Effective March 29, 2024, the government of Japan has expanded the list of industries eligible for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program. Four new fields have been added for applicants to the Type 1 SSW visa: automotive transport, railways, forestry, and lumber.
The SSW is a status of residence allowing foreign nationals to work in certain fields. The Type 1 visa allows workers with considerable knowledge or experience to stay in Japan for five years but not to bring their families. The Type 2 visa allows workers with “proficient skills” to remain in Japan indefinitely with the possibility of bringing their family members.
Type 1 applicants must pass Japanese language proficiency skills proficiency tests, unless they have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training.
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