Question 1

What Japanese level do I need for the SSW (i) visa?

Accepted Answer

A2. You show it with the JFT-Basic at 200 or more, or with the JLPT. Nursing Care also needs the Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test. See our JFT-Basic and SSW visa guide.

Question 2

Do former technical interns need to take the tests?

Accepted Answer

If you completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing, you are exempt from the Japanese and skills tests for the related field. Moving to a different field means you still need that field's skills test.

Question 3

Can I apply for SSW in Food Service?

Accepted Answer

Not right now: the official SSW portal says new applications in Food Service are not being accepted. Check ssw.go.jp for updates, or look at a related field.

Question 4

Is passing the tests enough to get the visa?

Accepted Answer

No. The tests make you eligible; you also need an employment contract with an accepting organisation in Japan, which then applies for your Certificate of Eligibility. Your home country may have its own departure procedures too.

Question 5

Which fields can I choose?

Accepted Answer

There are 19 SSW (i) fields, including three new ones: Resource Recycling, Linen Services and Logistics Warehouse. Compare them in our SSW fields guide.

Japanese	JFT-Basic at A2 (200+) or the JLPT, accepted for all fields.
Skills	The skills evaluation test of your field.
Nursing Care	Also the Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test.
Former technical interns	Technical Intern Training (ii) completed in good standing exempts you from the tests for the related field.
Fields	19 fields for SSW (i). Food Service is not accepting new applications.
Age	18 or older.

SSW visa eligibility checker

The SSW (i) requirements in plain English

Frequently asked questions

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The Japanese test comes first.