Japan

Japan SSW Visa:

There are two categories:

SSW Type 1 (特定技能1号)

For 14 specific industries facing labor shortages:

1. Nursing care

2. Building cleaning

3. Material processing industry

4. Industrial machinery manufacturing

5. Electronics and information industry

6. Construction industry

7. Shipbuilding and marine industry

8. Automobile maintenance

9. Aviation

10. Accommodation (hotels, inns)

11. Agriculture

12. Fisheries & aquaculture

13. Food & beverage manufacturing

14. Food service (restaurants)

Requirements:

Pass a skills test for the chosen industry.

Pass a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 level or higher, or JFT-Basic test).

Usually, a job offer from a Japanese employer is required.

Duration:

Can be renewed in increments (4 months, 6 months, 1 year).

Maximum stay: 5 years.

Family: Not allowed to bring family members.

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SSW Type 2 (特定技能2号)

Only available for Construction and Shipbuilding/Marine industries (may expand later).

Requirements:

Higher skill level than Type 1.

Usually promoted from Type 1 after gaining experience.

Benefits:

Renewable indefinitely.

Can bring family to Japan.

Pathway to permanent residency.

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2. Eligibility Routes

You can qualify for SSW in two main ways:

1. Direct from your country:

Pass Japanese language and skills exams.

Get hired by a Japanese company.

2. From Japan after Technical Intern Training (TITP):

If you already completed a Technical Intern program, you may skip some exams.

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3. Japanese Language Requirements

JLPT N4: Basic conversational Japanese.

JFT-Basic: Alternative test focusing on daily life Japanese.

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4. Important Points

You must work in only the field you’re approved for.

Employers must provide proper support (help with accommodation, paperwork, etc.).

You cannot easily switch industries without retaking exams.

This visa is a working visa, not a student or dependent visa.

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If you want, I can also make you a step-by-step guide for Bangladeshi applicants, including exam registration, cost, and recruitment process, because Japan and Bangladesh have a government-to-government agreement for SSW.