From Student Visa to Work in Japan: Your SSW Visa Application Guide

Are you currently an international student studying at a Japanese university, vocational school, or language school? Enjoying your life in Japan? Perhaps you're now considering staying and working here after graduation.

If that sounds like you, pay close attention to the "Specified Skilled Worker Visa" (特定技能ビザ - SSW Visa)! Acquiring this visa could make your dream of working in Japan, leveraging your study experience, a reality.

This guide clearly explains how to change your current student visa to the SSW Visa, including the necessary exams, the application process, and important points to keep in mind.

Want to know more about the SSW Visa? Check this out!
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa in Japan: Your Guide to Long-Term Employment

1）How International Students Can Work in Japan with the SSW Visa

For international students aiming to work in Japan, obtaining the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status is a primary route:

①Pass the Specific Skills Evaluation Test (特定技能評価試験 - Tokutei Ginou Hyoka Shiken)
②Pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力評価試験 - Nihongo Noryoku Hyoka Shiken)
③Find a job
SSW Visa Jobs
④ Apply for a change of residence status (在留資格変更許可申請 - Zairyu Shikaku Henko Kyoka Shinsei)

2）About the SSW Visa Exams

■  Skills: Specific Skills No. (i) and No.(ii) Evaluation Tests

These tests assess whether you possess the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the job.
The content of the exam varies depending on the specific industry you are applying for.
Be sure to check the information for your desired field on the Support Website for the  Specified Skilled Worker Program. 
Support Website for the  Specified Skilled Worker Program

■ Language: Japanese Language Proficiency Test

To work with the SSW Visa, proof of your Japanese language ability is required.
You need to pass at least one of the following three types of tests.
Choose the test that best suits you based on its schedule, location, and content.

①Japan Foundation Test of Basic Japanese (JFT)
A score of 200 or higher is required to pass.
・Test Schedule: All year round (Details here)
・Test Locations: Japan, Overseas（Details here)

②Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
There are five levels from N5 to N1, and the content of the test varies depending on the level.
The lower the number, the more difficult it is. N4 to N1 is required for specific skills.
※The level required depends on the specific skill area.
・Test Schedule: Twice a year (Details here)
・Test Locations: Japan, overseas (Details here)

③Nursing care Japanese language evaluation test
A score of 80% or higher is required to pass.
※Only available to those working in nursing care.
・Test Schedule:  All year round (Details here)
・Test Locations: Japan, overseas (Details here)

3） Documents International Students Need for the SSW Visa Application

International students need to prepare a total of seven documents for the SSW Visa application: