The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1 residence period is granted in one of three lengths depending on the sector and circumstances: 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months. Repeat renewals are permitted for a combined maximum of 5 years. However, each renewal requires a fresh application, and the number of refusals due to incomplete documentation or unmet requirements has been increasing in recent years. Both receiving companies and SSW workers themselves need to start preparing early and ensure their documents are accurate.
Overview of the SSW Category 1 Renewal Application
· Applications may be submitted up to 3 months before the residence period expires
· We recommend applying 2–3 months in advance to allow sufficient time
· Standard processing time after submission: approximately 2–4 weeks (longer during busy periods)
· If the application is submitted before expiry, the worker may continue working under the "special extension period" (特例期間) while awaiting the decision
Key Documents Required for Renewal
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay (ISA standard form)
- Passport and residence card (originals for inspection)
- Current SSW employment contract and terms of employment
- Support plan (or, if outsourced, the delegation agreement with the Registered Support Organization)
- Report on support implementation filed with the ISA within the past year
- Company certificate of registered matters (within 3 months)
- Most recent year's financial statements
- Proof of valid membership in the relevant sectoral council
- Tax and social insurance compliance certificates
- Foreign national's certificate of residence or residence card copy
Common Reasons for Renewal Refusals
-
Unpaid sectoral council membership fees
Receiving companies must maintain active, paid membership in their sector's designated council. Arrears in council fees have resulted in refusals. -
Support plan not actually carried out
Regular interviews (at least once per quarter), life orientation sessions, and consultation support must be conducted and documented. If they haven't been done — or if no records exist — the plan is deemed unimplemented. -
Failure to file required notifications
Various notifications to the ISA are required on an ongoing basis (e.g., regular status reports, notifications of organizational changes). Filing late or not at all can result in refusal. -
Employment conditions below legal standards
Compensation significantly lower than that of Japanese workers in equivalent roles, or working hours that are excessive, can lead to refusal. -
Document errors or omissions
Missing documents, inconsistencies in application forms, or inadequate Japanese translations are frequent triggers for refusal. -
Company-side compliance failures
Failure to enroll in employment insurance or social insurance, or issues with tax filings, can affect the renewal outcome.
Key Points for Renewal Applications
- Record your residence expiry date and begin preparing 2–3 months in advance.
- Keep ongoing documentation of support plan activities (interview records, emails, etc.).
- Maintain current membership status and fee payments with your sectoral council.
- Confirm that the employment contract (compensation, hours, duties) aligns with the SSW activity scope.
- Have an authorized administrative scrivener review documents before submission.
How Sakura Central Legal Office Can Help
We handle SSW Category 1 renewal applications, support plan reviews, and notification preparation as an authorized filing agent. Whether your renewal is approaching, you were flagged for document issues previously, or you need help selecting a Registered Support Organization, contact us for a free initial consultation.
For SSW Category 1 renewal applications, contact Sakura Central Legal Office.
Free initial consultation available.