SSW (i) is the entry tier of the Specified Skilled Worker system — up to 5 years in total, no family sponsorship, but with a legally required support package from your employer. Its real value is as a launchpad toward SSW (ii) or another status.
Key facts
- Total stay
- 5 years (hard cap)
- Renewal periods
- 4 months / 6 months / 1 year
- Family
- Not permitted
- Employer support plan
- Legally mandatory
- Part-time / second job
- Not permitted
Where SSW (i) sits in the system
SSW (i) is the standard entry point of the Specified Skilled Worker system: field exam + JLPT N4 / JFT-Basic gets you in, and the status is renewed in short periods (4 months to 1 year) up to a lifetime total of five years.
The support plan is your safety net — use it
Uniquely among Japanese work visas, SSW (i) legally obliges the employer to support your life setup: housing, bank account, orientation, Japanese learning and a consultation window in a language you understand. If any of this is missing — or if you are being charged for it — report it to the Immigration Services Agency. Employers who cut corners on the support plan tend to cut corners on contracts too.
Play the 5 years strategically
The cap makes SSW (i) a phase, not a destination. Realistic exits, roughly in order of popularity:
- SSW (ii) — pass the advanced field exam; removes the time cap and allows family. See SSW (ii) in detail.
- A different status — a degree or diploma earned before or during opens gijinkoku; caregivers can take the national license route.
- Return with capital and experience — also a legitimate plan; five Japanese salary years compound well at home.
Start preparing the exit from year one, not year four — exam seats and study time are the bottleneck.
Common mistakes & warnings
- The 5-year clock counts total SSW (i) time, not time per employer. Changing jobs does not reset it.
- Long gaps between jobs are risky — being out of work for several months without justification can prevent renewal.
- Your employer (or a registered support organization) must provide the support plan for free. Being billed for "support fees" is a red flag.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the mandatory support plan?
Ten items set by law, including airport pickup, housing support, life orientation, help opening a bank account, Japanese learning opportunities and a consultation contact in a language you understand.
What happens when my 5 years end?
You must switch to another status — most commonly SSW (ii) by passing the advanced exam, or another visa you now qualify for. If nothing fits, you return home; SSW (i) time alone does not qualify you for permanent residency.
Can I study while on SSW (i)?
You can study on your own time (many workers prepare for JLPT or the SSW (ii) exam), but you cannot enroll as a full-time student — that requires changing to a student visa.
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency — SSW portal (2026-07-16)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.