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LONG-TERM PATH AND CONCLUSION
Beyond SSW Type 1: Your Path to Staying in Japan Long-Term
The SSW Type 1 visa gives you 5 years. But what happens after that? Do you have to go home? Not necessarily.
Japan has created a clear pathway for workers who want to build a permanent life in the country. Here’s how it works.
Option 1: Upgrade to SSW Type 2
If you’ve been working in Japan under SSW Type 1 and you’ve developed advanced skills in your field, you can take the SSW Type 2 proficiency test. If you pass, your visa status upgrades to SSW Type 2, which gives you:
- Unlimited stay — there’s no cap on how long you can remain in Japan
- Family reunification — you can bring your spouse and children to live with you
- Path to permanent residency — after several years on SSW Type 2, you can apply for permanent resident status
Currently, SSW Type 2 is available in 11 of the 16 SSW fields, including construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, agriculture, and nursing care. The government is expected to expand this list further.
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Option 2: Transition to a Different Visa Category
If you develop specialized skills or get promoted to a supervisory role, your employer may be able to sponsor you for a different visa category, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa. This is a more traditional work visa with fewer restrictions.
Option 3: The New “Employment for Skill Development” Program (Starting 2027)
Japan is phasing out the old Technical Intern Training Program and replacing it with a new system called “Employment for Skill Development” (ESD). This new program will serve as an entry point into the SSW system, creating an even smoother pathway: ESD → SSW Type 1 → SSW Type 2 → Permanent Residency.
The Japanese government has made it very clear: they don’t just want temporary workers. They want people who will stay, contribute, and become part of Japanese society. The policies are moving in your favor.
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How Many Filipino Workers Are Already in Japan?
As of 2025, there are over 300,000 Filipinos living and working in Japan, making the Philippines one of the largest foreign communities in the country. Filipinos are widely respected in Japan for their work ethic, English proficiency, and adaptability.
You won’t be alone. There are Filipino communities, Filipino stores, Filipino churches, and Filipino social groups in virtually every major city and industrial area in Japan. The support network is already there waiting for you.
The Bottom Line
Japan is not just offering jobs. It’s offering a chance to transform your financial future, gain international experience, and potentially build a permanent new life in one of the safest, cleanest, and most technologically advanced countries in the world.
The window is open right now. The Japanese government has committed to accepting over 1.2 million foreign workers in the coming years. The SSW visa program is the most accessible it has ever been. And Filipino workers are among the most sought-after in the program.
But nothing happens unless you take the first step.
Start studying Japanese today. Register for the JLPT or NAT-TEST. Check the DMW website for accredited agencies. And begin your application process.
Your future in Japan is waiting — but the slots won’t wait forever.
Quick Reference: Useful Links
- DMW (Department of Migrant Workers): dmw.gov.ph — verify agencies and find approved job orders
- SSW Official Support Website: ssw.go.jp/en — test schedules, industry information, and program details
- Embassy of Japan in the Philippines: ph.emb-japan.go.jp — visa application information
- Prometric Philippines: prometric.com — register for SSW skills proficiency tests
- JLPT Registration: jlpt.jp — Japanese Language Proficiency Test schedule and registration
This article was last updated in February 2026. Visa requirements and salary figures are subject to change. Always verify current information with official government sources before making any decisions.
