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Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能)
Japan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa is Japan's program to address labor shortages in specific industries. SSW-1 allows 5 years of work, while SSW-2 offers a pathway to permanent residence.
Processing Time
3-4 months
Validity
SSW-1: 5 years total (renewed annually), SSW-2: Unlimited (renewable)
Worker Cost
NPR 15,000-25,000
Renewable
Yes
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18+ years
- Passed industry-specific skills test
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or above
- No previous deportation from Japan
- Clean criminal record
- Job offer from registered Japanese employer
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Original passport with 6+ months validity
Required
Skills Test Certificate
Industry-specific examination pass certificate
Required
JLPT Certificate
N4 level or above, or JFT-Basic pass
Required
Educational Certificates
High school diploma or equivalent
Required
Employment Contract
From registered support organization
Required
Health Certificate
Medical fitness certificate
Required
Police Clearance
Criminal background check from Nepal
Required
Photos
4 passport-size photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm)
Required
Visa Process Steps
Complete process from application to arrival
1
Pass Skills Test
Varies by test schedule
Complete industry-specific skills examination
2
Pass Language Test
Varies by test schedule
JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic certification
3
Job Matching
2-4 weeks
Get matched with Japanese employer through authorized agency
4
Document Preparation
2-3 weeks
Gather and prepare all required documents
5
COE Application
4-8 weeks
Employer applies for Certificate of Eligibility
6
Visa Application
1-2 weeks
Submit visa application at Japan Embassy
7
Pre-Departure Training
1-2 days
Japanese language and culture orientation
8
Arrival & Registration
1 week
Arrive in Japan and complete residence registration
Visa Costs Breakdown
Paid by Worker
Skills Test¥5,000-7,000
JLPT / JFT-Basic¥5,500
Document PreparationNPR 5,000-10,000
Medical ExaminationNPR 3,000-5,000
Total Worker Cost
NPR 15,000-25,000 (approximately, excluding test preparation)
Paid by Employer
COE Application¥4,000
Visa Fee¥3,000
Flight Ticket¥50,000-80,000
Support Organization Fee¥20,000-30,000/month
Some employers cover all costs including preparation courses
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
Insufficient Japanese
Solution
Ensure JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic before applying
Mistake
Wrong skills test
Solution
Take the test for your specific target industry
Mistake
Expired COE
Solution
Apply for visa within 3 months of COE issuance
Mistake
Incomplete documents
Solution
All documents must be translated to Japanese
Expert Tips
- Start Japanese language study early - N4 takes 6-12 months
- Research which industry sector matches your experience
- Skills tests are held periodically - register early
- Choose employer with good support organization
- SSW-2 offers permanent residence path - plan long-term
- Japan pension is partially refundable when you leave
Frequently Asked Questions
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