What is the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa?

The SSW visa was established in 2019 to address labor shortages in 16 designated sectors including construction, nursing care, food service, and hospitality. Workers must pass both a skills test and Japanese language test.

How much does the entire process cost?

Recruitment fees vary by role and volume. Contact us for a detailed quote. Japanese language training is covered by IMP at no cost to the employer. Travel costs are borne by the worker. Visa fees are approximately ¥6,000.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

Including Japanese language training, the total timeline is 8-12 months. For candidates who already hold JLPT N4 certification, the timeline can be shortened to 4-6 months.

What documents are required?

Employers need company registration, employment contract, COE application, and support plan. Workers need passport, skills test certificate, JLPT certificate, and health certificate. IMP assists with document preparation, but the COE application and employment contract are the employer's legal responsibility.

Is there post-arrival support?

Yes. IMP coordinates orientation upon arrival, housing arrangement support, daily life assistance, and regular follow-ups. Note that worker registration with local authorities and social insurance enrollment are the employer's legal obligations.

What is the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa?

The SSW visa was established in 2019 to address labor shortages in 16 designated sectors including construction, nursing care, food service, and hospitality. Workers must pass both a skills test and Japanese language test.

How much does the entire process cost?

Recruitment fees vary by role and volume. Contact us for a detailed quote. Japanese language training is covered by IMP at no cost to the employer. Travel costs are borne by the worker. Visa fees are approximately ¥6,000.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

Including Japanese language training, the total timeline is 8-12 months. For candidates who already hold JLPT N4 certification, the timeline can be shortened to 4-6 months.

What documents are required?

Employers need company registration, employment contract, COE application, and support plan. Workers need passport, skills test certificate, JLPT certificate, and health certificate. IMP assists with document preparation, but the COE application and employment contract are the employer's legal responsibility.

Is there post-arrival support?

Yes. IMP coordinates orientation upon arrival, housing arrangement support, daily life assistance, and regular follow-ups. Note that worker registration with local authorities and social insurance enrollment are the employer's legal obligations.

JAPAN SSW VISA GUIDE

Japan SSW Visa Guide for Employers

Complete employer guide to hiring Pakistani workers through Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program.

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SSW Visa Overview

SSW-1 vs SSW-2 Comparison

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (SSW-1)

DurationUp to 5 years

Sectors16 designated sectors

FamilyNo family accompaniment

Job ChangeCan change within same sector

Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW-2)

DurationRenewable (no limit)

SectorsConstruction & Shipbuilding

FamilyFamily can accompany

ResidencyPath to permanent residence

Cost Breakdown

Cost Item	Amount	Who Pays
Recruitment Fee	Contact us	Employer (varies by role and volume)
COE Application Support	Included	IMP (covered in recruitment fee)
Japanese Training	FREE	IMP (pre-departure JLPT N4 level)
Travel Cost	Approx. $700-1,000	Worker
Visa Application Fee	~¥6,000	Worker (embassy/consulate fee)
COE Filing Fee	No charge	Employer (files with immigration)

Hiring Timeline

8-12 months total

Required Documents

Employer Documents

Company registration certificate
Employment contract (SSW format)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application
Designated organization notification
Support plan document
Tax payment certificate

Worker Documents

Passport (6+ months validity)
SSW skills exam pass certificate
Japanese language certificate (JLPT N4+)
Health certificate
Police clearance certificate
Photographs (specified size)

Frequently Asked Questions

IMP Guides Your Hiring Process

From document preparation to Japanese language training, we coordinate every step of the SSW visa process.

japan@islamicmanpower.com +92-51-8449777

Office No.4, Al-Falah Askaria Plaza, Committee Chowk, Rawalpindi, Punjab

Japan SSW Visa Guide for Employers

SSW Visa Overview

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (SSW-1)

Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW-2)

Cost Breakdown

Hiring Timeline

Inquiry

Contract & Candidate Selection

Skills Exam & Language Training

COE Application

Visa Issuance

Arrival & Employment

Required Documents

Employer Documents

Worker Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

IMP Guides Your Hiring Process