Expansion of the Fields Covered by Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | The 11 Fields That Opened a Path to Permanent Residence
Expansion of the Fields Covered by Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | The 11 Fields That Opened a Path to Permanent Residence
Overview of the Cabinet Decision of June 9, 2023
On June 9, 2023, the government made a Cabinet decision to substantially expand the fields covered by Specified Skilled Worker (ii). Specified Skilled Worker (ii), which had previously covered only the two fields of “construction” and “shipbuilding and ship machinery,” had 9 new fields added, making it possible to obtain (ii) status in a total of 11 fields.
Basis: Amendment of the “Ministerial Ordinance Prescribing the Industrial Fields, etc. Provided in the Right-Hand Column of the Specified Skilled Worker Section of Table 1-2 Appended to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act”
This expansion is a landmark change to the system that opened up a path to permanent residence for many foreign workers.
Comparison of Fields Covered by (ii) Before and After the Expansion
| Field | Before Expansion (through May 2023) | After Expansion (from June 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing care | × | × (*a separate residence status exists) |
| Building cleaning | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Manufacture of industrial products (materials, industrial machinery, electric and electronics) | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Construction | ○ | ○ |
| Shipbuilding and ship machinery | ○ | ○ |
| Automobile maintenance | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Aviation | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Accommodation | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Agriculture | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Fishery | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Manufacture of food and beverages | × | ○ (newly added) |
| Food service | × | ○ (newly added) |
Details of the 9 Newly Added Fields
Building Cleaning
Engaging in cleaning work inside buildings. Under (ii), workers also take on on-site supervision and management duties.
Manufacture of Industrial Products (Materials, Industrial Machinery, Electric and Electronics)
Covers a wide range of manufacturing processes including casting, forging, metal press working, welding, and machining. It is an important field supporting Japanese manufacturing.
Automobile Maintenance
Engaging in daily inspection and maintenance, periodic inspection and maintenance, and specified maintenance of automobiles.
Aviation
Covers airport ground handling (ground movement support work, etc.) and aircraft maintenance.
Accommodation
Covers hotel and inn duties such as front desk, planning and public relations, customer service, and restaurant service.
Agriculture
Covers crop farming (cultivation management, harvesting, etc.) and livestock farming (breeding management, collection and shipping, etc.).
Fishery
Covers fishery (making and repairing fishing gear, catching aquatic animals and plants, etc.) and aquaculture.
Manufacture of Food and Beverages
Engaging in the manufacture and processing of food and beverages, and in safety and hygiene management.
Food Service
Covers a wide range of restaurant duties including cooking, customer service, and store management.
Why the Nursing Care Field Is Not Covered by (ii)
The nursing care field is not included among the fields covered by Specified Skilled Worker (ii). This is because a separate residence status of “Nursing Care” has been established for the nursing care field, under which extension of the period of stay and accompaniment by family members are permitted.
Those aiming for long-term employment in the nursing care field can change to the residence status of “Nursing Care” by obtaining the national qualification of Certified Care Worker.
The Path from (ii) to Permanent Residence
The greatest advantage of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is that it opens a path to applying for permanent residence.
| Step | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Obtain (i) | Pass the skills test and Japanese language test and obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) |
| 2. Accumulate practical experience | Build up to 5 years of practical experience under (i) |
| 3. Pass the (ii) test | Pass the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) evaluation test for the relevant field |
| 4. Change to (ii) | Obtain (ii) status through an application for change of status of residence |
| 5. Reside under (ii) | No limit on the number of extensions of the period of stay; accompaniment by family members also permitted |
| 6. Apply for permanent residence | As a general rule, having resided in Japan continuously for 10 years or more (including 5 years or more with a work-related status) |
Caution: The period of residence under Specified Skilled Worker (i) does count toward the “residing in Japan continuously for 10 years or more” limb of the permanent residence requirement. What it does not count toward is the other limb — “of that period, having resided continuously for 5 years or more under a work-related status (excluding the statuses of Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i)) or a residence-based status”. Ten years under Specified Skilled Worker (i) alone therefore cannot satisfy the requirement; you need to move to (ii) or another work-related status and build up 5 years or more. Time under (ii) counts toward both limbs.
Requirements for Transitioning from (i) to (ii)
To transition from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to (ii), the following requirements must be met.
- Passing the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) evaluation test for the relevant field
- Meeting the practical experience requirement (varies by field)
- Having concluded an employment contract with an accepting organization
- Filing an application for change of status of residence and receiving permission
Details of the (ii) tests for each field can be checked on the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Job Descriptions for Each Field of Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/10_00180.html
Our Support
For consultations regarding Specified Skilled Worker visa applications, trust Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office.
- 98% approval rate
- Languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese
- Free initial consultation
- Serving Chiba, Tokyo, and nationwide (online consultation available)
Related articles
2026 Reform: Higher Immigration Fees | What the ¥100,000 and ¥300,000 Caps Mean
The Immigration Control Act amendment enacted on May 29, 2026 raised the statutory fee ceiling to ¥100,000 for change/extension and ¥300,000 for permanent residence. Actual amounts are still to be set by Cabinet Order.
The Points System in Permanent Residence Screening | Positive Factors and Negative Risks
The factors emphasized in permanent residence screening, sorted into 'positive factors' and 'negative risks.' An Administrative Scrivener explains the points that put your application in a favorable position.
A Complete List of Documents Required for a Permanent Residence Application | Checklist by Category
A complete list of the documents required for a permanent residence application, organized by category. A checklist for preparing personal status, employment, financial, and social insurance documents without omissions.
Applying for Permanent Residence as a Family | Key Points for Simultaneous Applications with a Spouse and Children
Key points when the whole family applies for permanent residence. We explain the requirements for spouses and children, how to calculate household income, and the advantages of applying simultaneously.