- Introduction: A Significant Change in the Nursing Care Residence Status System
- What Is Specified Skilled Worker (i)? Its Position in the Nursing Care Field
- Policy Update in September 2025: Issue of Consistency with Other Fields
- Specific Conditions for Sixth-Year Extension: Detailed Explanation
- Certified Care Worker National Examination: Path to Success
- Strategic Approach Accepting Facilities Should Take
- Changing to the “Nursing Care” Status of Residence: The Ultimate Goal
- Message to Foreign Workers: The Sixth Year Is the Last Chance
- Support Certified Immigration Administrative Scriveners Can Provide
- Conclusion: Systematic Preparation Is the Path to Success
Introduction: A Significant Change in the Nursing Care Residence Status System
On January 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced key conditions for extending the period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (i) [SSW (i)] foreign nationals working in the nursing care sector. This is an extremely important policy change that directly affects career development for employers and nursing care facilities that hire foreign care workers, as well as for foreign nationals working as caregivers in Japan.
As a certified immigration administrative scrivener, I have supported residence status applications for many foreign workers, including those in the nursing care field. From this experience, I can say that extending the period of stay is not just a procedural matter—it is a critical issue that affects the life planning of foreign workers.
In this article, I will provide a thorough explanation from a practitioner’s perspective on the details of the newly announced extension conditions, the background of the system structure, and specific actions that both facilities and foreign workers should take.
What Is Specified Skilled Worker (i)? Its Position in the Nursing Care Field
Basics of the Specified Skilled Worker System
The Specified Skilled Worker system is a residence status established in April 2019. It allows foreign workers to be accepted in 14 fields where labor shortages are severe: nursing care, building cleaning, industrial machinery, electrical & electronics, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery, food & beverage manufacturing, food service, automobile transportation, and railway.
Characteristics of Specified Skilled Worker (i)
- Period of stay: Maximum of 5 years in total
- Family accompaniment: Not permitted in principle
- Skill level: Must pass field-specific examinations or complete Technical Intern Training (ii)
- Japanese language ability: JLPT N4 level or higher
Characteristics of Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
- Period of stay: Indefinite (renewable every 3 years)
- Family accompaniment: Spouse and children can accompany
- Skill level: Must pass more advanced examinations
- Target fields: Limited to construction, shipbuilding, and ship machinery
Unique Nature of the Nursing Care Sector: No SSW (ii) Category
What’s important here is that the nursing care sector does not have an SSW (ii) category.
The reason is that the “Nursing Care” status of residence already exists for the nursing care field. By obtaining the national certification as a Certified Care Worker, one can change to the “Nursing Care” status of residence, which allows for an indefinite period of stay.
In other words, the career path for foreign nationals working in the nursing care field is as follows:
Pattern 1: Route from Technical Intern Training
Technical Intern Training (i) (1 year) → Technical Intern Training (ii) (2 years) → Technical Intern Training (iii) (2 years) → SSW (i) (5 years) → Obtain Certified Care Worker qualification → “Nursing Care” status of residence (indefinite period)
Pattern 2: Direct Route from SSW (i)
SSW (i) (5 years) → Obtain Certified Care Worker qualification → “Nursing Care” status of residence (indefinite period)
Policy Update in September 2025: Issue of Consistency with Other Fields
Extension to 6 Years Even with SSW (ii) Examination Failure
In September 2025, the Immigration Services Agency announced an important policy update. Even if one fails the SSW (ii) examination, if certain requirements are met, the total period of stay can be extended to 6 years.
The background to this change includes the following circumstances:
- The SSW (ii) examination is highly difficult
- Not everyone can necessarily pass within 5 years
- Losing excellent human resources is a loss for companies and the Japanese economy
- Providing one more year of opportunity aims to retain talent
Challenge for the Nursing Care Sector: Creating an Inconsistency
While other fields are given a sixth-year opportunity, it would create an inconsistency for the nursing care sector to be cut off at 5 years. Moreover, the labor shortage in nursing care is more severe than in other fields, and losing excellent foreign workers after 5 years is a significant loss.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare decided to establish unique sixth-year extension conditions for the nursing care sector.
Specific Conditions for Sixth-Year Extension: Detailed Explanation
Requirements for Foreign Workers
The conditions outlined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in the January 21 notice from the Director-General of the Social Welfare and War Victims’ Relief Bureau are as follows:
1. Taking All Sections of the Certified Care Worker National Examination
In the final year of the total period of stay (5th year), one must take all sections of the Certified Care Worker national examination.
The Certified Care Worker national examination consists of the following 4 sections:
- Human Beings and Society (16 questions)
- Structure of Mind and Body (40 questions)
- Medical Care (5 questions)
- Comprehensive Questions (12 questions)
Total: 125 questions (Examination time: 220 minutes)
Taking all sections is a requirement, so taking only some sections and being absent from others is not permitted.
2. Passing at Least One Section
One must achieve a passing score in at least 1 of the 4 sections.
Starting with the FY2026 Certified Care Worker national examination, a “partial passing system” was introduced. Even if one fails overall, if a certain score is achieved in individual sections, it is recognized as a “partial pass,” and that section is exempted in the following year.
As a condition for sixth-year extension, obtaining at least one such “partial pass” is required.
3. Achieving 80% or More of the Passing Benchmark Score
One must achieve 80% or more of the passing benchmark score relative to the total score.
For example, if the passing benchmark is 75 points out of 125, 80% of that benchmark is 60 points. In other words, one needs to score 60 points or more overall.
This standard is to prove that one has a certain level of ability. Even if one section is passed, if the overall score is too low, extension will not be granted.
4. Written Undertakings
The following must be pledged:
- If the Certified Care Worker national examination is passed in the sixth year, apply for a change to the “Nursing Care” status of residence
- If failed, promptly return to home country
This undertaking clarifies that the sixth year is the last chance.
Requirements for Accepting Facilities
Nursing care facilities employing foreign workers also have specific obligations.
1. Creating a Learning Plan
A specific learning plan must be created to aim for passing the national examination in the following year (sixth year).
The learning plan should include the following content:
- Learning schedule (how many hours per week, when to study)
- Materials to be used
- Instructor in charge
- Mock examination implementation plan
- Initiatives to improve Japanese language ability
- Method of progress monitoring
2. Submitting Documents to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
The following documents must be submitted to the MHLW:
- Confirmation request form
- Learning plan document
The MHLW has also provided formats for submitted documents, indicating that superficial submissions will not be sufficient.
3. Implementing Learning Support
There is a responsibility to actually implement support, not just create plans.
- Secure study time during working hours
- Bear the cost of external examination preparation courses
- Establish an instruction system by Japanese staff
- Provide opportunities to take mock examinations
Certified Care Worker National Examination: Path to Success
Examination Difficulty and Pass Rate
The Certified Care Worker national examination is by no means an easy test.
Recent Pass Rates
- 2023: 84.3%
- 2024: 82.8%
- 2025: approximately 83.1%
While the pass rate appears high, this is because people who have prepared thoroughly, such as graduates of training institutions and those with practical experience, take the examination.
Official pass-rate breakdowns for foreign examinees are not consistently disclosed in a way that allows direct comparison, but pass rates are generally understood to be lower than for Japanese examinees. The main reasons are:
- Understanding Japanese technical terms
- Reading comprehension of question texts
- Cultural background differences
Challenges Foreign Workers Face
1. Japanese Language Barrier
The Certified Care Worker examination requires advanced Japanese language ability.
Examples of difficult technical terms:
- 褥瘡 (じょくそう / bedsore)
- 誤嚥 (ごえん / aspiration)
- 拘縮 (こうしゅく / contracture)
- 失禁 (しっきん / incontinence)
These words are not used in daily conversation, and the kanji characters are complex.
2. Understanding Laws and Systems
Knowledge of Japan’s social security system, long-term care insurance system, etc. is required.
- Long-Term Care Insurance Act
- Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with Disabilities
- Act on the Prevention of Elder Abuse
These are often systems that do not exist in their home countries, making them difficult for foreign nationals to understand.
3. Cultural Background
Understanding unique Japanese care culture and values is necessary.
- How to show respect to elderly people
- Concept of privacy
- Understanding family relationships
Specific Measures for Success
1. Improving Japanese Language Ability
N2 to N1 level Japanese language ability is ideal.
What should be done:
- Reading comprehension practice for more than 30 minutes daily
- Memorizing care-related technical terms (using flashcards)
- Increasing conversation opportunities with Japanese people
- Developing the habit of reading news and newspapers
2. Systematic Learning
Preparation should begin at least 6 months before the examination.
Example learning schedule:
- 6 months before: Acquiring basic knowledge
- 3 months before: Past question practice
- 1 month before: Mock examinations and overcoming weak points
3. Utilizing External Resources
- Examination preparation courses for foreign nationals
- Online learning materials
- Past question collections (bilingual Japanese-native language versions)
- Participation in study groups
4. Facility Support
- Guidance by senior Certified Care Workers
- Holding study sessions
- Securing study time
- Financial assistance
Strategic Approach Accepting Facilities Should Take
Why Should Facilities Seriously Support?
1. Reducing Personnel Acquisition Costs
When newly hiring foreign workers, the following costs are incurred:
- Recruitment expenses: 500,000-1,000,000 yen
- Acceptance preparation costs: 200,000-500,000 yen
- Education and training costs: 300,000-500,000 yen
- Residence status application fees: 100,000-300,000 yen
Total: 1,100,000-2,300,000 yen
On the other hand, the cost of supporting existing staff through the sixth year to obtain Certified Care Worker qualification is:
- Examination preparation courses: 100,000-300,000 yen
- Material costs: 30,000-50,000 yen
- Personnel costs for study time: 200,000-400,000 yen
Total: 330,000-750,000 yen
In terms of cost, supporting existing staff is overwhelmingly more advantageous.
2. Maintaining Immediate Workforce
Staff who have worked for 5 years are already familiar with facility operations.
- Trust relationships with users have been established
- Business flows are understood
- Coordination with other staff is established
Maintaining existing staff is more efficient than training new staff from scratch.
3. Boosting Workplace Morale
If foreign staff feel that the facility seriously considers our careers, not only foreign staff but also Japanese staff motivation increases.
Building a Specific Support Program
Step 1: Current Situation Assessment
- Confirm the number of currently employed SSW (i) foreign nationals and their period of stay deadlines
- Evaluate each person’s Japanese language ability and professional knowledge level
- Interview regarding learning motivation and future career aspirations
Step 2: Creating Individual Learning Plans
- Plans based on the individual’s current situation and goals
- Reasonable schedules
- Mechanisms for regular progress monitoring
Step 3: Establishing Learning Environment
- Secure learning space within the facility
- Provide reference books and problem collections
- Introduce e-learning systems
Step 4: Establishing Instruction System
- Appoint Japanese staff with Certified Care Worker qualifications as instructors
- Hold weekly study sessions
- Conduct monthly mock examinations
Step 5: Utilizing External Resources
- Participation in examination preparation courses for foreign nationals
- Cooperation with certified immigration administrative scriveners
- Collaboration with local international exchange associations
Key Points for Creating Learning Plan Documents
Learning plan documents submitted to the MHLW must not be superficial. Create effective plans.
Items to Include
- Learning Goals
- Aim to pass all sections in the sixth-year examination
- Target scores for each section
- Current Situation Analysis
- Current Japanese language ability (JLPT level)
- Mock examination results
- Identification of weak areas
- Learning Schedule
- Weekly study hours
- Monthly learning content
- Milestone setting
- Materials Used
- Textbook names
- Problem collections
- Online materials
- Instruction System
- Instructor name and qualifications
- Instruction methods and frequency
- Evaluation Method
- Monthly mock examinations
- Progress reports
- Confirmation through interviews
- Support System
- Work shift considerations
- Financial assistance
- Consultation services
Changing to the “Nursing Care” Status of Residence: The Ultimate Goal
Benefits of the “Nursing Care” Status of Residence
By passing the Certified Care Worker national examination and obtaining the “Nursing Care” status of residence, the following benefits are available.
1. Indefinite Period of Stay
While SSW (i) is up to 6 years maximum, the “Nursing Care” status of residence is renewed every 3 or 5 years and theoretically allows permanent work in Japan.
2. Family Accompaniment Possible
Spouse and children can be brought to Japan (“Dependent” status of residence).
3. Greater Job Change Freedom
While SSW (i) limits field and employer, the “Nursing Care” status of residence allows free job changes to any workplace where Certified Care Worker qualifications can be utilized.
4. Path to Permanent Residence
After residing in Japan for 10 years or more with the “Nursing Care” status of residence, one meets the requirements to apply for permanent residence.
5. Improved Social Credibility
Home loans and credit card applications may become easier to obtain.
Procedures for Status of Residence Change Application
After passing the Certified Care Worker national examination, promptly apply for a status of residence change.
Required Documents
- Application for permission to change status of residence
- Photo (4cm × 3cm)
- Passport and residence card
- Copy of Certified Care Worker registration certificate
- Employment contract
- Company overview materials from employer
- Resident tax certificate and tax payment certificate
Examination Period
Usually 1-3 months
Important Points
- After passing the examination, promptly register as a Certified Care Worker
- Apply 3 months before the period of stay expires
- Prepare all necessary documents without omissions
This procedure requires specialized knowledge, so I recommend requesting assistance from certified immigration administrative scriveners.
Message to Foreign Workers: The Sixth Year Is the Last Chance
The 5th Year Examination Is Extremely Important
For those of you working as SSW (i), the 5th year Certified Care Worker national examination is a turning point in your life.
If Passed
→ Change to the “Nursing Care” status of residence
→ Can work in Japan long-term
→ Can bring family members
→ Stable life
If at Least One Section Passed + 80% or More of Benchmark Score
→ Receive a sixth-year opportunity
→ Can prepare for one more year
→ Aim to pass all sections in the following year’s examination
If Unable to Meet the Above Conditions
→ Cannot extend period of stay
→ Return home after 5 years
Face this reality and seriously work on examination preparation.
What to Start Right Now
1. Improve Japanese Language Ability
Aim for JLPT N2 level or higher.
- 30 minutes of reading comprehension practice daily
- Memorizing technical terms
- Conversation with Japanese people
2. Start Examination Preparation Early
Begin serious study at least 6 months before the examination.
- Solve past questions
- Identify weak areas
- Systematic learning
3. Utilize Facility Support
Actively use learning support provided by your workplace.
- Participate in study sessions
- Ask questions to instructors
- Secure study time
4. Cooperate with Peers
Create study groups with foreign peers in similar situations.
- Information exchange
- Teach each other
- Maintain motivation
5. Consult with Specialists
Consult with certified immigration administrative scriveners about status of residence procedures and future careers.
- Prepare for status of residence change
- Advice on learning plans
- Resolve anxieties and questions
Not Giving Up Is Important
The Certified Care Worker examination is difficult, but passing is fully possible.
Many foreign nationals have passed. They too were initially weak in Japanese, but obtained qualifications through continuous effort.
Common Traits of Successful People
- Started preparation early
- Continued steadily
- Utilized support from those around them
- Kept challenging without giving up
You can definitely pass too. Believe and continue your efforts.
Support Certified Immigration Administrative Scriveners Can Provide
As Specialists in Status of Residence
We certified immigration administrative scriveners are specialists in status of residence for foreign nationals. Including responses to this policy change, we provide the following support.
Support for Facilities
- Explanation of policy changes and response advice
- Learning plan document creation support
- Checking documents submitted to MHLW
- Agency service for status of residence procedures
- Consulting on foreign employment in general
Support for Foreign Workers
- Status of residence renewal procedures
- Status of residence change applications (SSW (i) → Nursing Care)
- Career plan consultation
- Family reunification procedures
- Life consultation
Common Support
- Provision of latest system information
- Response when troubles occur
- Coordination with relevant organizations
- Multilingual support
Early Consultation Is Key to Success
Timing is very important for status of residence procedures.
- May not be in time if approaching the deadline for period of stay
- Preparation period is necessary
- Re-submission if documents have deficiencies
I recommend consulting once before reaching the 5th year, preferably during the 4th year.
Conclusion: Systematic Preparation Is the Path to Success
Reconfirming Key Points of This Policy Change
For Foreign Workers
✓ Take all sections of the Certified Care Worker national examination in the 5th year
✓ Pass at least one section
✓ Achieve 80% or more of the passing benchmark score
✓ Submit written undertakings to change to the “Nursing Care” status of residence if passed, or return home if failed
For Accepting Facilities
✓ Create specific learning plans
✓ Submit confirmation request forms and learning plans to MHLW
✓ Implement effective learning support
The Sixth Year Is the Last Chance
This system is a valuable opportunity for foreign workers and facilities seriously aiming to obtain Certified Care Worker qualifications.
However, superficial responses are meaningless. A serious commitment to passing and genuine support from facilities are necessary.
For the Future of Nursing Care
Japanese nursing care facilities face severe labor shortages. Overcoming this crisis is impossible without the contributions of foreign workers.
Creating an environment where excellent foreign workers can continue working in Japan long-term benefits users, facilities, foreign workers themselves, and Japanese society as a whole.
Taking this policy change as an opportunity, let’s further enhance career development support for foreign workers in the nursing care field.
Together With Us
At the Niseko Visa Application Support Center, we specialize in supporting foreign employment in the nursing care field.
- Application and renewal of status of residence
- Response to policy changes
- Learning plan creation support
- Procedures after obtaining Certified Care Worker qualification
- Consulting on foreign employment in general
No matter how small, please feel free to consult with us.
Foreign workers can work with peace of mind, and facilities can secure stable personnel. Let’s work together with us to create such an environment.
News Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/9901f4d6b68d413066794a2e8f0c7142cc70d4ad
[Contact Us]
For consultations regarding foreign employment in the nursing care field, status of residence, and Certified Care Worker examination preparation support, please feel free to contact us. Initial consultations are free of charge.
