2026.07.31

#VOL.09 #careerpath #NEW

Regarding Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ), we often hear from Host Companies "I don't understand what the system is," and "I want to know more, but who should I ask?" In this section, we answer frequently asked questions from companies supporting foreign workers aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ), in the clearest way possible. Please use this as a reference.

You can gain experience as a team leader within the company.
What if the environment is not available?

Our company is small, and there are limited opportunities to gain experience as a team leader. What should we do?
Team leader experience doesn't have to be gained solely within your own company. It's common for skilled workers from multiple companies to work together on construction sites. Experience as a team leader or foreman, guiding skilled workers from other companies and managing the process, counts towards practical work experience, regardless of whether it's within or outside your company. For foreigners aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ) visas, consider assigning them to sites where they can gain team leader experience.

The required number of working experience days
Where can I find out?

Where can I find out how many days of practical experience are required to serve as a foreman or team leader?
If Construction Career Up System (CCUS) has established competency evaluation criteria for each job category, refer to the "working days (foreman + team leader)" equivalent to Level 3. For job categories where evaluation criteria have not been established, the requirement is 3 years (645 working days) or more. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism website also provides a list for each job category, so it is recommended to check the relevant job category.Where can I find out how many days of work experience are required?

Number of people to accept
Is there an upper limit?

Is there a limit to the number of Specified Skilled Worker (ii)?
There is no upper limit. The "expected number of accepted workers" set for each field applies only to Specified Skilled Worker (i) and does not apply to Specified Skilled Worker (ii). The fact that the system is designed to make it easy to actively accept personnel who can contribute for a long time is a major advantage for companies.

When I switch to version 2
Can I cancel my JAC membership?

If all of our foreign employees transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ), can we withdraw our membership from JAC?
No, you cannot withdraw your membership. Membership in JAC is required to utilize Specified Skilled Worker System, regardless of whether you are a Type 1 or Type 2 visa holder. The documents required for changing your residence status to Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ) also clearly state that you must belong to JAC (or a regular member organization) and adhere to their code of conduct. Please double-check this before proceeding with the residence status change procedure.If I switch to membership number 2, can I cancel my JAC membership?

As a company, we want to obtain Category 2 certification.
How can we provide support?

Our foreign employees are aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ). What kind of initiatives are necessary for our company?
There are two main types of support needed to meet the requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (ⅱ): ① Creating opportunities for guidance and training so that workers can gain on-site experience as team leaders. ② Providing support for passing the "The Specified Skills (ii) Evaluation Exam for Construction Industry" or the "Grade 1 of the National Trade Skill Test & Certification." Since the test is in Japanese, support for test preparation is important in addition to daily language learning. The level of involvement from the company greatly affects the individual's chances of passing.How can a company support its employees in obtaining Category 2 certification?

Key points for Specified Skilled Worker (i) and No. 2

Status of Residence Specified Skilled Worker (i) Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Period of stay Up to a total of 5 years No limit on updates
skill level Passing the "The Specified Skills (i) Evaluation Exam for Construction Industry" or "Skills Proficiency Test Level 3" conducted by JAC
(Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in the construction field are exempt from the examination.)
Practical experience as a team leader, etc. + passing the "The Specified Skills (ii) Evaluation Exam for Construction Industry" or "Grade 1 of the National Trade Skill Test & Certification (equivalent)" conducted by JAC.
Japanese
competency level
Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (equivalent to A2 or higher)" or the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or higher)"
(Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are exempt from the examination.)
No verification through tests or other means is required.
family
Accompanying
In principle not allowed Possible
(Spouse, child)

Issue

Visionista / VOL.092026 | Summer

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