Overview
When hiring foreign talent in Japan, choosing the correct visa category is critical. Two commonly used options are the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.
This article explains the key differences, use cases, and compliance considerations for each.
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities Visa
Best For:
- IT engineers
- System developers
- Engineers, analysts, consultants
- Office-based professional roles
Key Characteristics:
- Academic or professional background required
- Long-term employment suitability
- Flexible career progression
- No mandatory RSO support
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
Best For:
- Operational and skilled labor roles
- Manufacturing, food service, caregiving, logistics, etc.
Key Characteristics:
- Skill test or experience-based eligibility
- Requires Registered Support Organization (RSO) support
- Strict compliance and reporting obligations
- Designed to address labor shortages
Important Compliance Considerations
- Incorrect visa usage can lead to penalties or hiring restrictions
- RSO support is mandatory for SSW hires
- Companies must ensure proper onboarding, monitoring, and reporting
Conclusion
Selecting the right visa depends on:
- Job role
- Required skill level
- Employment duration
- Internal compliance capacity
JRF Recruit guides visa selection and offers SSW recruitment and RSO support, ensuring legal and operational compliance for hiring companies.