1. What is the EPA Certified Care Worker Candidate Program?

The EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Certified Care Worker Candidate acceptance program is a government-authorized human resource initiative implemented under economic partnership agreements concluded between Japan and Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

This program aims not merely to secure labor, but to deepen economic and cultural mutual exchanges with partner countries. Candidates work at Japanese care facilities while pursuing national certification as Certified Care Workers during their four-year residence period.

Since the program’s inception with Indonesia in 2008, a total of 8,809 candidates have arrived in Japan according to JICWELS, playing vital roles in Japanese caregiving settings. The breakdown includes 3,781 from Indonesia, 3,304 from the Philippines, and 1,724 from Vietnam.

In Japan, where population decline and aging continue to advance, securing care workers is an urgent challenge. According to estimates by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there will be an additional need of approximately 320,000 care workers by fiscal year 2025 (compared with FY2019). The EPA program is positioned as one of the key policies supporting a sustainable care service delivery system.

2. 2027 Recruitment Overview and Schedule

The Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS) will start accepting job registration applications from host institutions on March 5, 2026, for the 2027 intake of EPA Certified Care Worker candidates. The recruitment period spans approximately one month, closing on April 8, 2026.

Key Schedule:

  • March 5, 2026: Job registration applications begin; free online briefing session (1:00 PM)
  • April 8, 2026: Application deadline
  • Following period: Joint briefings in partner countries, interviews, and matching
  • Philippines: Employment expected to start in early December 2027
  • Indonesia: Employment expected to start in mid-December 2027
  • Vietnam: Employment scheduled to begin in early to mid-August 2027

Candidates receive Japanese language training in their home countries before arrival, followed by additional training after arriving in Japan before beginning work at assigned facilities. This two-stage training system ensures candidates can smoothly adapt to life and work in Japan.

On March 5 at 1:00 PM, JICWELS will hold a free online briefing session. The session will provide detailed explanations of key EPA program points, acceptance case studies, and preparation requirements—offering valuable information-gathering opportunities for facilities considering acceptance for the first time.

3. Acceptance Costs and Subsidy Programs

Accepting EPA candidates involves certain costs. However, government subsidy programs are in place to reduce the burden on facilities.

Initial Costs: Approximately 600,000 yen per candidate is required, as reported by JICWELS. This covers matching support, pre-arrival and post-arrival Japanese language training, travel expenses, and related costs.

Ongoing Costs: From the second year of employment onward, annual costs of 20,000 yen per candidate apply.

Subsidy Programs: Host facilities may be eligible for the following subsidies, as reported:

  • Japanese language instructor fees: 150,000 yen per candidate annually
  • Training fees for procedures such as sputum aspiration: 75,000 yen per candidate annually
  • Training supervisor allowances: Up to 60,000 yen per facility annually

By utilizing these subsidy programs effectively, facilities can significantly reduce their actual financial burden. Japanese language learning support is particularly crucial, as it directly impacts candidates’ qualification attainment, making effective use of subsidies highly recommended.

Additionally, some local governments offer their own subsidy programs. When considering acceptance, we recommend inquiring with your local municipal government about available support.

4. Benefits of the EPA Program for Care Facilities

Accepting candidates through the EPA program brings numerous benefits to care facilities.

Stable Human Resource Acquisition: As a government-backed program, procedures are clear and reliable. With support from JICWELS, even first-time accepting facilities can proceed with confidence.

High-Quality Personnel: Candidates have received education in their home countries, with many being nursing school graduates or having studied care-related subjects. They also possess strong motivation to work in Japan and obtain qualifications as Certified Care Workers, ensuring a sincere approach to their duties.

Enhanced Organizational Diversity: Staff members from different cultural backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and vitality to the workplace. A diverse work environment also stimulates Japanese staff members, contributing to overall organizational growth.

Positive Impact on Care Recipients: Interactions between foreign staff and care recipients provide new stimulation for recipients, contributing to improved quality of life. Many cases have been reported where warm relationships form across language and cultural differences.

International Contribution and Enhanced Corporate Image: Participation in the EPA program can be positioned as part of international cooperation and social contribution efforts. It demonstrates to the local community and job seekers that your organization is globally-minded and open.

Long-term Strategic Value: After obtaining certification, candidates may continue working as Certified Care Workers over the long term. Investment in their development can potentially lead to future core organizational personnel.

5. Acceptance Process: From Matching to Employment

EPA candidate acceptance proceeds through the following steps:

Step 1: Job Registration Application First, facilities wishing to accept candidates submit job registration applications to JICWELS. The recruitment period runs from March 5 to April 8, 2026. Application forms include facility overview, job conditions, acceptance systems, and more.

Step 2: Joint Briefings in Partner Countries JICWELS holds joint briefings in each partner country. Candidates learn about multiple facilities and consider their preferred host institutions.

Step 3: Interviews and Matching Interviews are conducted between facilities and candidates. Online interviews have also been utilized in recent years. Matching is performed based on preferences from both parties.

Step 4: Pre-Arrival Training Successfully matched candidates undergo Japanese language training in their home countries. Training duration varies by country but focuses on basic Japanese language ability and understanding of Japanese culture.

Step 5: Arrival in Japan and Post-Arrival Training After arrival, additional group training is conducted. Candidates learn more practical Japanese language skills and foundational caregiving knowledge.

Step 6: Employment Begins After training completion, employment at assigned facilities begins. The Philippines is scheduled for early December 2027, Indonesia for mid-December 2027, and Vietnam for early to mid-August 2027.

Step 7: Ongoing Support Even after employment begins, continuous support is necessary, including Japanese language learning assistance, preparation for the Certified Care Worker national examination, and support with daily life matters.

6. Visa Application and “Designated Activities” Status of Residence

For EPA candidates to work in Japan, they must obtain the status of residence “Designated Activities.” From an administrative scrivener’s perspective, here are the key points of this procedure.

What is “Designated Activities” Status of Residence? EPA Certified Care Worker candidates are granted the status of residence “Designated Activities (EPA-based candidate for Certified Care Worker).” The residence period is up to four years, during which candidates are expected to pass the Certified Care Worker national examination and obtain certification.

Application Process:

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application: Before candidate arrival, the host facility applies to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
  2. Certificate transmission: The issued certificate is sent to the candidate
  3. Visa application: The candidate applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country
  4. Entry to Japan and residence card receipt: The residence card is received at the airport upon arrival

Required Documents:

  • Certificate of Eligibility application form
  • Documents clarifying host institution overview (certified company registry, facility information, etc.)
  • Employment contract or employment conditions document
  • Documents certifying candidate’s educational and work history
  • Acceptance certificate issued by JICWELS
  • Other materials requested by immigration authorities

Important Points:

  • Certificate issuance may take 1-3 months from application
  • Document deficiencies can prolong screening, making accurate preparation crucial
  • Residence period renewal procedures may also become necessary

Status of Residence Change After Certification: Upon passing the Certified Care Worker national examination and obtaining certification, the status of residence can be changed to “Care Worker.” This status allows for residence period renewals, enabling long-term employment.

Importance of Professional Support: Visa applications are complex, and documentation errors or procedural mistakes can significantly impact acceptance schedules. Engaging professionals such as administrative scriveners enables accurate and smooth procedures.

7. Preparation and Key Points for Successful Acceptance

Sufficient organizational preparation is essential for successful EPA candidate acceptance.

Establishing Acceptance Systems:

  • Designate acceptance coordinators: Clearly identify staff members serving as points of contact
  • Build mentorship programs: Assign senior staff to support candidates
  • Pre-brief staff: Deepen current staff understanding of the program and candidates

Japanese Language Learning Support:

  • Secure Japanese language instructors: Use subsidies to invite external instructors or establish internal teaching systems
  • Prepare learning materials: Provide materials including specialized caregiving terminology
  • Secure study time: Adjust shifts to allow study time within work schedules

Certification Support:

  • Conduct exam preparation courses: Hold study sessions using past examination questions
  • Administer mock examinations: Provide practice opportunities simulating the actual Certified Care Worker national examination
  • Facilitate exchanges with senior candidates: Create opportunities to learn from successful test-takers

Daily Life Support:

  • Secure housing: Arrange safe, comfortable housing for candidates
  • Provide life orientation: Support with bank account opening, mobile phone contracts, etc.
  • Establish consultation services: Create systems where candidates can seek help when needed

Cultural Considerations:

  • Religious accommodations: Accommodate prayer times and locations, dietary requirements (halal food, etc.)
  • Cultural exchange opportunities: Events experiencing Japanese culture or introducing home country cultures

Communication Environment:

  • Use plain Japanese: Cultivate habits of speaking in easily understood language
  • Utilize visual materials: Work manuals using illustrations and photographs
  • Regular individual meetings: Create opportunities to hear candidates’ concerns and requests

Long-term Perspective: EPA candidate acceptance is a long-term commitment spanning four years. It’s important to approach this not merely as short-term staffing relief, but from the perspective of organizational internationalization, diversity promotion, and future core personnel development.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What level of Japanese proficiency do candidates have? A: Upon arrival, candidates have undergone training targeting Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels N3-N4. However, individual differences exist, necessitating continued learning support after arrival.

Q2: What happens if a candidate fails the Certified Care Worker examination? A: In principle, candidates who don’t pass within the four-year residence period must return home. However, residence period extensions may be granted under certain conditions.

Q3: Is there a risk of candidates returning home mid-program? A: While this cannot be entirely ruled out, EPA candidates possess strong motivation to work in Japan and obtain qualifications. With appropriate support systems, high retention rates can be expected.

Q4: Can small facilities also accept candidates? A: Yes, it’s possible. However, it’s important that adequate guidance systems and Japanese language learning support can be provided to candidates.

Q5: Can facilities without acceptance track records apply? A: Yes, first-time facilities can apply. With support from JICWELS, we recommend attending briefing sessions to gather information.

Q6: What are the differences from Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker programs? A: EPA is a program based on bilateral economic partnership agreements, with candidates aiming to obtain national certification as Certified Care Workers. The program’s purpose and positioning differ from Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker programs.

Q7: Can we handle visa applications ourselves? A: It’s possible, but documentation deficiencies may impact acceptance schedules. For first-time acceptance, we recommend consulting professionals such as administrative scriveners.

9. Conclusion: Building Your Organization’s Future Through Strategic Planning

Recruitment for 2027 EPA Certified Care Worker candidates will begin on March 5, 2026. In the caregiving industry, where worker shortages are becoming increasingly severe, this program represents one valuable option.

However, successful acceptance requires proper understanding of the program, thorough preparation, and a long-term perspective. Candidates are courageous individuals challenging themselves to new lives in distant foreign lands. Creating environments where they can work with peace of mind and grow is both the responsibility of host facilities and an investment in the organization’s future.

What You Can Do Right Now:

  • Participate in the online briefing session on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM
  • Begin internal discussions about acceptance possibilities
  • Consult professionals regarding visa applications and acceptance systems

International personnel exchange through the EPA program goes beyond merely securing workers—it brings diversity to organizations, broadens staff perspectives, and provides new stimulation to care recipients. Above all, it represents meaningful work deepening mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and partner countries.

We at Niseko Visa Application Support Center, as administrative scriveners specializing in visa applications and status of residence procedures, support the acceptance of foreign workers. From document preparation to immigration bureau coordination, we provide comprehensive support, so please feel free to consult with us.

The application period is limited, closing on April 8, 2026. We encourage you to consider accepting EPA candidates at your facility during this opportunity. Together, let’s build a sustainable caregiving future where diverse personnel can thrive.

Reference Information:

  • Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS): https://jicwels.or.jp/
  • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare EPA Certified Care Worker Candidate Acceptance Pamphlet

Contact Us: For inquiries regarding EPA candidate acceptance, visa applications, and status of residence, please feel free to contact our office. Initial consultations are free.

📰 Original article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/89035102fbbd7329ab6ed213537918426b3343ad