Introduction

Recently, there has been increasing focus on the “Specified Skilled Worker” status of residence for expanding the acceptance of foreign workers in Japan. Many aspiring applicants wonder: “Is passing only the skills exam sufficient to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status?” or “Is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) always necessary?” This article explains in detail the relationship between the skills test and language test, as well as exceptions, based on the latest government sources.

What is Specified Skilled Worker (i)?

The Specified Skilled Worker (i) status, newly established in 2019, allows foreign nationals with ready-to-work skills to be employed in 16 designated industrial fields. Main eligibility criteria include “18 years or older,” “being in good health,” “passing the field-specific skills test,” and a Japanese language ability of JLPT N4 level (or JFT-Basic A2 equivalent) or higher.

Essential Requirements: Skills Test and Japanese Language Exam

• Skills Test: Applicants must pass a skills test set for each field of work.
• Japanese Language Exam: Passing either the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at N4 or higher or the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic) at A2 level or higher is mandatory.
• If either of these is missing, the “Specified Skilled Worker” status of residence is generally not granted.

Exception: Completion of Technical Intern Training (ii)

Those who have “successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii)” may be exempted from all or part of the skills and/or Japanese language test. When changing status, if the newly intended field relates to the field in which training was completed, the language test may be waived.

Official Information and Recent Updates

• Guidelines and FAQs from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are the most reliable references for requirements.
• Detailed requirements or exceptional operations are subject to regular review and revision; always refer to the latest publications from government authorities.

Case Example

For example, suppose Mr. A passes a skills test in the construction sector but has not acquired JLPT N4. Under the current system, Mr. A generally cannot apply for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status. However, if he previously completed Technical Intern Training (ii) satisfactorily, exemption from the Japanese language test may apply (checking the detailed requirements is necessary in this case as well).

Conclusion

Passing only the skills test does not make you eligible to apply for the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status. As a rule, both the skills and Japanese language exams (N4 or above) are required. However, part of the requirements may be waived for those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) satisfactorily. As procedures and exceptions are regularly updated, always refer to official government websites and proceed based on the most accurate information available.