For foreign nationals

Looking to work or hire someone
as a Specified Skilled Worker?

With our support, both workers and employers can benefit
from the Specified Skilled Worker program.

December 2, 2024

November 18, 2024

November 7, 2024

October 24, 2024

October 24, 2024

September 20, 2024

September 5, 2024

August 21, 2024

August 21, 2024

August 21, 2024

April 25, 2024

April 17, 2024

All overseas job fairs and Japanese job-matching events that were scheduled for FY2023 (Apr. 2023–Mar. 2024) have ended.

February 19, 2024

We’ve decided to hold an additional overseas job fair.

December 1, 2023

Information on Japanese job-matching events and overseas job fairs has been updated.

March 31, 2023

Information on Japanese job-matching events has been updated.

March 1, 2023

SSWTSC (Specified Skilled Worker Total Support Center) ceased operations at the end of March 2021.
After that, please call the Immigration Information Center.

Videos Introducing the Program

Program Introduction Video

Note: SSWTSC (Specified Skilled Worker Total Support Center) ceased operations at the end of March 2021.

Videos about the 12 Occupational Fields of the Specified Skilled Worker Program

Learn about the advantages and key points of the 12 occupational fields of the Specified Skilled Worker program through videos.

This video was posted in December 2020. In May 2022, three fields — the Machine Parts and Tooling Industries, the Industrial Machinery Industry, and the Electric, Electronics and Information Industries — were merged to create the Machine Parts and Tooling / Industrial Machinery / Electric, Electronics and Information Industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration Information Center

Foreign nationals who want to work under a Specified Skilled Worker status of residence can telephone the call center if there is anything about the procedures they don’t understand. It can assist with filling out paperwork and other procedures.

Tel: 0570-013904

(VoIP, PHS, and international calls: 03-5796-7112)
Business Days and Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals

The Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals provides information about matters that are important or necessary for living in Japan with peace of mind. (It is part of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.) You can find notices and other information from the Japanese government in a variety of languages here.

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC)

FRESC is a facility with government help desks that provide support for foreign nationals who live in Japan. FRESC provides foreign nationals with consultation services on various topics and can coordinate with related organizations.

Specified Skilled Worker Program Guidebook (Japanese only)

Event Information

Overseas Job Fairs and Japanese Job-Matching Events

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan offers orientation sessions and interviews with Japanese companies for anyone interested in living in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker program. People who want to work under a Specified Skilled Worker status of residence are invited to attend.

Events Hosted by Japanese Government Ministries Responsible for Specific Industries and Other Organizations

Find out about events for specific industries related to the Specified Skilled Worker program that are hosted by Japanese government ministries.