Meridian Migration

Japan work visa for Indians

A Japanese employer can hire you in 16 listed fields as a Specified Skilled Worker (i) once you pass the field’s skills test and a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4), or as an engineer or specialist with a relevant degree or long experience. The employer gets your Certificate of Eligibility in Japan; you then apply for the visa through VFS in India. For most candidates the honest first step is Japanese, to JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 level.

Checked on
Check your eligibility for JapanProcess and status

No deposits, no penalty contracts

Japanese rules forbid employers from hiring Specified Skilled Workers who have paid a deposit or signed a contract with penalties for leaving, and workers never pay for their support in Japan. We never take a deposit or any money “for security”. A team member gives you our charge in writing before you pay anything, and we accept payment only digitally, with a receipt.

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What is changing in Japan

Japan is changing its entry-level route. The Technical Intern Training Program closes to new trainees and is replaced by Employment for Skill Development (ESD) from 1 April 2027 (Act No. 60 of 2024). ESD takes workers, in principle, only from countries that have signed an ESD Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan; we found none signed with India as of 24 Oct 2026 (Thailand and Uzbekistan signed in mid-2026). For Indians today the main routes are Specified Skilled Worker (i), which needs a skills test and a Japanese test, and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Under Japanese rules no one may take a deposit from an SSW worker or make them sign a penalty contract. Residence-permit fees rose on 1 Oct 2026.

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Japan at a glance

Key facts for a Japan work permit
Status for applicants in India
Open with skills and Japanese tests
Usual route
Specified Skilled Worker (i) (SSW (i))
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Who applies
Your employer applies
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Where to apply in India
Japan Visa Application Centre (VFS Global), with the Certificate of Eligibility your employer gets in Japan; the Embassy in New Delhi or a consulate decides by where you live
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Official decision time
COE: '1 month to 3 months' (ISA standard processing period). Visa at the Embassy of Japan in India: at least 4 working days after submission; the Embassy says times 'can vary significantly'.
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Japanese test
Specified Skilled Worker (i): JFT-Basic or JLPT N4. Engineer and specialist visas: no official test, though employers often ask
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Capital: Tokyo. Currency: Japanese yen (JPY).

Which Japan work permit fits you?

Japan has 5 work routes that matter for candidates from India. Specified Skilled Worker (i) (SSW (i)) is the usual first route; the details below come from the official pages linked under each one. We arrange Specified Skilled Worker (i) (SSW (i)) and Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services; the others are here for information.

Specified Skilled Worker (i) (SSW (i))

在留資格「特定技能1号」(Tokutei Ginō 1-gō)

Who it is for
Workers aged 18+ with 'considerable knowledge or experience' in one of the specified industrial fields who can work without further training. 16 fields today: Nursing care; building cleaning management; industrial products manufacturing; construction; shipbuilding and ship machinery; automobile repair and maintenance; aviation; accommodation; agriculture; fishery and aquaculture; manufacture of food and beverages; food service; automobile transportation business; railway; forestry; wood industry. Three more fields (logistics warehousing, resource circulation, linen supply) were added by the Cabinet decision of 23 Jan 2026, giving 19 fields; their start date is in 2027 (exact date not confirmed). Former Technical Intern Training (ii) completers in a related job are exempt from the tests.
Who applies
Your employer applies
Labour market test
No labour-market test as such. The job must be in a specified field with a labour shortage, the worker must pass the field's skills test and a Japanese test, and the employer (accepting organisation) must meet the SSW standards and prepare a support plan.
Quota
Yes, a field-by-field ceiling. Cabinet decision of 23 Jan 2026: up to 805,700 SSW (i) workers in total until the end of March 2029 (plus 426,200 under ESD; 1,231,900 combined). At the end of June 2026 there were 444,256 SSW residents (all types), of whom 18,295 were SSW (ii).
Minimum pay
No fixed national figure. Pay must be 'equal to or greater than' what a Japanese national would receive for the same work, with the same working hours and no discriminatory treatment (MOJ Order No. 5 of 2019, Art. 1).
How long it lasts
'Up to 5 years in total' on SSW (i) (MOFA). Length of each period of stay granted: not confirmed in the sources read.
Renewal
Yes, within the 5-year total. After that, the worker must move to SSW (ii) (where the field allows it) or another status.
Family
Family accompaniment is 'generally not permitted' on SSW (i) (MOFA).
Long-term residence
Time on SSW (i) does not count towards the 5 years of 'work status' that the permanent-residence guidelines require (Guidelines revised 24 Feb 2026). A worker who moves up to SSW (ii) can build towards permanent residence: normally 10 years in Japan, of which 5 on a counting work status.
Official decision time
COE: '1 month to 3 months' (ISA standard processing period). Visa at the Embassy of Japan in India: at least 4 working days after submission; the Embassy says times 'can vary significantly'.
Government fees
COE application: no fee (ISA). Visa for Indian nationals: INR 500 (single or multiple, from 1 Jul 2026) plus the VFS service fee. In Japan, extensions and changes of status cost JPY 10,000–75,000 depending on the period granted (e.g. JPY 33,000 at the counter for 1 year), from 1 Oct 2026. The worker must not be made to pay support costs, directly or indirectly.

Steps, in order

  1. 1Pass the skills evaluation test for the field and a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4; nursing care also needs the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test). Some tests run in India (see 'Applying from India').
  2. 2Find an employer in Japan (directly or through a private employment agency) and sign an employment contract that meets the SSW criteria.
  3. 3The employer prepares a support plan (pre-entry guidance, airport pick-up, housing, life orientation, Japanese learning, consultations), or entrusts all of it to a Registered Support Organisation.
  4. 4The employer's staff, or another authorised proxy, applies to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Standard processing: 1–3 months.
  5. 5The worker applies for the visa with the COE through the Japan Visa Application Centre (VFS) in India.
  6. 6Enter Japan, attend the life orientation, register your address at the municipal office and start work.

Documents

  • Valid passport (with more than two blank pages) and copies of its data pages
  • Visa application form and one photo (taken within 6 months, white background)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (original, copy or e-COE print-out accepted)
  • Skills test pass certificate for the field (or proof of completed Technical Intern Training (ii))
  • Japanese test result (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4; nursing care: also the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test)
  • Employment contract and the employer's support plan (filed by the employer with the COE application)
  • Recommended by VFS for work visas: experience certificate and last educational certificate

Sources for this route

mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026fpcj.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026oneasia.legalchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)japaneselawtranslation.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026vfsglobal.comchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026office-tree.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026prometric-jp.comchecked 24 Oct 2026

For information: we do not arrange this route

Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (SSW (ii))

Workers with 'proficient skills' in 11 fields: building cleaning management, industrial products manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and ship machinery, automobile repair and maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, manufacture of food and beverages, food service. Not available in nursing care, automobile transportation, railway, forestry or wood industry. Usually reached after experience on SSW (i) in Japan.Show the rules, steps and documents

在留資格「特定技能2号」(Tokutei Ginō 2-gō)

Who it is for
Workers with 'proficient skills' in 11 fields: building cleaning management, industrial products manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and ship machinery, automobile repair and maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, manufacture of food and beverages, food service. Not available in nursing care, automobile transportation, railway, forestry or wood industry. Usually reached after experience on SSW (i) in Japan.
Who applies
Your employer applies
Labour market test
None as such. The worker must pass the field's SSW (ii) evaluation test (and meet any field-specific experience requirement).
Quota
None found for SSW (ii). The 805,700 ceiling in the Cabinet decision of 23 Jan 2026 is for SSW (i).
Minimum pay
Same rule as SSW (i): at least equal to a Japanese worker doing the same job (MOJ Order No. 5 of 2019, Art. 1).
How long it lasts
Renewable 'with no set limit' (MOFA). Exact periods granted (e.g. 6 months to 3 years): not confirmed.
Renewal
Yes, without an upper limit on the number of renewals.
Family
Spouse and children may join 'if requirements are met' (MOFA).
Long-term residence
Counts as a work status for the permanent-residence guidelines: normally 10 years' continuous residence, at least 5 on a counting work status, plus holding the longest available period of stay. From 1 Apr 2027 a 3-year period of stay will no longer be treated as the longest (transitional note in the Guidelines revised 24 Feb 2026). PR fee: JPY 200,000 from 1 Oct 2026.
Official decision time
Not confirmed for change of status to SSW (ii). COE route: 1–3 months (ISA).
Government fees
Change of status or extension: JPY 10,000–75,000 depending on the period granted (from 1 Oct 2026). COE: no fee.

Steps, in order

  1. 1Gain the required experience (normally on SSW (i) in Japan, as a team leader or similar, depending on the field).
  2. 2Pass the SSW (ii) evaluation test for the field (and a Japanese test where the field requires it).
  3. 3Change status in Japan at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (or, from abroad, the employer applies for a COE).
  4. 4Family members apply for Dependent status once SSW (ii) is granted.

Documents

  • Passport and residence card
  • SSW (ii) evaluation test pass certificate
  • Employment contract meeting the SSW criteria
  • Proof of the field's experience requirement (employer certificate)
  • Application for change of status (in Japan) or COE (from abroad)

Sources for this route

mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026japaneselawtranslation.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026eiglaw.comchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026office-tree.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

Professionals in work that needs knowledge of natural sciences, engineering (including IT) or the humanities, or 'international services' such as translation and interpreting, under a contract with an organisation in Japan. 516,184 people held this status at the end of June 2026, up 8.5% in six months.Show the rules, steps and documents

在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」(Gijutsu・Jinbun Chishiki・Kokusai Gyōmu)

Who it is for
Professionals in work that needs knowledge of natural sciences, engineering (including IT) or the humanities, or 'international services' such as translation and interpreting, under a contract with an organisation in Japan. 516,184 people held this status at the end of June 2026, up 8.5% in six months.
Who applies
Your employer applies
Labour market test
None. Immigration checks that the duties match the person's degree or experience.
Quota
None found.
Minimum pay
At least what a Japanese national would earn in the same job (JETRO). No fixed figure.
How long it lasts
Renewable periods of stay; the longest is 5 years (from 1 Apr 2027 permanent-residence applicants must hold it). Periods actually granted vary: not confirmed.
Renewal
Yes, with no limit on renewals while the job continues.
Family
Spouse and children can come on the Dependent (家族滞在) status (details not confirmed on the official pages read).
Long-term residence
Counts as a work status. Normally 10 years' continuous residence in Japan with at least 5 on a work status, good conduct, tax and social-insurance compliance and the longest period of stay (5 years from 1 Apr 2027). Moving to Highly Skilled Professional (70+ points) can cut this to 3 years, or 1 year at 80+ points.
Official decision time
COE: 1–3 months (ISA). Visa: minimum 4 working days (Embassy of Japan in India).
Government fees
COE: no fee. Visa for Indian nationals: INR 500 plus VFS fee (from 1 Jul 2026). Extensions in Japan: JPY 10,000–75,000 by period granted (from 1 Oct 2026).

Steps, in order

  1. 1Get a job offer and contract from a Japanese employer in a role that matches your degree or experience.
  2. 2The employer (or an authorised proxy) applies for the Certificate of Eligibility at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (1–3 months; no fee).
  3. 3Apply for the visa through VFS in India with the COE (at least 4 working days at the Embassy).
  4. 4Enter Japan, collect the residence card at the airport, register your address and start work.

Documents

  • Valid passport, visa form, photo and Certificate of Eligibility
  • Degree certificate in a relevant subject (or diploma from a Japanese vocational school), or proof of more than 10 years' relevant experience
  • IT professionals: a designated IT exam certificate can replace the degree/experience requirement
  • Employment contract or written offer showing duties and pay
  • Employer documents (filed with the COE application)

Sources for this route

jetro.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026vfsglobal.comchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026office-tree.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

For information: we do not arrange this route

Highly Skilled Professional (points-based) and J-Skip

Researchers (i)(a), specialists and engineers (i)(b) and managers (i)(c) who score at least 70 points for education, experience, annual salary and research. J-Skip (since April 2023) gives HSP (i) directly to, for example, a master's graduate or a person with 10+ years' experience earning JPY 20 million or more a year.Show the rules, steps and documents

在留資格「高度専門職」(Kōdo Senmonshoku)

Who it is for
Researchers (i)(a), specialists and engineers (i)(b) and managers (i)(c) who score at least 70 points for education, experience, annual salary and research. J-Skip (since April 2023) gives HSP (i) directly to, for example, a master's graduate or a person with 10+ years' experience earning JPY 20 million or more a year.
Who applies
Your employer applies
Labour market test
None. Points are checked by Immigration.
Quota
None found.
Minimum pay
Salary earns points rather than setting a minimum; J-Skip needs JPY 20 million a year (specialists) or JPY 40 million (managers).
How long it lasts
HSP (i): 5-year period of stay. HSP (ii) (after 3 years on HSP (i)): indefinite.
Renewal
Yes; HSP (ii) has no time limit.
Family
Spouse may work; parents and domestic workers may accompany 'under certain conditions' (JETRO).
Long-term residence
Permanent residence after 3 years with 70+ points, or after 1 year with 80+ points (ISA Guidelines revised 24 Feb 2026).
Official decision time
COE: 1–3 months standard (ISA); HSP applications get 'priority entry and residence processing' (JETRO); exact time not confirmed.
Government fees
COE: no fee. Visa for Indian nationals: INR 500 plus VFS fee. Permanent residence: JPY 200,000 from 1 Oct 2026.

Steps, in order

  1. 1Calculate points with the employer (education, experience, salary, age, Japanese ability, other bonuses).
  2. 2Employer applies for a COE for HSP (i) with the points table and evidence (priority processing applies).
  3. 3Apply for the visa through VFS in India with the COE.
  4. 4After 3 years, apply to change to HSP (ii); apply for permanent residence after 1 or 3 years depending on points.

Documents

  • Passport, visa form, photo and Certificate of Eligibility
  • Points calculation table with evidence: degree certificates, experience letters, salary letter, Japanese test results (if claimed)
  • Employment contract

Sources for this route

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For information: we do not arrange this route

Employment for Skill Development (ESD), from 1 April 2027 (replaces Technical Intern Training)

Entry-level workers who will be trained on the job for 3 years in one of 17 ESD fields, aiming to reach SSW (i) skill and Japanese level. Starts 1 April 2027. Workers are accepted, in principle, only from countries that have signed an ESD Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan. India has a Technical Intern Training MoC (2017) and an SSW MoC (2021); an ESD MoC with India was not found as of 24 Oct 2026 (not confirmed).Show the rules, steps and documents

在留資格「育成就労」(Ikusei Shūrō) — replaces 技能実習 (Technical Intern Training)

Who it is for
Entry-level workers who will be trained on the job for 3 years in one of 17 ESD fields, aiming to reach SSW (i) skill and Japanese level. Starts 1 April 2027. Workers are accepted, in principle, only from countries that have signed an ESD Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan. India has a Technical Intern Training MoC (2017) and an SSW MoC (2021); an ESD MoC with India was not found as of 24 Oct 2026 (not confirmed).
Who applies
Your employer applies
Labour market test
Field-by-field: only ESD industrial fields with labour shortages. Each worker's ESD plan must be accredited by the Employment-for-Skill-Development Organization (ESDO).
Quota
Yes. Up to 426,200 ESD workers for FY2027–FY2028 (to end of March 2029), set by the Cabinet decision of 23 Jan 2026; treated as an upper limit per field.
Minimum pay
Not confirmed (not stated in the ISA summaries read). Fees a worker pays to a sending organisation are capped under the new MoCs (Uzbekistan MoC: no more than 2 months' pay stated in the ESD plan).
How long it lasts
3 years of employment. Those who fail the SSW (i) tests at the end may stay up to 1 more year to retake them.
Renewal
No, but the aim is to move to SSW (i), then SSW (ii).
Family
Not confirmed (not covered by the ISA summaries read; family was not allowed under Technical Intern Training).
Long-term residence
Indirect: ESD (3 years) → SSW (i) → SSW (ii). ESD and SSW (i) years do not count as work status for permanent residence (TITP and SSW (i) are excluded today; ESD treatment not confirmed).
Official decision time
Not confirmed (system starts 1 Apr 2027).
Government fees
Not confirmed for ESD-specific fees. Worker fees to sending organisations are capped by MoC (2 months' pay in the Uzbekistan MoC); workers must not pay supervision or support fees charged to employers.

Steps, in order

  1. 1Reach Japanese level A1 (e.g. JLPT N5 or JFT-Basic) or complete equivalent Japanese classes before entry.
  2. 2Be selected by a Japanese employer through an approved sending organisation in a country with an ESD MoC (in principle).
  3. 3The employer (with a licensed supervising and support organisation) gets the 3-year ESD plan accredited by the ESDO, then a COE.
  4. 4Work and train for 3 years. A voluntary change of employer is possible after 1 year (1–2 years in some fields) if skill and Japanese (around A2.1) requirements are met.
  5. 5Pass the SSW (i) skills test and Japanese A2 (e.g. JLPT N4) to move to SSW (i).

Documents

  • Passport
  • Japanese test result at A1 or above (e.g. JLPT N5, JFT-Basic) or proof of equivalent classes
  • Accredited ESD plan and Certificate of Eligibility (handled by the employer)
  • Contract with the approved sending organisation showing its published fee calculation

Sources for this route

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Where do you apply for a Japan work visa in India?

The Japanese employer gets the Certificate of Eligibility in Japan. The worker then applies for the visa through the Japan Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global (no appointment needed, per the Embassy). The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi and the consulates in India decide by area of residence. Fee for Indian nationals: INR 500 from 1 Jul 2026, plus the VFS service fee. The Embassy needs at least 4 working days.

Tests in India: JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation, run by Prometric) was held in Gurugram, Bengaluru and Guwahati in Dec 2025–Jan 2026; 522 Indians sat it in Jun–Jul 2026 and 189 reached the pass mark. The JLPT runs in New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Karur (July and December) and Santiniketan (July only). Prometric has announced SSW skills tests in India for nursing care, construction, accommodation and food service. Which other field tests run in India changes often: check Prometric's India page before advising. India's competent authorities under the 2021 SSW MoC are the MEA (Overseas Indian Affairs Division-I) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Technical Intern Training from India goes only through NSDC-empanelled sending organisations (20 in Dec 2025). The Embassy says the only payments it asks for are the visa fee and VFS charge, and it never asks for money by phone or email.

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The Japan process step by step, and how to check your status

Can you apply for Japan from Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand?

The COE is issued in Japan to the employer, so the worker's country of residence does not change that step. MOFA's SSW page says to 'submit the COE to the Japanese embassy overseas'. JFT-Basic is held in Japan and 13 Asian countries (none of CA/US/UK/AU/IE/NZ in the Dec 2025–Jan 2026 round), so SSW candidates living in these countries usually need the JLPT (N4) or must sit JFT-Basic in Japan or Asia. Which SSW skills tests can be taken outside Japan and Asia: not confirmed. Check jurisdiction on each mission's site.

Applying for Japan from six countries
If you live inWhat the official pages say
CanadaRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence in Canada, using the COE the employer obtained. Whether a temporary resident (student or work permit) is accepted there: not confirmed; confirm with the mission.
United StatesRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering your place of residence in the US, with the COE. Acceptance of applicants on temporary US visas: not confirmed.
United KingdomRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering your place of residence in the UK, with the COE. Acceptance of applicants on temporary UK visas: not confirmed.
AustraliaRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering your place of residence in Australia, with the COE. Acceptance of applicants on temporary Australian visas: not confirmed.
IrelandRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply at the Japanese embassy in Ireland, with the COE. Acceptance of applicants on temporary Irish permissions: not confirmed.
New ZealandRule says where you live; mission not confirmedApply at the Japanese embassy or consulate covering your place of residence in New Zealand, with the COE. Acceptance of applicants on temporary NZ visas: not confirmed.

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Which jobs are in demand in Japan?

These occupations appear on official shortage lists, quotas or forecasts; each links its source. A list is not a job offer: every route still needs an employer who hires you.

  • Nursing care worker (SSW (i), 介護)

    SSW (i) field (SSW (i) only; no SSW (ii)). Prometric announced the Nursing care skills and Nursing care Japanese language tests in Guwahati, India (May 2024).

  • Food service worker (restaurants) (SSW (i)/(ii), 外食業)

    SSW field; Prometric opened reservations for the Food service industry SSW (i) test in India (Sep 2025).

  • Construction worker (SSW (i)/(ii), 建設)

    SSW field; Prometric announced the construction skills evaluation test in Guwahati (Jun 2024).

  • Hotel and accommodation staff (SSW (i)/(ii), 宿泊)

    SSW field; Prometric announced the Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test in Guwahati (Aug 2024).

  • Industrial products manufacturing (machining, electrical/electronics, metal) (SSW (i)/(ii))

    One of the 16 SSW (i) fields and 11 SSW (ii) fields; total SSW (i) ceiling 805,700 to Mar 2029 (Cabinet decision 23 Jan 2026). Field share: not confirmed.

  • Agriculture worker (SSW (i)/(ii), 農業)

    SSW field listed by MOFA; tests in India: not confirmed.

All 10 occupations, with sources, and how hiring works in Japan

Do you need IELTS or Japanese?

SSW (i): Japanese for daily life and work, confirmed by a test — JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 (CEFR A2); nursing care also needs the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test. SSW (ii): MOFA says no language test is required, while ISA's ESD outline describes SSW (ii) as needing B1 (e.g. JLPT N3); which rule applies in which field is not confirmed. ESD (from April 2027): A1 (e.g. JLPT N5) at entry, about A2.1 to change employer, A2.2 (JLPT N4) to move to SSW (i). Engineer/Humanities and HSP: no official language test (Japanese earns HSP points; employers often ask for it). English alone is rarely enough outside IT and international roles.

What we can and cannot do for a Japan work permit

What we do

  • Check your profile against the Japan rules on this page, and tell you plainly if a route is not open to you.
  • Put your profile forward when an employer we work with in Japan is hiring for your occupation. We publish a vacancy only when we hold the employer’s demand letter and power of attorney. Open vacancies
  • Help you prepare a complete, honest application file.
  • For Specified Skilled Worker (i), help you prepare for the Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) and your field’s skills test, the honest first step for most candidates.
  • Prepare you in India. Support in Japan is the employer’s job, or a Registered Support Organisation’s, and you never pay for it. We are neither.
  • We do not arrange Technical Intern or Employment for Skill Development placements, or the Highly Skilled Professional route: they are on this page for information.

What no one can do, including us

  • Guarantee a job, a permit or a visa. The Japan authorities decide.
  • Your employer, or a proxy it authorises in Japan, applies for the Certificate of Eligibility, and Japan’s immigration authorities decide it. The Embassy of Japan in India says the only payments it asks for are the visa fee and the VFS charge. in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026
  • Under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker rules, an employer must not hire you if you or your family paid a deposit or signed a contract with penalties for leaving, and you must not be made to pay for your support. No one can sell you a place. mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

What changed recently in Japan?

  1. 1 Apr 2027

    Scheduled: Employment for Skill Development starts; Technical Intern Training closes to new plans (trainees already in Japan may finish).

    moj.go.jp

  2. 1 Oct 2026

    Residence fees raised: extension or change of status JPY 10,000–75,000 by period granted (JPY 33,000 for 1 year at the counter); permanent residence JPY 200,000 (was JPY 10,000).

    moj.go.jp

  3. 1 Jul 2026

    Japanese visa fee for Indian nationals set at INR 500 (single or multiple); transit visas abolished.

    in.emb-japan.go.jp

  4. 2 Jun 2026

    First ESD Memoranda of Cooperation: Thailand (2 Jun 2026); Uzbekistan (in effect 29 Jun 2026, caps worker fees to sending organisations at 2 months' pay).

    moj.go.jp

  5. 24 Feb 2026

    Permanent-residence guidelines revised: from 1 Apr 2027 a 3-year period of stay no longer counts as the 'longest period of stay'.

    moj.go.jp

  6. 23 Jan 2026

    Cabinet decision on field-specific policies: SSW (i) ceiling 805,700 and ESD 426,200 until end of Mar 2029 (1,231,900 total); 3 new fields (logistics warehousing, resource circulation, linen supply); 19 SSW fields and 17 ESD fields.

    fpcj.jp

  7. 29 Aug 2025

    India–Japan Action Plan for Human Resource Exchange: 500,000 people both ways in 5 years, including 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan (Foreign Secretary briefing; MEA brief).

    mea.gov.in

  8. 21 Jun 2024

    Act No. 60 of 2024 promulgated: creates Employment for Skill Development to replace Technical Intern Training.

    moj.go.jp

  9. 1 Apr 2024

    SSW expanded to 16 fields (automobile transportation, railway, forestry and wood industry added) (MOFA notes '16 industrial fields since April 2024').

    mofa.go.jp

  10. 18 Jan 2021

    Japan–India Memorandum of Cooperation on Specified Skilled Worker signed in New Delhi; aims include 'elimination of malicious intermediary organizations'.

    mofa.go.jp

  11. 17 Oct 2017

    Japan–India Memorandum of Cooperation on Technical Intern Training signed (India: MSDE; only listed sending organisations from 1 May 2018).

    mhlw.go.jp

Questions about Japan work permits

Can Indians get a work visa for Japan in 2026?

Yes. The two main routes are Specified Skilled Worker (i) for skilled jobs in 16 listed fields (19 from 2027), and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services for graduates and IT professionals. Highly paid specialists can use the Highly Skilled Professional points system. In every case a Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility first, and then you apply for the visa through VFS in India.

mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026jetro.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

What jobs does the Specified Skilled Worker visa cover?

SSW (i) covers 16 fields: nursing care, building cleaning, industrial products manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, car repair, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery, food and beverage manufacturing, food service, automobile transportation, railway, forestry and wood industry. Logistics warehousing, resource circulation and linen supply were added in January 2026 and start in 2027. Japan plans to take up to 805,700 SSW (i) workers until March 2029.

mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026fpcj.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

Which tests do I need, and can I take them in India?

For SSW (i) you need the skills test for your field and a Japanese test (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4). JFT-Basic has been held in Gurugram, Bengaluru and Guwahati. The JLPT runs in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Karur and Santiniketan. Skills tests for nursing care, construction, accommodation and food service have been announced in India. Other fields may need you to test in Japan or another country.

jpf.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026jlpt.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026prometric-jp.comchecked 24 Oct 2026

Can an agent or employer ask me for a deposit for a Japan job?

No. Under Japan's SSW rules the employer must not hire you if you or your family have paid a deposit or signed a contract with penalties for leaving, and you must not pay for your support, directly or indirectly. The India–Japan agreement on SSW was signed to remove 'malicious intermediary organizations'.

japaneselawtranslation.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

Can I take my family to Japan?

Not on SSW (i): family is generally not allowed. On SSW (ii), your spouse and children can join if requirements are met. Engineer/Humanities and Highly Skilled Professional holders can bring family; Highly Skilled Professionals' spouses may also work.

mofa.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026jetro.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

What is a Certificate of Eligibility and how long does it take?

It is a certificate the immigration bureau in Japan issues before you apply for a long-term visa. Your employer, or an authorised proxy, applies for it. There is no fee, and the standard processing time is one to three months. With it, the Embassy of Japan in India needs at least four working days to issue the visa.

moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

What is happening to Japan's Technical Intern Training Program?

It is being replaced by Employment for Skill Development (ESD) from 1 April 2027. ESD is three years of work and training aimed at reaching SSW (i) level. You can change employer after one year if you meet the skill and Japanese requirements. ESD workers come, in principle, only from countries that have signed an ESD agreement with Japan; we found no such agreement with India yet.

moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

Can I get permanent residence in Japan?

Usually after 10 years in Japan, of which at least 5 on a work status. Years on SSW (i) and Technical Intern Training do not count towards those 5. Highly Skilled Professionals can apply after 3 years with 70 points or 1 year with 80 points. The permanent-residence fee is JPY 200,000 from 1 October 2026.

moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026office-tree.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)

Do I need Japanese for an IT or engineering job in Japan?

There is no official Japanese test for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status. You need a relevant degree, a Japanese vocational diploma, or more than 10 years' experience, and pay at least equal to a Japanese employee. Many employers still ask for Japanese.

jetro.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

How much is the Japan visa fee for Indians?

INR 500 for a single or multiple-entry visa from 1 July 2026, plus the VFS service fee. The Certificate of Eligibility itself is free. Once in Japan, extending your stay costs JPY 10,000 to 75,000 depending on how long you are granted.

in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026moj.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

How many Indians live and work in Japan?

About 59,000 Indians live in Japan (MEA, as on 30 June 2026). At the end of 2024, by third-party counts of Immigration Services Agency data, 13,619 Indians held the Engineer/Humanities status, 1,023 were technical interns and 404 held SSW (i). India and Japan aim for 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indians to go to Japan over five years from 2025.

mea.gov.inchecked 24 Oct 2026jp-mirai.orgchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)solution-supporter.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)tribuneindia.comchecked 24 Oct 2026(secondary)

Is a Japan job offer that asks me to pay by phone or email genuine?

Be careful. The Embassy of Japan in India says the only payments it asks for are the visa fee and the VFS service charge. It never asks for money by phone or email to check documents or speed up a visa. Report such calls to the police and to [email protected].

in.emb-japan.go.jpchecked 24 Oct 2026

What we have not confirmed yet

We would rather show a gap than guess. These points are still open; a consultant checks them for your case.

  • Whether India has signed (or is negotiating) an ESD Memorandum of Cooperation; without one, Indian ESD intake from April 2027 may not be possible.
  • Exact start date in 2027 for the three new SSW fields (logistics warehousing, resource circulation, linen supply).
  • Number of Indian SSW (i)/(ii) holders after December 2024 (ISA nationality tables for Dec 2025 and Jun 2026 could not be read: moj.go.jp PDFs were blocked for automated fetching).
  • National breakdown of Indian residents by status (Engineer/Humanities, SSW, HSP, Dependent) from ISA e-Stat tables.
  • SSW (ii) Japanese language requirement by field (MOFA says none; ISA ESD outline says B1).
  • Which SSW skills tests (beyond nursing care, construction, accommodation, food service) are currently held in India, and the current Indian test cities for each.
  • Periods of stay granted for SSW (i) and Engineer/Humanities, and processing time for SSW (ii) changes of status.
  • ESD salary rules, family rules and how ESD years count for permanent residence.
  • Whether Japanese missions in CA/US/UK/AU/IE/NZ accept work-visa applications from people on temporary status there.
  • Whether India has designated agencies or rules for SSW sending (the 2021 MoC names MEA and MSDE as competent authorities but sets no sending-agency licensing).

Sources

  1. 1.MOFA — Specified Skilled Worker: 'Visa' and 'Status of Residence' overview (fields, SSW (i)/(ii), family) mofa.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  2. 2.MOFA — Specified Skilled Worker: general process for applicants from overseas (no deposit, no penalty contract) mofa.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  3. 3.Embassy of Japan in India — ISA flyer: SSW information seminars (SSW (i) 16 fields, SSW (ii) 11 fields; Oct 2025/Jan 2026 sessions) in.emb-japan.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  4. 4.ISA briefing material 'Accepting foreign talent — towards the start of the Employment for Skill Development system' (hosted by Foreign Press Center Japan, Mar 2026; cites Cabinet decision of 23 Jan 2026) fpcj.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  5. 5.One Asia Lawyers — New fields added to the SSW system (Aug 2026) (secondary) oneasia.legal, checked 24 Oct 2026
  6. 6.Ministerial Order on Criteria for the Employment Contract for SSWs and Support Plan for SSW (i) (MOJ Order No. 5 of 2019, Japanese Law Translation) japaneselawtranslation.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  7. 7.ISA — Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 24 Feb 2026) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  8. 8.ISA — Certificate of Eligibility application (在留資格認定証明書交付申請): standard processing 1–3 months, no fee moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  9. 9.Embassy of Japan in India — Long-term visa (COE needed; minimum 4 working days) in.emb-japan.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  10. 10.Embassy of Japan in India — Visa page (apply through VFS; fee for Indian nationals INR 500 from 1 Jul 2026; fraud notice) in.emb-japan.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  11. 11.VFS Global (Japan Visa Application Centre, Delhi) — checklist: long-term visa with COE vfsglobal.com, checked 24 Oct 2026
  12. 12.ISA — Revision of residence permit fee amounts (在留許可手数料の額の改定について) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  13. 13.Office Tree — residence fee increase confirmed, in force 1 Oct 2026 (updated 14 Oct 2026) (secondary) office-tree.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  14. 14.ISA press release — Foreign residents at end of June 2026 (4,281,026; by status and nationality) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  15. 15.ISA — Outline of the 'Employment for Skill Development' Program (with SSW pathway) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  16. 16.Prometric Japan — Nursing care skills evaluation test and Nursing care Japanese language evaluation test prometric-jp.com, checked 24 Oct 2026
  17. 17.EIG Law — Japan to enforce 5-year visa requirement for permanent residence from 1 Apr 2027 (27 Feb 2026) (secondary) eiglaw.com, checked 24 Oct 2026
  18. 18.JETRO — 2.4 Types of working statuses (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) (page dated 13 Aug 2026) jetro.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  19. 19.JETRO — 2.11 Highly Skilled Professional, J-Skip and J-Find (page dated 13 Aug 2026) jetro.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  20. 20.ISA — Employment for Skill Development (育成就労) system page: Act No. 60 of 2024, in force 1 April 2027 moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  21. 21.ISA — Employment for Skill Development Program summary (English, revised July 2026) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  22. 22.Japan–Uzbekistan Memorandum of Cooperation on the Employment for Skill Development Program (in effect 29 Jun 2026; worker fees to sending organisations capped at 2 months' pay) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  23. 23.ISA press release, 4 Jun 2026 — ESD Memorandum of Cooperation signed with Thailand (2 Jun 2026) moj.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  24. 24.Japan–India Memorandum of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program (17 Oct 2017) mhlw.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  25. 25.NSDC — Guidelines for Japan's Technical Intern Training Program (Jan 2026; 20 empanelled sending organisations as of Dec 2025) nsdcindia.org, checked 24 Oct 2026
  26. 26.Japan Foundation — JFT-Basic test report Dec 2025–Jan 2026 (India venues: Gurugram, Bengaluru, Guwahati) jpf.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  27. 27.Japan Foundation — JFT-Basic test report Jun–Jul 2026 (India: 522 examinees, 189 reached the pass mark) jpf.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  28. 28.JLPT — overseas test cities (India: New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Santiniketan, Karur; list as of 11 Sep 2026) jlpt.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  29. 29.Prometric Japan — SSW test announcements for India (nursing care, construction, accommodation, food service; JFT-Basic Guwahati) prometric-jp.com, checked 24 Oct 2026
  30. 30.Text of the Japan–India Memorandum of Cooperation on Specified Skilled Worker (18 Jan 2021) mofa.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  31. 31.MOFA press release, 19 Jan 2021 — Japan–India Memorandum of Cooperation on Specified Skilled Worker signed 18 Jan 2021 mofa.go.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  32. 32.MEA — India–Japan Bilateral Brief (as on 30 Jun 2026: 'Around 59,000 Indians currently live in Japan'; Action Plan targets) mea.gov.in, checked 24 Oct 2026
  33. 33.JP-MIRAI activity report, visit to India Jul 2025 (14 Aug 2025): Indians in Japan at end-2024 by status, citing Immigration Bureau statistics (secondary) jp-mirai.org, checked 24 Oct 2026
  34. 34.Solution Supporter — SSW (i) holders by nationality, Jun/Dec 2024, citing ISA (India: 404 at end of Dec 2024) (secondary) solution-supporter.jp, checked 24 Oct 2026
  35. 35.The Tribune / ANI, 29 Aug 2025 — Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri: 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan in 5 years (secondary) tribuneindia.com, checked 24 Oct 2026

Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official source.