SSW Visa vs. TITP: Complete Guide for Workers

If you do not have a Bachelor's Degree but want to work in Japan, you have two primary options: the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa (Tokutei Ginou) and the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) (Ginou Jisshuu). Understanding the difference is critical, as one offers a path to permanent residency, while the other has faced severe human rights criticisms.

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The Big Shift in 2026

The Japanese government has announced plans to eventually abolish the controversial TITP system and replace it entirely with a training system that seamlessly transitions into the SSW Visa. However, both systems currently exist simultaneously.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	SSW Visa (Tokutei Ginou)	TITP (Intern Program)
Purpose	To hire foreign workers to fill severe labor shortages.	Officially: To 'transfer skills' back to developing nations.
Job Change	Allowed (within the same industry sector).	Strictly forbidden. You are tied to one employer.
Language Requirement	Must pass JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.	No official requirement (though basic training is given).
Skill Requirement	Must pass an industry-specific skills test.	None. You learn on the job as a 'trainee'.
Salary Standard	Must be equal to or higher than a Japanese worker.	Often minimum wage or lower due to 'deductions'.
Family Bringing	Allowed (under SSW No. 2).	Never allowed.
Duration	Up to 5 years (SSW No.1) or Indefinite (SSW No.2)	Max 3-5 years. You MUST return home afterward.

Why You Should Aim for the SSW Visa

The TITP system has gained a notorious reputation. Because trainees cannot change jobs, they are vulnerable to exploitation, unpaid overtime, and harassment.

The SSW Visa treats you as a proper employee, not a "trainee." If your boss treats you poorly, you have the legal right to quit and find another job in the same industry. Furthermore, passing the SSW No.2 exam allows you to bring your spouse and children to Japan and opens a direct path to Permanent Residency (PR).

How to Get the SSW Visa in India (and other countries)

The 3-Step Process

Pass the Japanese Test

You must pass either the JLPT N4 or the JFT-Basic test. These prove you have conversational Japanese ability to survive daily life and workplace instructions.

Pass the Skills Test

You must pass a specific test for one of the 12 specified industries (e.g., Nursing Care, Agriculture, Food Service, Construction). These exams are held in multiple countries including India, Nepal, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Find a Registered Support Organization (TSK)

Apply through approved dispatch agencies or directly to companies using job portals designed for SSW workers.

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