【Japanese Visa】How to Change Your Visa to a Specified Skilled Worker Visa

1）How to work with a Specified Skilled Worker Visa
■ Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Method 1: Pass the visa exam
①Pass the Specified Skills Evaluation Tests
③Find a job
④Apply for a change of residence status

Method 2: Transfer fromTechnical Intern Training
①Complete Technical Intern Training (ii) (no exam required)
②Find a job
③Apply for a change of residence status

■ Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
①Pass the Specified Skills (ii) Evaluation Test or Grade 1 Skill Certification Test
②Have a certain amount of practical experience as a supervisor or instructor
③Find a job
④Apply for a change of residence status

※Note: Previously, obtaining Specified Skilled Worker (ii) was only possible by transferring from Specified Skilled Worker (i). However, from autumn 2023, it became possible to transfer from other residence statuses.


2）About the exams
■ Skills: Specific Skills No. (i) and No.(ii) Evaluation Tests
Tests whether you have the knowledge and experience necessary to do the job.
The “Specified Skills (ii) Assessment Test” is more difficult than the “Specified Skills (i) Assessment Test” and requires a higher level of skill.
The content of the exam varies depending on the field, so you need to pass the exam for your specific field.
Support Website for the Specified Skilled Worker Program

■ Language: Japanese Language Proficiency Test
There are three types of Japanese language proficiency tests, and you must pass at least one of them.
The timing, location, and content of the exams vary, so choose the one that suits you best.

①Japan Foundation Test of Basic Japanese (JFT)
A score of 200 or higher is required to pass.
・Test period: All year round (click here for details)
・Test location: Japan, overseas (click here for details)

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 period: 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 period: All year round (click here for details)
・Test location: Japan, overseas (click here for details)


3) Things to keep in mind when applying for a visa
・Application period
You must apply before the end of the period of stay of your current visa.

・Application location
You can apply at the regional immigration office in your area of residence.

・Processing time
 It may take from two weeks to a month, so apply as soon as possible.

 ★YOLO QUIZ★
Q: Which of the following is incorrect about changing to a Specified Skilled Worker Visa?
① There are three types of JLPTs.
②There is no need to take a Japanese language test to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
③The place to apply is the police station
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　　The answer is？★
 
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③Place to apply is the police station.
To change to a Specified Skilled Worker Visa, go to the nearest Regional Immigration Office.

It is also important to have support from the company you work for and people you can rely on.
Consultation phone number: 0570-013904 (Foreign Resident General Information Center)

If you have a specific skill or want to get one, why don't you try to get it through YOLO JAPAN?
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