Eligible Jobs as a Japanese SSW Visa Applicant
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa offers a great opportunity for foreign workers to build a career in Japan across 14 key industries. Each industry requires passing a specific skills test, along with a Japanese language proficiency test. In this article, we’ll explore these industries, provide examples of jobs available, and detail the tests required to qualify.
There are 14 eligible industries:
- Nursing Care
- Building Cleaning
- Material Processing
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
- Electrical and Electronic Information Industries
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industries
- Automobile Maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Agriculture
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Food Service
Nursing Care
介護
Job Examples:
- Nursing care workers
- Care assistants in elderly homes
- Personal care aides
Skills Test:
- Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test: This test measures your knowledge and abilities related to providing basic nursing care, such as bathing assistance, meal preparation, and mobility support.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above, or pass the Nursing Care Japanese Language Test.
Building Cleaning
ビルクリーニング
Job Examples:
- Commercial building cleaners
- Office cleaners
- Hotel cleaning staff
Skills Test:
- Building Cleaning Skills Evaluation Test: This test evaluates your knowledge of cleaning methods, tools, and safety practices in maintaining cleanliness in large buildings.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Material Processing
素形材産業
Job Examples:
- Foundry workers
- Metalworkers
- Forging and casting machine operators
Skills Test:
- Material Processing Skills Evaluation Test: You will be tested on your knowledge of material properties, equipment operation, and safety procedures in the metal processing industry.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
産業機械製造業
Job Examples:
- Machine assembly operators
- CNC machine operators
- Equipment maintenance staff
Skills Test:
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Skills Evaluation Test: This test assesses your knowledge of assembling, maintaining, and operating industrial machinery and tools.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Electrical and Electronic Information Industries
電気・電子情報関連産業
Job Examples:
- Electronics assembly workers
- Semiconductor production staff
- Electrical appliance maintenance staff
Skills Test:
- Electrical and Electronics Skills Evaluation Test: This test covers areas such as assembling and testing electrical components, reading circuit diagrams, and troubleshooting electronic devices.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Construction
建設業
Job Examples:
- General construction workers
- Carpenters
- Steel and iron framework workers
Skills Test:
- Construction Skills Evaluation Test: This test assesses practical skills like carpentry, construction safety, and the operation of tools and machinery used in building construction.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Shipbuilding and Marine Industries
造船・舶用工業
Job Examples:
- Shipbuilders
- Marine engine mechanics
- Welding technicians
Skills Test:
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Skills Evaluation Test: Candidates are tested on technical knowledge related to ship construction, welding, and marine equipment maintenance.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Automobile Maintenance
自動車整備業
Job Examples:
- Auto mechanics
- Vehicle maintenance technicians
- Engine repair specialists
Skills Test:
- Automobile Maintenance Skills Evaluation Test: This test measures your skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automobiles, including mechanical and electrical systems.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Aviation
航空業
Job Examples:
- Ground crew
- Aircraft maintenance staff
- Baggage handlers
Skills Test:
- Aviation Industry Skills Evaluation Test: This test covers aircraft maintenance, airport ground operations, and safety protocols in the aviation industry.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Accommodation
宿泊業
Job Examples:
- Hotel staff (front desk, housekeeping)
- Guest services assistants
- Resort staff
Skills Test:
- Accommodation Industry Skills Evaluation Test: You will be tested on customer service skills, housekeeping standards, and basic operational tasks in hotels and accommodations.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Agriculture
農業
Job Examples:
- Farm workers
- Livestock caretakers
- Greenhouse operators
Skills Test:
- Agriculture Skills Evaluation Test: This test evaluates your ability to work with crops, handle livestock, and understand modern agricultural practices.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Fisheries and Aquaculture
漁業・水産養殖業
Job Examples:
- Fishing crew members
- Aquaculture farm operators
- Seafood processing workers
Skills Test:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Skills Evaluation Test: The test focuses on safe fishing practices, fish farming techniques, and seafood processing.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
飲食料品製造業
Job Examples:
- Food production workers
- Beverage processing staff
- Packaging workers
Skills Test:
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing Skills Evaluation Test: You will be tested on food production, safety standards, hygiene practices, and quality control in food manufacturing environments.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
Food Service
飲食業
Job Examples:
- Restaurant staff
- Fast food workers
- Kitchen assistants
Skills Test:
- Food Service Industry Skills Evaluation Test: This test assesses your skills in food preparation, customer service, and maintaining hygiene standards in restaurants and food service outlets.
Japanese Language Requirement:
- JLPT N4 or above.
How to Prepare for SSW Skills Tests
To qualify for an SSW visa, you need to pass the relevant skills test for your industry and demonstrate at least N4 level Japanese proficiency. If you’re just starting out, here’s what you can do:
-
Study Industry-Specific Skills: Enroll in courses that focus on your industry, and learn both the theory and practical skills required to pass the skills test.
-
Improve Japanese Proficiency: Use resources such as the JLPT Official Website (https://www.jlpt.jp/e/) to prepare for the Japanese language test.
Conclusion
The SSW visa opens the door to a wide range of jobs in Japan across 14 key industries. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, construction, or nursing care, passing the required skills test and demonstrating basic Japanese proficiency are crucial steps. Prepare thoroughly and you’ll be on your way to starting a rewarding career in Japan!---