A licensed immigration lawyer
Your visa is handled by a Japanese Gyoseishoshi (licensed administrative lawyer) with more than 20 years of international and immigration practice.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa · For Africa
Your gateway to working in Japan
We guide you from your first Japanese lesson to the SSW visa, then help you find a home and settle into work in Japan. A licensed Japanese immigration lawyer and African coordinators from Niger and Ghana support you in English and French.
- 20+ years in immigration law
- Coordinators from Niger & Ghana
- English · Français · 日本語
How it works
Three steps to your new life in Japan
One team stays with you through every step, so you never have to deal with strangers or brokers.
- 1
Learn Japanese to N4
Start from zero. Our beginner course takes you from hiragana to the JLPT N4 level required for the SSW visa, with explanations in English or French.
About the course - 2
Apply for the SSW visa
After you pass the Japanese and skills tests and receive a job offer, our immigration lawyer prepares your documents and application.
About the SSW visa - 3
Live and work in Japan
We help with your arrival, housing, city-hall procedures and job search, and stay available for advice after you start working.
About life support
Why us
Why people from Africa choose us
African coordinators
Our coordinators from Niger and Ghana understand your culture and your questions, and explain every step in French or English.
Made for complete beginners
Never studied Japanese? That is normal. The course is designed for people learning Japanese for the very first time.
Honest and transparent
We tell you clearly what is possible, how long it takes and what it costs. No false promises, no hidden fees.
The SSW visa
What is the Specified Skilled Worker visa?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW, “Tokutei Ginou”) visa allows foreign workers to be employed directly by Japanese companies in fields that need more workers. To get SSW (i), you usually need to pass a Japanese test (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic) and a skills test for your field.
Rules and fields may change. We always check the latest official information for you.
Learn more about the SSW visaFields open to SSW (i) — 16 fields (as of 2024)
- Nursing care
- Building cleaning
- Industrial manufacturing
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Automobile repair
- Aviation
- Accommodation (hotels)
- Agriculture
- Fishery
- Food & beverage manufacturing
- Food service (restaurants)
- Automobile transportation
- Railway
- Forestry
- Wood industry
Is this for you?
You may be a good candidate if…
- You are 18 years old or older
- You are in good health and ready to work full-time
- You can study Japanese about 2–3 hours a day for around 6 months
- You have (or can get) a valid passport
- You want to build a career in Japan over several years
Not sure? Ask us. The first consultation is free.
Be careful of visa scams
Some brokers promise “guaranteed visas” and ask for large payments. Please remember:
- No one can guarantee a Japanese visa. The decision belongs to the Japanese government.
- Under the SSW rules, you must not be made to pay a “guarantee deposit” or sign a contract with penalty fees.
- Your employer or agent must never keep your passport or residence card.
- Always ask for a written explanation of fees before paying anything.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I have never studied Japanese. Can I still apply?
Yes. Most of our students start from zero. With steady study of about 2–3 hours a day, many beginners can reach the N4 level in about 6 months, although it depends on each person.
Where can I take the JLPT or JFT-Basic test?
The JLPT is held in many African countries, usually once or twice a year. JFT-Basic is a computer-based test available in some countries. We check the latest schedule for your country.
Can you find me a job in Japan?
We support your job search and help you prepare for interviews. We are preparing to obtain a licence for job placement services; job introductions will start once it is granted. The SSW visa requires a direct employment contract with a Japanese company.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on your Japanese level, your field and the test schedule. As a guide, allow about 6 months to reach N4 and several more months for tests, job matching and the visa.
Can my family come with me?
With SSW (i), family members generally cannot accompany you. With SSW (ii), you may be able to bring your spouse and children.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the services you need. We explain all costs in writing during the free consultation, before you decide anything.
Take the first step today
Tell us about yourself and your goals. Our team will reply in English or French.