY 30,100
Key requirements
- Pass the SSW(ii) skills evaluation test for the designated sector
- Demonstrated proficient-level expertise
- Employment contract in an eligible sector
- Typically requires prior SSW(i) experience or equivalent
Working on this visa
The status of residence permits only the activities listed for it in the Immigration Control Act's annexed table; other paid activity needs separate permission.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 22 July 2026.