A new status of residence “Specified Skilled Worker” starts on April 1st, 2019

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From April 1st, 2019, in order to cope with serious labor shortage situations, a new status of residence “Specified Skilled Worker” was created as a system to accept foreigners who have a certain level of expertise and skills and can be an immediate asset . There are two types of “Specified Skilled Worker”, No. 1 and No. 2. This article reports on No. 1, since No. 2 is scheduled to start from year 2021.

<Main features of Specified Skilled Worker No.1>

1. Description of business: 14 specific industries.
   * Please see p. 3 here for details.
2. Period of stay: Up to 5 years in total
   * It is necessary to renew the qualification every one year, six months or four months.
3. Skill level: Will be confirmed by examination, etc.
   * People who have completed Technical Intern Training Program No. 2 are exempted.
4. Level of Japanese Language Proficiency: The Japanese language proficiency needed to daily live and work will be checked by examination, etc.
   * People who have completed Technical Intern Training Program No. 2 are exempted.
5. Age: 18 years old and above
6. Bringing a family: basically, not possible

*For more information, please see the Ministry of Justice website below. (Japanese only)
http://www.moj.go.jp/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/nyuukokukanri01_00127.html

*If you need further information or would like to consult, please contact the nearest Immigration Bureau.

Source: Ministry of Justice residence status “Specified Skilled Worker” Leaflet
Created based on http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001290040.pdf