For international students with a 4-month student visa who wish to change to a Specified Skilled Worker visa, it is necessary to properly apply for a Change of Status of Residence. However, since a 4-month study period usually falls under “Short-Term Study at a Japanese Language Institution,” transitioning directly to the Specified Skilled Worker status can be challenging. Below is a detailed guide on the procedure for switching to the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
1. Preparations and Pre-Conditions for Transition
To change to a Specified Skilled Worker visa, the following conditions must be met:
✅ Basic Requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1
1. Confirm the Designated Industry Sectors
The Specified Skilled Worker visa is limited to 14 industry sectors, so it is essential to check if the desired job falls under one of these sectors:
- Caregiving
- Food Service Industry
- Lodging Industry
- Agriculture
- Fishery & Aquaculture
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing Industry
- Materials Processing Industry
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Industry
- Electronics & Electrical Information Industry
- Construction
- Shipbuilding & Marine Industry
- Automobile Maintenance
- Aviation Industry
- Building Cleaning
2. Pass the Skills and Japanese Language Proficiency Exams
- Must pass the skills exam (conducted separately for each industry sector).
- Must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4 or higher) or the Japanese language test for the specific SSW sector.
https://www.prometric-jp.com/en/ssw/test_list/
3. Secure an Employment Contract
- Must sign an employment contract with a company that accepts Specified Skilled Workers and obtain a Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract.
- The employer must also prepare a support plan based on the SSW system (excluding the caregiving sector).
4. Cases Where a Change of Status of Residence is Allowed
- Students with a 4-month visa are generally recognized as “Short-Term Japanese Language Study” students, making direct transition to SSW difficult.
- However, if the student has already passed the required skills exam and has a job offer from an eligible company, approval chances increase.
2. Procedure for Changing to a Specified Skilled Worker Visa
Step 1: Pass the Skills Exam for the Chosen Industry
- Take and pass the skills exam for the desired industry.
Step 2: Secure an Employment Contract
- Sign a contract with a Specified Skilled Worker-eligible company.
- The contract must be for at least one year and full-time employment.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Copy of Passport & Residence Card
- Certificate of Passing the Skills Exam
- Japanese Proficiency Certificate (JLPT N4 or Specified Skilled Worker Japanese Test)
- Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract
- Support Plan (Prepared by the Employer)
- Resident Record (Juminhyo)
- Tax Payment Certificates (Taxation & Payment Certificates) (if previously employed in Japan)
Step 4: Submit the Application to Immigration
- Submit the Change of Status of Residence application to the Regional Immigration Office.
Step 5: Screening Process (Approx. 1–3 Months)
- The Immigration Bureau will review the application, and if there are no issues, the applicant will be granted Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) status.
3. Key Points to Increase Approval Chances
✅ Pass the Skills & Japanese Language Exams Early
- Since the 4-month study period is short, passing the skills and language exams beforehand is crucial.
✅ Secure an Employer that Accepts Specified Skilled Workers
- Ensure that the employer is authorized to accept SSW workers and has a proper support plan in place.
✅ Find an Employer with Experience in SSW Applications
- Employers who have successfully hired SSW workers before are more familiar with the process, increasing approval chances.
✅ Consult the Immigration Bureau
- Changing status from a 4-month student visa to SSW is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so consulting Immigration beforehand can be beneficial.
4. Alternative Options If Changing to SSW is Difficult
① Transition Through the Technical Intern Training (TITP) Route
- If direct transition to SSW is difficult, one option is to first enter the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
- After completing Technical Intern Training Level 2, the worker can then switch to SSW Type 1.
② Leave Japan and Obtain a Specified Skilled Worker Visa from Abroad
- If the 4-month study period ends, returning home to apply for an SSW visa from overseas and then re-entering Japan may be a viable option.
③ Apply for “Designated Activities (Job Hunting)” Visa
- If the current visa is expiring soon, applying for a Designated Activities (Job Hunting) visa could help extend the stay for job searching.
5. Conclusion
For a 4-month visa holder to switch to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), passing the skills and Japanese exams, securing a valid job contract, and preparing all necessary documents are essential. However, in some cases, direct transition may not be approved, making alternative routes like TITP or a job-hunting visa worth considering.
To ensure a smooth transition, it is crucial to find an employer experienced in SSW applications. Consulting an immigration specialist or administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) can also help navigate the process effectively.