SSW or TITP — which one fits you?
Japan opened two very different doors to foreign workers. Choosing the right one at the start decides your salary, your freedom to change jobs and whether your family can ever join you.
| SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) | TITP (Technical Intern Training) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A genuine work visa in officially recognised shortage sectors | A skills-transfer and training programme |
| Pay | Same wage scale as Japanese colleagues doing equivalent work | Trainee-level allowance set under the programme |
| Typical monthly salary | Around ÂĄ180,000 to ÂĄ250,000 | Around ÂĄ140,000 to ÂĄ180,000 |
| Language needed | JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic minimum; N3 preferred for nursing care | Basic Japanese, varies by sending organisation |
| Changing employer | Allowed within the same sector | Restricted to the same employer |
| Family | Not under Type 1; spouse and children allowed under Type 2 | Not allowed |
| Long-term stay | Type 2 is renewable and can lead towards settlement | Not a direct route |
For most Indian candidates we recommend the SSW route. Read the full comparison in our guide: Jobs in Japan for Indians — SSW & TITP visa guide
Sectors that are actively hiring
Japan faces a shortage of roughly 1.5 million workers. These are the sectors where Indian candidates are being placed most consistently.
Nursing care (Kaigo)
Hospitals, care homes and home-visit care — the largest and most stable demand, N3 preferred.
Food service & hospitality
Restaurants, catering, hotels and accommodation across every major city.
Manufacturing & machinery
Machine parts, industrial machinery, electronics and electrical equipment.
Construction & building
Site work, finishing trades and building cleaning management.
Automobile maintenance
Repair, servicing and inspection roles in a huge domestic vehicle market.
Agriculture & food processing
Farming, fishery, aquaculture and food and beverage manufacturing.
Your Japanese, level by level
Employers do not just check your certificate — they check whether you can follow instructions and read safety signage. Our batches are built for both.
Foundation
Hiragana, katakana, core kanji and simple everyday conversation.
Visa-ready
The minimum bar for most SSW sectors, with workplace vocabulary and listening practice.
JFT-Basic route
An alternative accepted test for SSW, useful when it suits your exam calendar better.
Care-work edge
Preferred for nursing care roles and a strong advantage in every interview.
The level that actually opens the visa
Most SSW sectors need JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic as the minimum. N3 is preferred for nursing care and is a real advantage in every interview.
Training and placement — not just classes
JLPT & JFT focused batches
Small batches with speaking practice, kanji strategy and mock listening tests every week.
Skills Evaluation Test guidance
Sector-specific preparation so you clear the skills test, not just the language exam.
Employer introductions
Support with your Japanese-format resume, interview etiquette and employer or receiving-organisation interviews.
Certificate of Eligibility & visa
Documentation support through the CoE process and visa stamping.
Pre-departure orientation
Workplace culture, hierarchy, punctuality, waste rules, housing and daily life in Japan.
Support after arrival
Stay connected with our alumni network already working across Japanese prefectures.
Six to twelve months, done properly
Sector selection
We match your background and health requirements to a realistic sector and target visa.
Japanese N5 → N4
Structured classes plus daily digital practice until you are exam-ready.
Exams
JLPT or JFT-Basic, followed by your sector Skills Evaluation Test.
Interview & contract
Employer interview coaching, then your employment contract.
CoE, visa & fly
Certificate of Eligibility, visa stamping, orientation and departure.
Jobs in Japan — your questions
Do I really need Japanese to work in Japan?
Yes. Most SSW sectors require at least JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic, and employers consistently favour candidates who can hold a workplace conversation and read basic kanji on safety signage.
How long does the whole process take?
Most candidates need six months to a year to clear the language and skills exams, secure an employer and complete visa formalities, depending on where they start.
Can I bring my family?
Not under TITP or SSW Type 1. SSW Type 2 permits your spouse and children to join once you qualify for that category.
What are the age and health requirements?
You must be at least 18, in good general health with a clean medical check-up, and without a criminal record. Individual employers may add sector-specific requirements.
Can I change jobs in Japan?
Under SSW you may change employer within the same sector. Under TITP you are generally tied to your host company for the duration of the programme.
Is there a path to permanent residency?
Not through TITP or SSW Type 1. SSW Type 2 has no maximum stay and can lead towards long-term residence, subject to Japan’s standard immigration criteria.
Japan is hiring. Start your Japanese now.
Book a free counselling session and we will map your sector, your exam calendar and the months between today and your flight.