Japanese Specified Skills Visa

Q1: What is the Specified Skills Visa? Why is Mo's motivation for applying for this visa?

A: The Specified Skills Visa is a new residency status introduced by the Japanese government in April 2019 to address the country's labor shortage. It allows foreign nationals to work in specific industries in Japan, including food service, nursing care, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Mo is a 30-year-old Chinese man with work experience in the food service industry. He is interested in working in Japan and has learned about the labor shortage caused by Japan's aging population. He decided to apply for a Specified Skills Visa (Type 1), with the goal of working in a Japanese restaurant. This visa allows for a maximum stay of five years and offers the potential to apply for a Specified Skills Visa (Type 2) or even permanent residency in the future, which is very appealing to him.

Q2: What does Mo need to do first to apply for the Specified Skills Visa?

A: Mo first needs to choose an industry from the 14 specified fields (e.g., food service, nursing care, construction) that matches his interests and experience, and then understand the requirements. The main conditions for the Specified Skills Visa (Type 1) include:

1. Japanese Language Proficiency: Passing at least the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic).

2. Skills Exam: Passing the specified skills evaluation test for the chosen industry. For instance, since Mo chose the food service industry, he needs to pass the "Food Service Industry Specified Skills Evaluation Test (Type 1)".

3. Health Status: Submitting a health check certificate.

4. Employment Contract: Signing an employment contract with a Japanese host company (e.g., a restaurant).

Mo should first research the details of the Specified Skills Visa for the food service industry to confirm the required Japanese language level and the content of the skills exam. He can refer to the official website of the Japanese embassy or information from professional agencies.

Q3: What is Mo's process for learning Japanese?

A: To reach the JLPT N4 level, Mo can follow these steps:

1. Start Learning Japanese: Since Mo lives in China, he can choose a local Japanese language school or online courses with the goal of passing the JLPT N4. The N4 level requires mastering basic daily conversations and reading simple sentences. A beginner typically needs about 6-12 months of study (around 20 hours per week, totaling 300-400 hours). Recommended textbooks include Minna no Nihongo and Shin Kanzen Master N4.

2. Prepare for the JLPT or JFT-Basic Exam: The JLPT is held twice a year, on the first Sunday of July and December. If Mo plans to take the July 2026 exam, he needs to register in mid-to-late March 2026 through the official website of the National Education Examinations Authority (https://jlpt.neea.edu.cn). The registration fee for N4 is 450 RMB.

3. Continue Learning: Mo can attend online or in-person Japanese classes a few times a week and test his level with mock exams. The passing certificate will be used for his visa application.

Q4: How does Mo prepare for the Specified Skills Evaluation Test?

A: Mo's process for preparing for the Food Service Industry Specified Skills Evaluation Test (Type 1) is as follows:

1. Exam Content: The test includes a "theory exam" and a "practical skills exam." The theory exam tests knowledge of the food service industry, such as hygiene management, customer service, and cooking. The practical skills exam assesses actual cooking and service abilities. The exam is conducted in Japanese and requires an N4-level of comprehension.

2. Preparation Method: Mo can use his existing food service experience while also learning Japan-specific operational standards (e.g., hygiene regulations). It's advisable to enroll in exam training courses offered by professional training agencies in China. He should also use sample questions and past exams to prepare for the theory test.

3. Exam Locations: As of September 2025, there are limited Specified Skills Evaluation Test centers in mainland China. Many exams, including for the food service industry, need to be taken in Japan. Mo must apply for a tourist visa or a short-term stay visa to travel to Japan for the exam. Test centers in Japan are located in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Specific information can be found on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (https://www.moj.go.jp) or related organizations.

4. Registration Fee and Schedule: The exam registration fee varies depending on the type of test, typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 JPY (approximately 250-500 RMB). The exact fee must be checked on the website of the organizing body, such as the Japan Food Service Association. The exams are held periodically, and registration is usually required 3-4 months in advance. Mo needs to keep an eye on the exam schedule.

Q5: What is the visa application process?

A: Mo's application process for the Specified Skills Visa (Type 1) is as follows:

1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE): After Mo signs an employment contract with a Japanese host company, the company will apply for a "Certificate of Eligibility" on his behalf at the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This process takes 1-2 months. Required documents include the employment contract, a copy of Mo's passport, JLPT N4 certificate, the Specified Skills Exam passing certificate, and a health check certificate.

2. Visa Application: Once he receives the COE, Mo will apply for the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate general in China (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). The required documents include the COE, passport, health certificate, and photos. All documents must be valid within three months of issuance. The visa application itself is free, but applying through an agency may incur service fees. The processing time is typically one week.

3. Entry into Japan: After the visa is approved, Mo can enter Japan and begin working for the host company. The initial validity period for the Specified Skills Visa (Type 1) is one or three years, and it can be renewed for a total of up to five years.

Q6: Where in China can one take the Specified Skills Evaluation Test?

A: As of September 2025, there are limited Specified Skills Evaluation Test centers in mainland China, and many exams must be taken in Japan.

• Test Centers in China: Some exams (e.g., for nursing care) may be held in Beijing or Shanghai, but food service exams usually require a trip to Japan.

• Test Centers in Japan: Locations include Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Specific information can be found on the official websites of the Japan Food Service Association or related industry organizations.

Mo needs to confirm the exam schedule in advance, plan his trip to Japan, and apply for a tourist visa.

Q7: What are the details regarding registration fees and times?

A:

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT):

  • Registration Fee: 450 RMB for N4.

  • Registration Time: For the July exam, registration is in mid-to-late March; for the December exam, it is in mid-to-late August. Registration is done online at https://jlpt.neea.edu.cn.

• Specified Skills Evaluation Test:

  • Registration Fee: Varies by test type, approximately 5,000-10,000 JPY (about 250-500 RMB). The exact fee must be checked on the organizing body's website.

  • Registration Time: Exams are held periodically, and registration is usually required 3-4 months in advance. Mo needs to follow the websites of the Japan Food Service Association and other relevant bodies.

• Visa Application:

  • Certificate of Eligibility: 6,000 JPY (5,500 JPY for online application).

  • Visa Application: Free, but service fees may apply if using an agency.

Q8: What is Mo's overall timeline for obtaining the Specified Skills Visa?

A: Assuming Mo starts preparing in September 2025, his projected timeline is as follows:

• September 2025 - March 2026 (6 months): Learning Japanese, aiming for JLPT N4, and taking local or online courses.

• March 2026: Registering for the July 2026 JLPT N4 exam.

• July 2026: Taking the JLPT N4 exam and obtaining the passing certificate.

• August - October 2026: Preparing for the food service specified skills evaluation test, planning his trip to Japan, and applying for a tourist visa.

• November 2026: Taking the specified skills exam in Japan and obtaining the passing certificate.

• December 2026 - January 2027: Signing an employment contract with a Japanese host company and applying for the Certificate of Eligibility (1-2 months).

• February 2027: After receiving the COE, applying for the visa at the Japanese embassy in China; approval takes about one week.

• March 2027: Entering Japan and beginning work in the food service industry.

The entire process is expected to take about 1.5 years, with the exact timing depending on his progress in Japanese, passing the exams, and signing the employment contract.

Q9: What are some important points for Mo to pay attention to?

A:

• Passport Validity: His passport should be valid upon entry into Japan, so it's best to have plenty of time remaining on it.

• Document Preparation: All documents must be valid within three months of issuance. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the application.

• Choosing a Reliable Agency: If using an agency for visa or exam procedures, he should choose one accredited by the Japanese embassy.

• Exam Schedule: Specified skills exams are held periodically, so he needs to check the information in advance and plan accordingly.

Q10: What are the advantages for Mo of working in Japan with a Specified Skills Visa?

A:

• Stable Employment: He can legally work in Japan for up to five years and gain valuable experience in the food service industry.

• Potential for Long-Term Residency: By transitioning to a Specified Skills Visa (Type 2) or obtaining a relevant qualification, he may be able to apply for permanent residency or bring his family to Japan.

• Higher Income: Japan's minimum wage is higher than China's, and the expected monthly salary in the food service industry is 200,000-300,000 JPY.

• Cultural Experience: Living in Japan will allow him to deeply learn the culture and language and broaden his international perspective.

Additional Note: The information above is based on the situation as of September 2025. For the latest exam schedules and visa requirements, please check the official websites of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (https://www.moj.go.jp), the Japanese Embassy in China (https://www.cn.emb-japan.go.jp), and the JLPT official website (https://jlpt.neea.edu.cn). For detailed information about the Specified Skills Visa, it is recommended to consult with a professional agency or the host company.