Specified Skilled Worker No.1 & No.2

Detailed explanation of Specified Skilled Worker No.1 & No.2 based on official information from 出入国在留管理庁. Japan

Published: January 12, 2026

Specified Skilled Worker (No.1/No.2) Residence Status in Japan

1. Overview

The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, Tokutei Ginō) residence status is a system introduced by the Japanese government in 2019 to address serious labor shortages in specific industrial sectors. It aims to attract foreign nationals with specific skills and expertise to work in Japan, while ensuring proper protection of their rights and integration into Japanese society. The system is divided into two categories: Specified Skilled Worker No.1 (特定技能1号) and Specified Skilled Worker No.2 (特定技能2号). No.1 is designed for workers who require a certain level of knowledge or experience in a specified industrial field, while No.2 is for workers with more advanced skills who can engage in supervisory roles. This system represents a significant shift in Japan's immigration policy, moving toward accepting more foreign workers in sectors with critical labor shortages.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This residence status applies to foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan in one of the designated industrial sectors experiencing labor shortages.

Specified Skilled Worker No.1 is applicable to individuals who will perform work requiring a certain degree of knowledge or experience in one of the 12 specified fields. These fields include: Nursing Care, Building Cleaning, Machine Parts & Tooling Industry, Industrial Machinery Industry, Electric, Electronics & Information Industries, Construction, Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Automobile Repair & Maintenance, Aviation, Accommodation, Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture, and Food & Beverage Manufacturing, and Food Service Industry. Applicants must pass a skills test and a Japanese language proficiency test (or have completed a Technical Intern Training program for more than 3 years and are exempt from the tests).

Specified Skilled Worker No.2 is applicable to individuals with more advanced skills who can engage in supervisory roles. Currently, this status is available only in the fields of Construction and Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. The requirements are more stringent, involving higher-level skills assessments.

The status is needed when a foreign national has secured a job offer from a Japanese employer (or a supervising organization) in one of these specified fields and meets all the eligibility criteria set by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

3. Core Conclusions

  • The Specified Skilled Worker system is a structured pathway for foreign workers to enter Japan and work in sectors with verified labor shortages.
  • The No.1 status is time-limited (up to 5 years in total) and does not allow for family accompaniment (spouse/children). The No.2 status is renewable indefinitely and allows for family accompaniment, offering a potential path toward long-term residence.
  • Eligibility is strictly tied to passing designated skills tests and Japanese language proficiency evaluations for the No.1 status, or advanced skills tests for the No.2 status.
  • Support plans provided by the employer or a supervising organization are mandatory to help the worker adapt to life in Japan.
  • The system is designed to protect workers' rights, requiring equal pay for equal work and adherence to Japanese labor laws.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

  • Identify Eligible Field: Confirm that your desired job falls within one of the specified industrial sectors for No.1 or No.2 status.
  • Pass Required Examinations:
    • For No.1: Pass both the specific skills evaluation test for your chosen field and a basic Japanese language proficiency test. (Exemptions apply for those who have completed 3+ years of Technical Intern Training).
    • For No.2: Pass the advanced skills evaluation test in the Construction or Shipbuilding field.
  • Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a formal job offer and a contract from a Japanese employer (or a supervising organization registered with the relevant ministry).
  • Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, including:
    • Passport
    • Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Change of Status of Residence
    • Documents proving you passed the required exams
    • Employment contract
    • Documents from the employer/supervising organization (business registration, support plan, etc.)
    • Photographs

Step 2: Application & Submission

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application (Recommended): The employer or the applicant can submit the COE application to the regional immigration bureau in Japan. This pre-screening simplifies the visa process.
  • Visa Application: Once the COE is issued, the applicant applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country using the COE.
  • Application for Change of Status of Residence: For those already in Japan under a different status (e.g., from Student visa), an application to change to the Specified Skilled Worker status can be submitted directly to the Immigration Services Agency.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • Immigration Review: The Immigration Services Agency reviews the application to ensure all criteria are met, including the legitimacy of the employer, the appropriateness of the support plan, and the applicant's qualifications.
  • Issuance of Residence Card: Upon approval and entry into Japan (or approval of status change within Japan), the foreign national will be issued a Residence Card (在留カード) specifying "Specified Skilled Worker No.1" or "No.2" as their status of residence.
  • Post-Arrival Procedures: The worker must register their address at the local municipal office and enroll in national health insurance and pension. The employer/supervising organization is obligated to provide ongoing support as outlined in their plan.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker No.1? A1: The status is granted for a maximum of 1 year, 6 months, or 5 years at a time, but the total stay under the No.1 status cannot exceed 5 years in cumulative total.

Q2: Can I bring my family to Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker No.1 status? A2: No. The Specified Skilled Worker No.1 status does not permit you to bring your spouse or children as dependents.

Q3: Can I switch jobs while under the Specified Skilled Worker status? A3: Yes, but with restrictions. You can change employers within the same specified skills field. You must apply for and receive permission from the Immigration Services Agency before starting the new job. You cannot move to a job in a different specified field.

Q4: Is there a path from Specified Skilled Worker No.1 to No.2? A4: Yes, it is possible. If you are working under the No.1 status and pass the more advanced skills test for a field that offers the No.2 status (currently Construction and Shipbuilding), you can apply to change your residence status to No.2.

Q5: Can Specified Skilled Worker No.2 lead to permanent residency? A5: While the No.2 status itself is not permanent residency, it is renewable indefinitely and allows family accompaniment. Holding this stable, long-term residence status for a sufficient period (typically 10 years of continuous residence) can make you eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (永住権), provided you meet all other requirements such as good conduct and financial stability.

Q6: Who provides the required support for daily life in Japan? A6: Your employer or a designated supervising organization is legally required to create and implement a Support Plan. This includes assistance with pre-arrival procedures, airport pickup, securing housing, opening bank accounts, Japanese language learning support, and consultation services.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Work Restrictions: You are only permitted to work in the specific job role and industrial field for which your status was granted. Engaging in other types of work is illegal.
  • Validity of Status: Always be aware of the expiration date on your Residence Card. You must apply for an extension before it expires if you wish to continue working.
  • Proper Documentation: Carry your Residence Card at all times as required by law.
  • Change of Employer: Failure to obtain permission from immigration before changing jobs is a violation of your status and can lead to revocation of your status and deportation.
  • Compliance with Support Plan: Both the worker and the employer/supervising organization must comply with the obligations outlined in the support plan. Workers should proactively use the support services offered.
  • Disclaimer: Immigration laws and procedures are subject to change. The information provided here is a general guide. For the most current and personalized advice, always consult directly with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a licensed immigration lawyer.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Technical Intern Training (技能実習) Visa
  • Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書)
  • Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請)
  • Permanent Residency (永住許可)
  • Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
  • Residence Card (在留カード) Procedures
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