Introduction

In January 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) implemented a new operational procedure requiring verification of Japanese language test results for all applicants of the “Specified Skilled Worker” (SSW) visa status. Previously, verification was conducted only on a selective basis, but due to increasing cases of fraudulent acquisition of residence status through forged certificates, stricter measures have been introduced to maintain the credibility of the system.

This article examines the background of the forged certificate issue in the SSW program, the impact of the full verification system, and how employers hiring foreign workers and foreign nationals themselves should respond from a practical perspective.

What is the Specified Skilled Worker System?

The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, Tokutei Gino) visa status was established in 2019 to accept foreign workers in industries facing serious labor shortages.

SSW Categories: Type 1 and Type 2

  • SSW Type 1: Covers 16 sectors including construction, nursing care, food service, and hospitality. Maximum residence period is 5 years.
  • SSW Type 2: Covers 11 sectors requiring advanced skills. Renewable indefinitely, potentially leading to permanent residence.

Two Main Pathways to Obtain SSW

  1. Technical Intern Training Route: After approximately 3 years of practical experience as a technical intern trainee, transition to SSW Type 1 without taking exams.
  2. Examination Route: Obtain SSW by passing both Japanese language proficiency tests and skills tests in the relevant field.

When the system was first introduced, over 90% of SSW holders came through the technical intern route. However, the examination route has surged in recent years. In 2019, only 115 people (7%) obtained SSW through exams, but by 2025, this number reached 182,248 (47%).

Why Did Forged Certificates Become a Problem?

Background of the Examination Route Increase

The increase in the examination route reflects the desire of foreign workers to obtain SSW status without waiting 3 years as technical interns, seeking higher wages and more flexible working conditions.

However, the examination route requires submission of certificates proving successful completion of “Japanese Language Tests” and “Skills Tests.” This created an opportunity for forged certificates to enter the system.

Osaka Prefectural Police Crackdown

In 2024, Osaka Prefectural Police arrested three Vietnamese nationals for violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (false application).

  • A man in his 30s submitted a forged certificate of the Japan Foundation’s Basic Japanese Test (JFT-Basic) to the immigration office and obtained SSW status to work.
  • A woman in her 30s acted as a procurer of forged certificates for the “Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test” required for the nursing care field. According to her testimony, she obtained forged certificates for “just over 30 people.”
  • An intermediary was also involved, revealing the existence of an organized network of forged certificates.

The Osaka District Court stated in its judgment that the certificates were “impossible to detect as forgeries. This has caused considerable harm to the immigration control system.”

“Undetectable Forgeries” in the Field

I myself encountered a case of forged certificates in 2024.

When I submitted applications for multiple SSW candidates from a certain country, only one was denied. The documentation and employment conditions were nearly identical to the other applicants, so it was extremely puzzling why only this one person was rejected.

When I asked the immigration officer for the reason, I was told, “There is a possibility that the certificate for the Japan Foundation’s Basic Japanese Test is not legitimate.”

The certificate had been sent from overseas as a PDF file. Comparing it to the certificates of other applicants who were approved, there was no noticeable difference, and I did not detect that it was forged. It was that sophisticated.

In other words, forged certificates were already circulating widely at that time. The shift to full verification should have been implemented much earlier, but it is still better to do it now than not at all.

Transition to Full Verification and Its Impact

New Operational Procedures

Since January 2025, the Immigration Services Agency has implemented the following measures:

  • Verification of Japanese language test results for all SSW applicants through the test administration organizations (Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, Japan Foundation).
  • Applications with confirmed forged certificates will be denied, and cases will be reported to the police as necessary.
  • Plans are underway to implement full verification for skills test certificates as well, in coordination with relevant ministries.

Impact on Processing Time

Full verification may lead to longer processing times. For companies and foreign nationals who are acting in good faith, this means potential delays, which is an indirect burden.

Ensuring System Credibility is Essential

Nevertheless, if trust in the system is lost, the SSW program itself will cease to function. Accepting foreign workers is not merely a measure to address labor shortages; it is a critical policy directly linked to corporate growth strategies and the sustainability of regional economies. Undermining the credibility of the foundation harms everyone.

What Employers Should Do Now

1. Partner with Trusted Support Organizations and Immigration Lawyers (Gyoseishoshi)

The SSW application process is complex, and the system is frequently updated. Partnering with reliable Registered Support Organizations (登録支援機関, Toroku Shien Kikan) or immigration lawyers (Gyoseishoshi, 行政書士) is essential to proceed with accurate information.

2. Verify the Authenticity of Documents

Verify the authenticity of certificates submitted by applicants to the extent possible. If you notice anything unusual, consult a specialist.

3. Plan for Longer Processing Times

With full verification, processing times may be extended. Build extra time into your recruitment schedule and start preparations early.

4. Prepare a Proper Acceptance System

Obtaining a residence status is not the goal—it is the starting point. Creating a work environment where foreign staff can work with peace of mind leads to better retention.

What Foreign Nationals Should Be Careful About

1. Take Official Exams Only

Always take Japanese language and skills tests at official test centers. Never respond to suspicious offers claiming “easy pass” or “we can issue certificates.”

2. Choose Intermediary Agencies Carefully

Select trustworthy sending organizations and intermediary agencies. Avoid agencies that recommend illegal methods.

3. Submit Only Genuine Certificates

Using forged certificates will result not only in cancellation of residence status but also criminal prosecution. It will affect your future life in Japan and re-entry eligibility.

4. Consult Specialists When in Doubt

If you have questions about the system, consult an immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi) or a Registered Support Organization. Obtaining accurate information protects your future.

The Role of Immigration Lawyers (Gyoseishoshi)

The role of immigration lawyers is not merely to prepare documents. It is to support the realization of our clients’ life goals and aspirations.

1. Compliance with Proper Application Procedures

We conduct proper procedures in accordance with the system, supporting our clients so they can work in Japan with peace of mind.

2. Prompt Understanding of System Changes and Information Provision

The system changes frequently. We stay updated with the latest information and provide accurate guidance to our clients.

3. Turning Anxiety into Assurance Through Supportive Assistance

Both foreign nationals and accepting companies face uncertainty during the residence status application process. We strive to turn that anxiety into assurance through careful explanation and sincere support.

4. Discerning Cases to Accept and Cases to Decline

We should only accept cases where we can deliver results. Taking on unrealistic cases is detrimental to our clients.

Conclusion

The issue of forged certificates in the Specified Skilled Worker system is a serious problem that significantly undermines the credibility of the system. While the shift to full verification may seem overdue, it is a necessary measure to protect the system.

For companies and foreign nationals acting in good faith, the stricter審査 (screening) may temporarily increase the burden. However, maintaining trust in the system will enable stable employment of foreign workers in the long term.

As immigration lawyers, we will adhere to proper procedures, stand by our clients, and handle each case with sincerity.

The SSW visa is a “new life start” for foreign nationals and a “key to sustainable growth” for companies. To support that realization, I am committed to providing full assistance.

If you have any questions or need consultation, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Source Article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/e1c263630dd3f8bd023a8f601a625c8c23349a0c

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