🌐 Latest News on Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSW)
shuttle5564204As of mid-2025, significant updates have been made to Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, especially in the automotive maintenance field. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Expansion of SSW Fields
On March 29, 2024, Japan added four new industries—including automotive transportation, railways, forestry, and lumber—to the SSW Type 1 visa eligibility, raising the total to 16 fields :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
2. Launch of SSW Type 2 for Automotive Mechanics
From July 16, 2024, the SSW Type 2 exam in the automotive mechanic field officially began in Japan :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 allows indefinite stays and even family accompaniment for passing candidates.
3. Details of Automotive Maintenance Field
The automotive sector under SSW now covers a broad range of tasks:
- Daily and periodic inspections
- Engine, brake, and transmission repairs
- Electrical system work and body painting
- For SSW Type 2: advanced diagnostic and supervisory roles :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. New CBT Format for Transportation Exams
Starting March 3, 2025, the SSW Type 1 exam for the automotive transportation field moved to a CBT (Computer-Based Test) format, making testing easier and more accessible worldwide :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
5. Enhanced Employer and Community Support
From April 1, 2025, accepting organizations have new responsibilities:
- Collaborate with local governments
- Develop community integration plans for SSW Type 1 workers
- Support multicultural coexistence at the workplace :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
6. Growth in SSW Numbers
The number of Type 1 SSW visa holders reached nearly 207,000 by end of 2024, a 50% year-on-year increase. Additionally, the total SSW population was around 284,000 by the end of 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
🔍 What This Means for You as a Foreign Mechanic
- Broader opportunities: SSW Type 2 allows indefinite stay and family accompaniment—ideal for long-term career planning.
- More pathways: CBT exams offer flexible testing options in many countries.
- Supportive ecosystem: Employers now collaborate with communities to help you adjust and thrive.
With these updates, Japan is clearly moving toward a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable system for foreign workers in the automotive industry. If you’re aiming to come as a Specified Skilled Worker, this is the time to prepare!
Stay tuned to our blog for updates on exam schedules, test preparation tips, and visa guidance. Also, check other articles such as Automotive Skill Test Guide or Mechanic Salary in Japan.
