What is the SSW visa?

SSW (特定技能, Tokutei Ginou) lets foreign workers take jobs in Japanese sectors with labor shortages. Unlike the student route, you don't need a school admission — you need to pass two separate tests and match with an employer.

Requirement 1: Japanese language (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4+)

SSW candidates must demonstrate basic Japanese competence — the level needed for everyday conversation at work and daily life. Two tests are commonly accepted:

TestFormatPass standard
JFT-BasicComputer-based, frequent windows200 / 250
JLPT N4+Paper, July & DecemberOverall + section minimums
💡 JFT-Basic's CBT format means faster results and more exam dates — a big advantage when an employer is waiting. But its once-only listening and section pacing deserve dedicated mock practice.

Requirement 2: Sector skills test

Language alone is not enough. Each SSW industry runs its own skills examination — for example caregiving (Kaigo), construction, agriculture, food & beverage, or nursing care. The test checks job-specific knowledge and judgment, and in some sectors a practical component may apply.

The TITP route

Workers who complete the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in good standing can transition to SSW without sitting the skills test in their sector — the TITP completion itself serves as evidence. This is why many Nepali workers first go through TITP, or consultancies prepare both routes.

Step-by-step timeline for a Nepali applicant

  1. Learn Japanese to ~N4/A2 level — typically 6–12 months of structured study.
  2. Pass JFT-Basic (or JLPT N4+).
  3. Pass your sector's skills test.
  4. Job matching with a Japanese employer through a licensed sending organization.
  5. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — the employer usually applies in Japan.
  6. Visa issuance at the Japanese embassy/consulate, then fly.
⚠️ Requirements and sector rules change. Always verify the current route with the official immigration sources or a licensed sending organization before paying any fee.

How consultancies can prepare SSW candidates

The winning formula for Nepali consultancies is a structured mock-test pipeline: weekly JLPT-style quizzes for fundamentals, monthly JFT-Basic full mocks under CBT conditions, and skills-test orientation per sector. Tracking each student's section-wise scores makes parent/employer reporting dramatically easier.

Frequently asked questions

What language level is required for the SSW visa?
Basic Japanese — typically JFT-Basic (200+/250) or JLPT N4+, depending on the route. Former TITP trainees may use different evidence.
Do I need a skills test as well as JFT-Basic?
Yes, in most sectors. Each industry has its own skills examination. Language and skills tests are separate requirements.
Is JFT-Basic available in Nepal?
Yes — it's computer-based at international test centers including Nepal, with more frequent windows than the paper JLPT. Check official JFT-Basic announcements for dates and cities.
How long does the whole process take?
Commonly several months to over a year including language prep, skills test, job matching, COE and visa issuance — it varies by sector and employer.