Specified Skilled Worker (i) — Japan

This status lets you work in industries identified as facing labor shortages in Japan.

You must meet specific skill and language standards. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) manages all applications and status changes.

Who this category serves

Specified Skilled Worker (i) is for foreign nationals with practical skills that match labor needs in industries chosen by the Japanese government.

You typically qualify if you:

• Pass the required industry-specific skills test
• Demonstrate Japanese language ability at the required level
• Or complete the relevant phase of the Technical Intern Training program and transition into this status

This category is for workers who can handle job duties independently, but it doesn’t require advanced academic credentials.

It’s distinct from other statuses:

If you don’t meet the academic or professional requirements for other work statuses but can pass the required tests, this category could work for you.

Key requirements at a glance

You must have a job offer from a company in an approved industry before you apply.

Eligibility usually depends on:

• A valid employment contract with a Japanese employer
• Passing the designated skills evaluation test for your field
• Meeting the required Japanese language proficiency standard
• Compliance with Japanese laws and immigration regulations

If you’re outside Japan, the process generally involves:

1. Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application submitted to ISA by your sponsoring employer

2. Form Visa Application at a Japanese embassy or consulate after CoE issuance

If you’re already in Japan under another status, such as Technical Intern Training, you may apply for a change of status through ISA.

ISA checks your qualifications, employer eligibility, and supporting documents before giving approval. You’ll be limited to work only in the industry your status covers.

Industries and duration limits

Specified Skilled Worker (i) applies only to industries officially designated as having labor shortages.

You can’t just work in any field. Your job must be in the approved sector tied to your skills test.

Key structural limits include:

• Employment restricted to the authorized industry
• Stay granted for a fixed period, subject to renewal
• No automatic path to permanent residence through this status

A comparison:

If you reach a higher skill level later, you might look at Specified Skilled Worker (ii) if it’s an option.

Otherwise, you’ll need to maintain eligibility and renew your status with ISA for the period you’re granted.

The Specified Skilled Worker (i) process involves two coordinated tracks: your sponsor in Japan secures a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), and you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.

ISA manages status eligibility, while the embassy issues the visa once the CoE is approved.

Sponsor files the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

For long-term work statuses like Specified Skilled Worker (i), your sponsor in Japan submits a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) application to ISA.

The CoE shows that you meet requirements for the status of residence before you apply for a visa abroad.

Key points about the Form CoE Application:

• Filed in Japan by your sponsor
• Submitted to ISA
• Required for work-related long-term stays
• Processing time: 1–3 months

Your sponsor prepares and submits the CoE Application with supporting evidence that matches your category.

This is required for long-term work, regardless of whether you’re coming from Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, Long-term Resident, or Technical Intern Training.

Start early. ISA can take up to three months to process the CoE.

Applicant actions and visa application

After CoE approval, you apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

You must complete the official “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” form issued by ISA.

Download the current version and instructions from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan and follow the instructions for your exact eligibility category.

Your responsibilities:

• Complete all sections of the form
• Review category-specific instructions
• Sign the form
• Submit required supporting evidence
• File the Form Visa Application at the embassy or consulate

ISA determines eligibility. The embassy or consulate issues the visa.

If you later qualify for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), you’ll need to meet the separate requirements for that category.

Timing and embassy steps

Plan your timing carefully. CoE approval can take 1–3 months, so coordinate with your sponsor before setting a travel date.

Once you get the CoE, apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate at least 2–3 weeks before you intend to travel.

Embassy processing usually takes about 5 business days, but it can take longer during busy seasons.

Sequence:

1. Sponsor files CoE with ISA.

2. ISA issues CoE (1–3 months).

3. You submit your Visa Application at the embassy.

4. Embassy processes the visa (about 5 business days).

Check procedural details directly with ISA and your local Japanese embassy or consulate before filing.

Specified Skilled Worker (i) status doesn’t automatically allow your spouse and children to join you in Japan.

Family stays depend on visa category, sponsorship, and proper coordination with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA).

Dependents and long-term stays

If you hold Specified Skilled Worker (i), you can't sponsor dependent visas under that status alone. You would need to change to a status that allows family accompaniment, such as Specified Skilled Worker (ii), if you meet the requirements.

Other work statuses, including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and Highly Skilled Professional, typically allow you to sponsor a spouse and children. Each family member must obtain their own status of residence.

For long-term stays, your sponsoring entity in Japan must first secure a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from the ISA before your family can apply for a visa.

Key steps:

1. Sponsor in Japan applies for CoE for each dependent.

2. ISA reviews the application (standard processing: 1–3 months).

3. Your spouse and children submit their Form Visa Application after CoE issuance.

If you previously held Technical Intern Training, that status doesn't control family eligibility under SSW (i). Your current status is what matters.

Common dependent visa mistakes

The most frequent rejection happens when someone applies without a valid Certificate of Eligibility. ISA expects CoE approval before your spouse or child submits a visa request.

Another issue is passport validity. Your dependent’s passport must remain valid for the entire intended stay and have blank pages for the visa.

Avoid these errors:

• Submitting a Visa Application without an approved CoE
• Allowing passport validity to expire during processing
• Failing to coordinate timing between CoE issuance and visa filing

If your family plans to stay long term, treat the CoE as mandatory. Confirm document requirements directly with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) before submission.

Sponsor obligations for family members

When you sponsor your spouse and children, you take on responsibility for supporting them during their stay in Japan. ISA checks whether your status allows dependents and whether you followed proper procedures.

You must:

• Hold a status that permits family accompaniment
• Ensure each dependent has an approved CoE before visa application
• Maintain valid residence status while they reside in Japan

If you change status, such as moving from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii), you need to align your family’s status as well.

Losing valid status can affect your dependents’ permission to stay in Japan. Always verify requirements with ISA before filing or renewing applications.

Your visa lets you travel to Japan, but it doesn't guarantee admission. Immigration officers at the airport or seaport decide whether to grant entry based on your documents and stated purpose of stay.

You must prepare for inspection and understand how short-term travel options differ from work-based statuses such as Specified Skilled Worker (i).

Entry and immigration control

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) manages status of residence approvals, including your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) Application and Form Visa Application.

However, an immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether you may enter Japan.

Bring clear documentation in your carry-on luggage. Officers may ask you to present:

• Your passport with valid visa
• Return or onward ticket
• Accommodation details in Japan
• Proof of sufficient funds

If you can't satisfy the officer that you meet the conditions of your status, they may deny entry.

The distinction matters:

This rule applies regardless of status, including Specified Skilled Worker (i), Specified Skilled Worker (ii), Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, Technical Intern Training, or Long-term Resident.

Short-stay alternatives and eVISA note

If you plan a brief visit before or separate from your work status, you may qualify for short-stay tourism.

Japan operates the JAPAN eVISA system for short-term tourism for eligible nationalities. You must confirm whether your country qualifies before scheduling an in-person visit to a Japanese embassy or consulate.

Short-stay permission is different from Specified Skilled Worker (i) status:

Do not assume you can switch purposes at the airport. Secure the correct status through the proper Form CoE Application and Visa Application process with ISA before traveling for work.

You must match your qualifications to the exact requirements of the status of residence you request. ISA reviews whether your background fits the legal criteria for Specified Skilled Worker (i).

A mismatch between your education or work history and the visa category is a frequent reason for refusal.

Eligibility by occupation and tests

You must apply under the occupation category that matches your actual skills and background. If your qualifications don't align with the selected category, ISA can refuse your Form CoE Application or Form Visa Application.

Review the official eligibility instructions for your chosen status before you file. Pay close attention to required education levels and years of experience.

Some work-based statuses, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, require:

• A relevant university degree, or
• 10 or more years of professional experience in the field

ISA examines whether your documents clearly support the category selected.

The table below shows how qualification standards differ by status:

Experience in a related field doesn't always qualify. ISA checks whether your background directly matches the specific occupation.

Qualification and experience checks

ISA evaluates whether your academic records and employment history satisfy the legal standards of the status you request.

You must provide clear documentation of:

• Diplomas or degrees (if required)
• Employment certificates
• Detailed job descriptions
• Proof of length of employment

If your experience doesn't meet the required duration or relevance, ISA can reject your application.

Avoid selecting a category based only on your job title. Your actual duties matter more than the title. If your responsibilities don't align with the approved occupational scope, your application may fail even if you have many years of experience.

You should also confirm that you're not more appropriately classified under another status, such as:

• Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
• Technical Intern Training
• Highly Skilled Professional
• Long-term Resident

Choosing the wrong category often leads to refusal.

Review eligibility instructions

Before submitting a CoE Application or Visa Application, carefully review the official eligibility criteria published by ISA.

Focus on:

• Required education level
• Required years of experience
• Field-specific conditions
• Whether alternative pathways are allowed

Applicants face rejection when they don't verify these requirements in advance.

If you lack the required degree or experience for one category, you need to consider whether another status better fits your background. ISA will not adjust your category automatically.

You are responsible for ensuring your qualifications match the legal requirements before you apply.

Most rejections and delays under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) route come from avoidable filing errors. Consistency and accuracy are essential.

Inconsistent or incomplete information

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) reviews your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) Application and your Form Visa Application side by side. Any mismatch can result in rejection.

You have to make sure these details match exactly:

• Full name (as in your passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Employer name
• Job title and duties
• Salary amount
• Employment start date

Even minor differences in salary or dates can cause issues. If you held another status before—like Technical Intern Training, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, or Long-term Resident—your history must line up across all forms.

Check every entry against your passport and employment contract before filing.

Document compliance (photos, passports)

ISA enforces strict standards for photos and documents. Non-compliant photographs are a common source of delay.

Your visa photo must meet all of the following:

• 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm
• White background
• Taken within the last 6 months
• No accessories

Photos that are the wrong size, too old, or have a colored background often cause problems.

Enter your passport details exactly as printed. Don’t shorten names or adjust formatting. If your passport lists multiple given names, include them all.

Check every digit of your passport number before you submit. Any inconsistency between the CoE Application and Visa Application can result in rejection.

Wrong filing locations and timing issues

File your applications with the correct authority at the right stage.

The CoE Application is submitted in Japan, and ISA reviews it first. Only after approval should you proceed with your Visa Application at the Japanese diplomatic post.

Submitting a Visa Application with details that don’t match the approved CoE usually leads to rejection. Filing before confirming your CoE details is accurate adds unnecessary risk.

If you’re planning to move from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) later, keep accurate records from the beginning. Consistency across all filings protects your eligibility and helps you avoid setbacks.