The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program was introduced by the Japanese government in 2019 to address labor shortages in key industries by hiring skilled foreign workers. It offers two visa types: SSW Type 1, which allows work in 14 industries for up to five years without family accompaniment, and SSW Type 2, which is for higher-skilled workers and allows long-term residence with family members.

Applicants must pass industry-specific skill tests and demonstrate basic Japanese language ability through exams like JFT or JLPT N4. The program focuses on practical skills and helps foreign workers adapt to Japanese workplace culture while supporting Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce.