Specified Skilled Worker

　The Specified Skilled Worker system is a system that aims to accept foreign nationals who possess a certain level of expertise and skills in industrial fields where it is difficult to secure domestic human resources.

　The Specified Skilled Worker is divided into Type 1 and Type 2.

　Currently, under Specified Skilled Worker Type 1, it is possible to engage in the following fields: (1) Nursing care (2) Building cleaning (3) Industrial machinery manufacturing (4) Construction (5) Shipbuilding and marine industry (6) Automobile maintenance (7) Aviation (8) Accommodation (9) Automobile transportation (10) Railway (11) Agriculture (12) Fisheries (13) Food and beverage manufacturing (14) Food service industry (15) Forestry (16) Timber industry

　In addition, under Specified Skilled Worker Type 2, it is possible to engage in 11 of the above fields: (2) Building cleaning (3) Industrial machinery manufacturing (4) Construction (5) Shipbuilding and marine industry (6) Automobile maintenance (7) Aviation (8) Accommodation (11) Agriculture (12) Fisheries (13) Food and beverage manufacturing (14) Food service industry

　In addition to the differences mentioned above, there are the following distinctions between Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 and Type 2.

⑴　Period of Stay Under Specified Skilled Worker Type 1

　A person can stay in Japan for a maximum of five years.

　In contrast, under Type 2, it is possible to stay in Japan without any time limit, as long as the status is properly renewed.

⑵　Permanent Residency For Specified Skilled Worker Type 2

　It is possible to obtain permanent residency if other conditions are met.

　However, for Type 1, since the maximum period of stay is only five years, one cannot meet the requirement of residing in Japan for at least ten years — a key condition for applying for permanent residency.

　Therefore, it is not possible to obtain permanent residency under Type 1.

⑶　Bringing Family Members Under Specified Skilled Worker Type 2

　If the requirements for family stay are met, it is possible to bring family members from the home country and live together in Japan.

　On the other hand, under Type 1, it is difficult to bring family members and live together in Japan.

⑷　Requirement for Support Plan

　Under Specified Skilled Worker Type 1, support from the accepting organization or a registered support organization is mandatory, and it is necessary to create and implement a support plan.

　In contrast, under Type 2, such support is not required, which reduces the burden and makes it easier for companies to accept workers.

　To work under the Specified Skilled Worker residence status, both the foreign national seeking to obtain this status and the company intending to employ them must properly collect all necessary documents and submit the application.

　Any omissions or errors in the submitted materials may not only delay the approval process but also lead to the application being denied.

　For companies facing severe labor shortages, losing the opportunity to accept workers is something they especially want to avoid.

　Therefore, consulting with qualified professionals who specialize in handling residence status application procedures is important to ensure the process proceeds smoothly and correctly.