Update β April 8, 2024: On March 29, 2024, the Japanese government resolved to further expand the coverage of the Specified Skilled Worker program by expanding the program to four additional industries (for a new total of 16 industries) where there are strong demands for foreign employees due to acute labor shortages. The new sectors included are: automotive transportation, railroads, forestry and timber.
July 24, 2023: The Japanese government approved the addition of nine more industries to those eligible to offer the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (SSW-2) visa to qualified foreign nationals. Set to be implemented later this year following a public consultation phase, this change aims to attract and retain skilled foreign workers long-term to address Japan's labor shortage. Once implemented, applicants from expanded industries, including aviation, agriculture, electronics and information, food service, and others, will be eligible for the SSW-2 status. This permit allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Japan indefinitely, sponsor dependents, and eventually apply for permanent residence.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazilβs offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Work authorization
Senior Manager Katharina VorlΓ€nder examines how Germanyβs strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of thirdβcountry nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EUβs Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canadaβs entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOLβs proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazilβs offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Work authorization
Senior Manager Katharina VorlΓ€nder examines how Germanyβs strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of thirdβcountry nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EUβs Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canadaβs entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOLβs proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior outlines key compliance considerations for UK hospitality sponsors as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler said proposed H-1B and PERM wage increases could raise hiring costs and apply only to new and pending applications.
Work authorization
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores the latest UK immigration fee increases and their wider implications for migration trends, labour supply and workforce planning.