1. Introduction

A detailed guide on how to apply for the SSW visa in Japan is provided below. This guide is primarily created for citizens of Bangladesh. The SSW visa is a new opportunity to work in Japan, designed for skilled workers in specific sectors.

2. What is an SSW Visa?

The SSW (Specific Skilled Worker) visa is a new type of residence visa in Japan, created especially for skilled foreign workers. This visa allows them to stay and work in Japan for up to five years.

3. Benefits of the SSW Visa

• Opportunity for long-term stay.

• Possibility of bringing family to Japan (in the case of SSW-2 visa).

• Opportunity to work in specific sectors.

• Opportunity to learn the Japanese language while living and working in Japan.

4. Who Can Apply?

• Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Must pass a specific skills test and a Japanese language test.

• Must have a job offer from a company in Japan.

• The SSW visa program is currently applicable to 14 specific sectors:

  • Nursing Care

  • Building Cleaning

  • Materials Industry

  • Electronics and Information Industry

  • Construction Industry

  • Shipbuilding Industry

  • Automobile Maintenance

  • Aircraft Industry

  • Hotel Industry

  • Agriculture

  • Fisheries

  • Food and Beverage Manufacturing

  • Restaurant and Food Service Industry

  • Industrial Product Manufacturing

5. Required Qualifications

• Japanese Language Proficiency: Must have a basic knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. N4 level or equivalent proficiency in Japanese is required.

• Skills Test: Must pass the skills test for the sector in which you want to work.

6. Application Process

1. Collect Required Documents: Collect your birth certificate, passport, photos, educational certificates, and other relevant documents.

2. Japanese Language and Skills Test: Take and pass the Japanese language and skills tests applicable to your specific sector.

3. Find a Job in Japan: Find a job with a Japanese company for the SSW visa. Once you get a job offer, the company will assist you with the visa application process.

4. Submit Visa Application: You can submit your visa application through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a Japanese embassy.

7. Required Documents

• Passport: Must have a minimum validity of 6 months.

• Photo: Recent passport-sized photo.

• Birth Certificate: English translation of the birth certificate.

• Educational Certificates: SSC, HSC, or other educational qualification certificates.

• Experience Certificate: If applicable, work experience certificate.

• Japanese Language Certificate: JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4 or an equivalent certificate.

• Skills Test Certificate: Certificate of passing the specific skills test.

• Japanese Company Offer Letter: Job offer letter from a Japanese company.

8. Visa Fee

The application fee for the SSW visa generally depends on the Immigration Services Agency located in Japan. It is usually a few thousand Japanese Yen.

9. Visa Processing Time

Visa processing time can typically take from 2 to 3 months. However, it can vary depending on the individual and the workload of the immigration office.

Necessary Steps for the Visa

• Learn the Language: Start learning Japanese and prepare for the JLPT N4 exam.

• Gain Skills: Acquire skills in your preferred sector.

• Take the Exams: Participate in and pass the Japanese language and skills tests.

• Job Search: Look for jobs with companies in Japan.

• Apply: Prepare the necessary documents and apply for the visa.

Important Advice

• Proper Preparation: It is important to gather all the necessary documentation for proper preparation and qualification.

• Be Cautious of Fake Companies: Be careful of fake companies and brokers.

• Apply Directly: Try to apply directly through a company or the Japanese embassy.