# SSW visa checklist

What your field needs for Specified Skilled Worker (i), and every step to Japan.

## The 16 SSW fields

The Japanese test each field needs, and which lead to SSW (ii).

| Field | Japanese test | SSW (ii) available |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nursing care | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher, plus the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test | No |
| Building cleaning management | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Construction | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Industrial product manufacturing | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Shipbuilding and ship machinery | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Automobile repair and maintenance | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Aviation | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Accommodation | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Automobile transportation (taxi, bus, truck drivers) | JLPT N3 or higher for taxi and bus drivers | No |
| Railway | JLPT N3 or higher for train operation work | No |
| Agriculture | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Fishery and aquaculture | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Food and beverage manufacturing | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Food service | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | Yes |
| Forestry | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | No |
| Wood industry | JFT-Basic (A2, 200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher | No |

*Tests by field - Immigration Services Agency*

## Common questions

### What Japanese level do I need for the SSW visa?

For most fields, JFT-Basic at A2 (200 or more) or JLPT N4 or higher. Taxi and bus drivers and train operators need JLPT N3, and nursing care also needs the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.

### Do I need to pass the tests if I did Technical Intern Training?

If you completed Technical Intern Training (ii), you're exempt from the tests when you work in the same field.

### How long does the Certificate of Eligibility take?

Usually 1 to 3 months after your employer applies.

### Where do the field requirements come from?

The Immigration Services Agency's SSW website, checked 25 September 2026. Acceptance can change by field, so check the official site before you apply.

### Is this checklist legal advice?

No. It summarizes the official steps. Requirements differ by field and country, so confirm with the Immigration Services Agency and your employer.

**Sources**
- [Immigration Services Agency: Steps to working in Japan (SSW), checked 25 September 2026](https://www.ssw.go.jp/en/about/step/)
- [Immigration Services Agency: SSW fields, checked 25 September 2026](https://www.ssw.go.jp/en/about/visa/)
- [Immigration Services Agency: SSW tests, checked 25 September 2026](https://www.ssw.go.jp/en/about/sswv/exam/)