What Are the Benefits of Changing from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)?
For foreign nationals currently working under Specified Skilled Worker (i), changing to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) can be an important option for working in Japan on a long-term basis and living together with their family.
In particular, Specified Skilled Worker (ii) offers the following major advantages:
📌 You are no longer subject to the support plan required for Specified Skilled Worker (i)
📌 If the requirements are met, you can bring your spouse and children to Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan also explains that Specified Skilled Worker (ii) holders are not subject to the same support requirements as Specified Skilled Worker (i) holders and are permitted to bring eligible family members to Japan.
① You Can Change from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker (i) is a status of residence for foreign nationals who possess skills requiring a considerable degree of knowledge or experience in a specified industry field.
In contrast, Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is intended for foreign nationals who possess a higher level of proficient skills.
Therefore, simply working under Specified Skilled Worker (i) for a certain period does not automatically qualify you to change to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
Depending on the industry, applicants must meet requirements such as:
✅ Passing the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Evaluation Test or other required examinations
✅ Having the required practical work experience
✅ Meeting any additional requirements for the relevant industry
After satisfying the applicable requirements, you must submit an Application for Change of Status of Residence to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
② Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Has No Five-Year Limit on the Total Period of Stay
One of the main features of Specified Skilled Worker (i) is that the total period of stay is generally limited to five years.
In contrast, the period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is generally granted for 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 6 months, and there is no limit on the number of extensions.
③ Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Does Not Require Support from a Registered Support Organization
This is one of the major differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
Under Specified Skilled Worker (i), the accepting organization is required to prepare and implement a support plan for the Specified Skilled Worker (i).
If the accepting organization is unable to provide the required support properly on its own, it may outsource all of the support services to a Registered Support Organization.
In contrast, Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is not subject to the support plan required for Specified Skilled Worker (i).
💼 For companies that outsource support to a Registered Support Organization, this may also provide a practical benefit, as monthly support service fees may be reduced after the worker changes to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
However, changing to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) does not mean that all obligations and notification requirements for the accepting organization disappear. The organization must continue to comply with the procedures and requirements applicable to a Specified Skilled Worker Accepting Organization.
④ Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Allows You to Bring Your Family to Japan
Another major difference is the ability to bring family members to Japan.
Under Specified Skilled Worker (i), bringing family members to Japan is generally not permitted.
In contrast, holders of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) may bring the following family members to Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence, provided the applicable requirements are met:
✅ Spouse
✅ Children
For example:
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
The worker → Works in Japan
Spouse and children → Live in their home country
🔽 Change to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
The worker → Works in Japan
＋
Spouse and children → Can live in Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence
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