Preparation Description

If you're preparing for a nursing care job in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, here’s a complete guide:

Understand the SSW (Care Worker) Category

• One of the 12 fields under the SSW (i) visa
• Offers a 5-year renewable stay
• No academic degree required, but language & skill tests are mandatory
• Cannot bring family under SSW (i)

Language Preparation (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)

• JLPT N4: Basic grammar, reading, listening
• JFT-Basic: Equivalent to A2 CEFR

Recommended:

• Study hiragana, katakana, and \~300 kanji
• Learn workplace vocabulary (e.g., body parts, daily tasks, elder care terms)
• Use textbooks like: Minna no Nihongo, Try! N4, JFT-Basic Official Sample Tests
• Apps: Anki, JLPT Sensei, Jisho.org, Marugoto A2

Care Worker Skills Test (Kaigo Gino Shiken - 介護技能測定試験)

• Tests practical knowledge & workplace understanding
• Topics include: Mobility & transfer assistance, Hygiene care, Emergency response, Basic communication with patients
• Test is available in multiple languages, including English & Nepali

Join a Certified Training Center or Language Institute

• Many institutions offer integrated language + care skills training
• Some are linked with Japanese employers or support organizations
• Popular in Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.

Prepare Required Documents

• Valid Passport
• JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic Certificate
• Care Worker Skills Test Certificate
• Resume (in Japanese)
• Medical certificate  

Connect with a Registered Support Organization (RSO)

They handle:

• Job matching with Japanese employers
• COE (Certificate of Eligibility) application
• Visa application
• Airport pickup & accommodation setup
• Workplace orientation in Japan

Visa Application & Departure

• Submit the visa form to the Japanese embassy with the COE
• Attend pre-departure briefing
• Travel to Japan
• Register at the city office, get health insurance, and start working

Summary Timeline (Average 6–10 months)

• 3–6 months: Language + skill training
• 1–2 months: Exam registration and certification
• 2–3 months: Job matching, visa process, and deployment