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REQUIREMENTS
The Requirements — What You Need to Qualify for the SSW Visa
Let’s cut through the noise. Here is exactly what you need to be eligible for the SSW Type 1 visa:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old
There is no upper age limit set by the Japanese government, but realistically, most successful applicants are between 20 and 35. Some industries, especially manufacturing and construction, prefer younger workers — but this is not a hard rule.
2. You must pass a Japanese Language Proficiency Test
This is the requirement that stops most people. But it shouldn’t stop you.
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You need to pass at least JLPT N4 or NAT-TEST Level 4. This is a basic conversational level — you don’t need to be fluent. You need to be able to understand simple everyday Japanese: greetings, directions, basic workplace communication.
Here’s the reality: thousands of Filipinos pass this test every year. If you dedicate 3-6 months to serious study, you can do it. There are free resources, YouTube channels in Tagalog that teach Japanese, and affordable review centers across the Philippines.
The test is offered multiple times per year in the Philippines, usually in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
3. You must pass a Skills Proficiency Test
Each industry has its own skills test. For example:
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- Food Service — You’ll be tested on hygiene, cooking basics, and restaurant operations
- Manufacturing — Tests cover machine operation, quality control, and safety procedures
- Nursing Care — Tests cover basic caregiving skills, communication with patients, and understanding of care plans
- Agriculture — Tests on farming techniques, equipment use, and crop management
- Construction — Safety procedures, basic construction skills, and equipment handling
These tests are available in English or Japanese and are administered by Prometric in the Philippines. You can register online, choose your test date, and take it at authorized testing centers.
4. You need a valid passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of travel to Japan.
5. You need a job offer from a Japanese employer
This is important: you cannot just apply for the SSW visa on your own. You need to have a confirmed job offer from a Japanese company that is registered as an “accepting organization” under the SSW program.
This is where licensed recruitment agencies come in — and we’ll cover how to find legitimate ones (and avoid scams) later in this guide.
6. Medical clearance
You need to undergo a medical examination to confirm you are physically fit for employment. This is standard for all OFW processing.
What you do NOT need:
- A college degree — high school diploma is sufficient for most industries
- Previous work experience in Japan
- Fluent Japanese — basic N4 level is enough for Type 1
[NEXT PAGE: Which Industries Are Hiring the Most — And Which Pay the Best →]
