Can You Bring Your Family to Japan on a Specified Skilled Worker Visa? SSW1 vs. SSW2
Aung Khant· Career Advisor
|·12 min read
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Can You Bring Your Family to Japan on a Specified Skilled Worker Visa? SSW1 vs. SSW2
For Myanmar nationals working in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能 / Tokutei Ginou) status, one of the most important questions is: “Can I bring my family to Japan?”
The answer mainly depends on whether you hold Specified Skilled Worker (i), also known as SSW1, or Specified Skilled Worker (ii), also known as SSW2.
As a general rule, SSW1 does not allow workers to bring their spouse or children to Japan under the Family Stay status.
On the other hand, SSW2 allows eligible workers to bring their spouse and children to Japan under the Family Stay status, provided they meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Therefore, if you are working in Japan under the Tokutei Ginou system and plan to live in Japan with your family in the future, it is important to understand which type of SSW status you have.
Important: Obtaining SSW2 does not automatically give your family Family Stay status. Each eligible family member must apply separately and meet the applicable immigration requirements.
Can You Bring Your Family to Japan with SSW1?
Generally, no.
Specified Skilled Worker (i), or SSW1, is a status of residence for foreign workers who have the skills and knowledge required to work in designated fields in Japan.
The total period of stay under SSW1 is generally limited to five years. During this period, workers under SSW1 are generally not permitted to bring their spouse or children to Japan under the Family Stay status.
Therefore, you should not assume that having a Tokutei Ginou status automatically means you can bring your family to Japan.
If you are currently working in Japan under SSW1 and hope to live with your family in Japan in the future, it is worth considering whether you may be able to change to another status of residence, depending on your circumstances and career path.
Can You Bring Your Family to Japan with SSW2?
Yes, in principle.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii), or SSW2, is a status of residence for foreign workers who have more advanced or proficient skills in their respective fields.
Workers who obtain SSW2 and meet the relevant requirements may apply to bring their spouse and children to Japan under the Family Stay status.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan also states that family accompaniment is permitted for eligible SSW2 holders.
However, Family Stay is not granted automatically. Family members must submit the required applications and meet the applicable immigration requirements.
Which Family Members Can You Bring?
Under the Family Stay system, the family members who can generally accompany an eligible SSW2 holder are:
Spouse
Children
The spouse and children must meet the relevant requirements and apply for their own Family Stay status.
Other relatives, such as:
Parents
Brothers and sisters
Other relatives
Should not be assumed to be automatically eligible for Family Stay under an SSW2 holder’s status.
What Is the Difference Between SSW1 and SSW2?
Both SSW1 and SSW2 are statuses of residence that allow foreign nationals to work in designated fields in Japan. However, they differ in terms of skill level, length of stay, and family accompaniment.
SSW1 is intended for workers who have the skills and knowledge required to work in their designated field. The total period of stay is generally limited to five years, and family accompaniment is generally not permitted under the Family Stay status.
SSW2, on the other hand, is intended for workers with a higher level of skill in their field. There is no upper limit on the total period of stay under SSW2, provided that the worker continues to meet the requirements and successfully renews their status of residence. In addition, eligible SSW2 holders may apply to bring their spouse and children to Japan under the Family Stay status.
In simple terms, the major difference is that SSW1 is designed for workers with the required skills for designated jobs, while SSW2 is for workers with more advanced skills and provides a pathway for longer-term residence, including the possibility of living in Japan with eligible family members.
For people who want to build a long-term life in Japan with their family, it is important to understand whether their field offers an SSW2 pathway and what requirements they would need to meet.
How Long Can You Stay in Japan Under SSW1 and SSW2?
Under SSW1, the total period of stay is generally limited to five years.
SSW2, however, has no upper limit on the total period of stay.
This does not mean that an SSW2 holder receives permanent residence automatically or that they never need to renew their status.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, an individual SSW2 period of stay can be 3 years, 2 years, 1 year, or 6 months. The status must be renewed when the authorized period expires.
The key difference is that SSW2 does not have the same overall five-year maximum that applies to SSW1.
Can You Bring Your Family After Changing from SSW1 to SSW2?
Yes, if you successfully obtain SSW2 and meet the relevant requirements.
However, changing from SSW1 to SSW2 is not automatic.
SSW2 requires a higher level of skill, so you need to check whether SSW2 is available in your particular field and whether you meet the applicable requirements, such as:
Required skill level
Skill examinations, where applicable
Relevant work experience
Field-specific qualifications or requirements
Immigration requirements
You should also not assume that reaching five years under SSW1 automatically qualifies you for SSW2.
SSW2 is a separate status of residence with its own requirements. Eligibility depends on your field and whether you meet the requirements established for SSW2.
Once you obtain SSW2, eligible family members can separately apply for Family Stay.
What Do You Need to Obtain SSW2?
SSW2 is based on a higher level of professional skill than SSW1.
The requirements can vary depending on the field. Depending on the specific field and current regulations, applicants may need to meet requirements related to:
Skill level
Skill tests
Work experience
Relevant qualifications or standards
Immigration requirements
Japanese-language requirements should also not be assumed to be exactly the same for every SSW1 and SSW2 situation. Applicants should check the current requirements applicable to their specific field.
Because the requirements can change, it is important to check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
Does SSW2 Have an Unlimited Period of Stay?
SSW2 has no upper limit on the total period of stay.
However, this does not mean that you can stay in Japan indefinitely without renewing your status.
The authorized period of stay for SSW2 can be 3 years, 2 years, 1 year, or 6 months, and you must apply for an extension when your current period expires.
The important point is that, unlike SSW1, SSW2 does not have a five-year maximum total period of stay.
What Should You Know If You Want to Bring Your Family to Japan?
1. Check Your SSW Type
First, check your Status of Residence.
Your Residence Card should indicate whether you hold:
特定技能1号 — Specified Skilled Worker (i)
特定技能2号 — Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
Knowing your SSW type is important because the rules regarding family accompaniment are different.
2. SSW2 Does Not Automatically Give Your Family Family Stay
SSW2 is a status of residence that can allow eligible workers to bring their family to Japan.
However, your spouse and children must apply separately for Family Stay and meet the relevant immigration requirements.
3. Not Every Family Member Is Eligible
Under the normal Family Stay framework for SSW2 holders, the eligible family members are generally spouse and children.
Parents, siblings, and other relatives should not be assumed to be eligible for Family Stay simply because the worker holds SSW2.
4. Check the Latest Immigration Requirements
Japanese immigration rules and procedures can be revised.
Therefore, before applying to bring your family to Japan, check the latest information and requirements published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
The SSW system and related guidance continue to be updated, so using current official information is important when making plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family to Japan with SSW1?
Generally, no.
SSW1 generally does not allow workers to bring their spouse or children to Japan under the Family Stay status. The total period of stay under SSW1 is also generally limited to five years.
Can I bring my family to Japan with SSW2?
Yes, if the requirements are met.
An eligible SSW2 holder may apply to bring their spouse and children to Japan under the Family Stay status. However, family members must apply separately and meet the relevant requirements.
Can I bring my parents to Japan under Tokutei Ginou?
Generally, parents are not included in the normal Family Stay category for SSW2 holders.
The Family Stay system generally covers the spouse and children of an eligible SSW2 holder. Therefore, you should not assume that your parents can automatically obtain Family Stay status.
Can I bring my family after changing from SSW1 to SSW2?
Yes, potentially.
If you meet the requirements and successfully obtain SSW2, your eligible spouse and children may apply for Family Stay.
However, changing from SSW1 to SSW2 is not automatic, and Family Stay is also not granted automatically.
Do I automatically get SSW2 after completing five years under SSW1?
No.
Completing five years under SSW1 does not automatically give you SSW2.
SSW2 is a separate status of residence with its own requirements. You need to check whether SSW2 is available in your field and whether you meet the applicable skill tests, work experience requirements, and other conditions.
Summary
If you are working in Japan under the Tokutei Ginou system and want to bring your family to Japan, understanding the difference between SSW1 and SSW2 is essential.
Specified Skilled Worker (i) – SSW1
Family accompaniment is generally not permitted
Total period of stay is generally limited to 5 years
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) – SSW2
Eligible workers may apply to bring their spouse and children under Family Stay
There is no upper limit on the total period of stay
The individual period of stay must still be renewed when it expires
If you are currently working in Japan under Tokutei Ginou and hope to bring your family to Japan in the future, consider your SSW type, current field, and potential pathway to SSW2 when planning your career.
Because immigration rules and requirements can change, always check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency before making an application.
Find Tokutei Ginou Jobs on iorUp
If you are a Myanmar national looking for Tokutei Ginou jobs in Japan, you can use iorUp to search and explore relevant job opportunities.
You can look for jobs that match your current status of residence and consider your future career plans while thinking about your long-term goals in Japan.
Whether you are looking for your next job or planning a long-term career in Japan, understanding your visa status and possible career pathways can help you make better decisions for your future.
