1. Overview of the Suspension of Acceptance in the Food Service Industry

On March 27, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan made a significant announcement. The agency declared that the acceptance of new applications for the “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” visa in the food service industry will be suspended from April 13, 2026.

The background to this measure lies in the fact that the number of foreign workers accepted in the food service industry is approaching the government-set ceiling of 50,000 people. According to preliminary figures for February, approximately 46,000 people have already been accepted, and at this pace, the ceiling is certain to be exceeded in May.

The specific details of the measure are as follows:

・New applications from April 13 onwards: Certificates of Eligibility will not be issued in principle
・Applications submitted by April 12: Will be processed sequentially, but certificates will not be issued once the ceiling is reached
・Existing specified skilled workers: Visa extension procedures will continue as normal
・Resumption of certificate issuance: Certificates will be issued again when the number of accepted workers decreases

This measure represents an important turning point in the history of the Specified Skilled Worker system, as it is the first time a specific industry has reached its acceptance ceiling since the system’s inception.

2. Why This Measure is Being Implemented Now

Severe Labor Shortage in the Food Service Industry

Japan’s food service industry has been facing a serious labor shortage for many years. Multiple factors have converged, including a declining working-age population due to falling birthrates and an aging society, young people’s growing disinterest in food service careers, and a surge in demand for workers following the post-COVID recovery.

The job-to-applicant ratio remains at high levels compared to other industries, and many restaurants and catering businesses are struggling to secure adequate personnel.

Rapid Adoption of the Specified Skilled Worker System

Against this backdrop of labor shortages, the Specified Skilled Worker system, established in April 2019, has become a valuable source of human resources for the food service industry. Many companies have actively utilized this system because it allows them to recruit foreign workers who can become productive relatively quickly.

As a result, acceptance has progressed at a pace exceeding initial expectations, reaching the 50,000-person ceiling in just under seven years.

Consistency with Government Immigration Policy

In January 2025, the government adopted a cabinet decision setting the overall acceptance ceiling for Specified Skilled Workers at approximately 805,000 people by the end of fiscal year 2028. Within this framework, ceilings were established for each industry, with the food service industry set at 50,000 people.

These ceiling figures were determined with consideration for impacts on the labor market and the actual conditions in each industry. Continuing acceptance beyond the ceiling would undermine the credibility and planning integrity of the system, which is why this suspension measure has been implemented.

3. Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker System – Key Fundamentals

To properly understand this measure, let’s review the fundamentals of the Specified Skilled Worker system.

Overview of the Specified Skilled Worker System

The Specified Skilled Worker system was established in April 2019 as a residence status to accept foreign nationals with certain levels of expertise and skills in order to address serious labor shortages.

Specified Skilled Worker (i)
・Residence period: Maximum of 5 years in total
・Skill level: Requires considerable knowledge or experience
・Japanese language ability: Everyday conversation level (approximately N4)
・Family accompaniment: Not permitted

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
・Residence period: No upper limit (renewable)
・Skill level: Requires skilled expertise
・Family accompaniment: Spouse and children may accompany
・Eligible industries: Limited to construction, shipbuilding, and marine industry, etc.

Specified Skilled Workers in the Food Service Industry

In the food service industry, workers can engage in the following types of work:

・Customer service, cooking, and store management in restaurants
・Food manufacturing and processing in prepared food businesses
・Cooking duties in cafeteria facilities

Individuals can obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status by passing both a skills test and a Japanese language test. Additionally, the food service industry was included as an eligible field for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status starting in 2024.

4. Specific Impacts of This Measure

Impact on New Applications

Applications from April 13 Onwards

For Certificate of Eligibility applications submitted to the Immigration Services Agency on or after April 13, certificates will not be issued in principle. This means that companies will no longer be able to bring new specified skilled workers from overseas to work in the food service industry.

Applications by April 12

Applications submitted by April 12 will be processed sequentially. However, if the acceptance ceiling is reached during the examination period, applications received after that point will likely not receive certificates.

In other words, applications will be examined in the order received, and once the 50,000-person ceiling is reached, subsequent applications will be rejected.

Impact on Existing Specified Skilled Workers

For foreign nationals already residing in Japan with Specified Skilled Worker status in the food service industry, visa extension procedures will continue as normal. This is an extremely important point.

This measure is a suspension of “new acceptance” and does not prevent those already working in Japan from continuing their residence.

Impact on Corporate Recruitment Activities

For companies in the food service industry, this measure will necessitate a major revision of recruitment strategies.

・Ongoing recruitment cases: Urgent confirmation needed on whether application can be completed by April 12
・Future recruitment plans: Need to consider options other than food service SSW
・Management of existing staff: Improved retention rates and systematic visa renewal procedures become even more critical

5. Essential Information for Foreign Residents in Japan

For Those Currently Working as Specified Skilled Workers

Visa Extensions Remain Available as Normal

The most important point is that visa extensions for those already working in the food service industry with Specified Skilled Worker status are not affected by this measure. You can apply for extension as normal before your residence period expires.

Key Points to Note
・Extension applications can be submitted from 3 months before the expiration date
・Required documents remain unchanged, but early preparation is recommended
・Maintaining good relationships with your employer is important

For Those Wishing to Work in the Food Service Industry

New Acceptance is Difficult for the Time Being

Unfortunately, for those hoping to come to Japan with Specified Skilled Worker status in the food service industry, or those wishing to change from another residence status to food service SSW within Japan, acceptance will be suspended for the foreseeable future.

Alternative Options
・Specified Skilled Worker in other industries (manufacturing, caregiving, construction, etc.)
・Transition from Technical Intern Training to SSW in other industries
・Working part-time with permission for activities outside permitted status (for international students, etc.)
・Other work-authorized statuses such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

For Those Considering Career Changes

Job Changes Within the Food Service Industry

For those who already hold Specified Skilled Worker status in the food service industry, changing employers within the same industry is possible by submitting a “Notification of Affiliation Change.” This measure is a suspension of new acceptance and does not restrict job changes by existing status holders.

Changes to Other Industries

Changing to Specified Skilled Worker status in another industry requires filing for a Change of Status of Residence. In this case, you will need to pass the skills test and meet the requirements for the new industry.

6. Immediate Action Steps for Companies

Short-term Measures (Implement Immediately)

Verification of Ongoing Recruitment Cases

Companies currently proceeding with the recruitment of specified skilled workers need to urgently verify whether they can complete the Certificate of Eligibility application by April 12.

Typically, preparing the necessary application documents takes 2-4 weeks. Therefore, the actual grace period is extremely limited.

Examples of Required Documents
・Employment contract
・Employment conditions document
・Corporate registry
・Financial statements
・Support plan for specified skilled workers
・Various other certificates

Thorough Residence Management of Existing Staff

Review the residence periods of existing specified skilled worker staff members, and begin early preparation for those whose renewal dates are approaching.

With new hiring becoming difficult, retention of existing staff becomes even more important. Ensuring reliable visa renewals and creating an environment where workers feel secure is essential.

Medium-term Measures (Consider Within the Next 3-6 Months)

Diversification of Human Resource Strategy

The risks of a recruitment strategy dependent solely on Specified Skilled Workers in the food service industry have become apparent with this measure. The following multifaceted approaches are necessary:

  1. Utilization of Other Residence Statuses
  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (interpretation, menu development, etc.)
  • Designated Activities (employment in specific fields)
  • Status-based residence permits (Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National, etc.)
  1. Internal Reassignment from SSW in Other Industries
  • Internal transfers from manufacturing to food service
  • Personnel exchanges between group companies
  1. Strengthened Recruitment of Japanese and Settled Foreign Nationals
  • Development of better working environments
  • Improvement of working conditions
  • Clarification of career paths

Improving Retention Rates of Existing Staff

With new recruitment restricted, preventing turnover among existing staff becomes critically important.

・Establishment of appropriate working environments
・Development of fair compensation systems
・Provision of career advancement opportunities
・Enhanced communication
・Strengthened support for daily life matters

Long-term Strategy (Build Within the Next 1-2 Years)

Support for Transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

The food service industry is also an eligible field for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status. By helping skilled staff members transition to (ii) status, they can remain without an upper limit on residence period and bring their families.

This enables the establishment of stable, long-term employment relationships.

Promotion of Operational Efficiency and Labor-Saving Measures

With personnel recruitment becoming difficult, reviewing business processes and improving efficiency are also important strategies.

・Introduction of IT systems (reservation management, inventory management, etc.)
・Standardization of cooking processes
・Expansion of self-service options
・Review of appropriate staffing allocation

7. Possibilities for Switching to Alternative Visa Categories

With the suspension of new acceptance for Specified Skilled Workers in the food service industry, utilizing other residence statuses becomes an important option.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

Examples of Applicable Work
・Menu development for overseas markets
・Interpretation and translation for foreign customers
・Planning and management of overseas business
・Overseas-focused information dissemination via social media

Requirements
・University graduation or 10+ years of practical experience (3+ years for interpretation/translation)
・Work content requires specialized knowledge
・Compensation equal to or exceeding that of Japanese nationals

Designated Activities

Depending on circumstances, Designated Activities residence status may be applicable. Since approval criteria vary based on individual situations, consultation with specialists is recommended.

Status-Based Residence Statuses

Foreign nationals with status-based residence permits such as Permanent Resident, Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident face no employment restrictions.

Recruiting foreign nationals with these residence statuses is also a viable option.

8. Future Outlook and Long-term Strategic Planning

Possibility of Resuming Acceptance

The Immigration Services Agency has stated that certificate issuance will resume when the number of accepted workers decreases.

Factors Leading to Decrease
・Returns to home country upon expiration of residence period
・Changes to other residence statuses
・Changes to SSW in other industries
・Voluntary returns to home country

Therefore, this measure is positioned as a temporary adjustment rather than a permanent ban.

Possibility of System Reforms

In response to this situation, there is also the possibility of system revisions in the future.

Anticipated Directions for Revision
・Review of industry-specific ceiling numbers
・Promotion of flexible movement between industries
・Further expansion of eligible industries for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
・Regional acceptance adjustments

Long-term Perspective Required of Companies

Building Sustainable Human Resource Strategies

This measure has highlighted the risks of relying on a single method of securing personnel. Companies need the following long-term perspectives:

  1. Securing Diverse Personnel Channels
  • Recruitment combining multiple residence statuses
  • Organizations with balanced Japanese and foreign staff
  • Diversification of age groups
  1. Investment in Human Resource Development
  • Training systems for skill improvement
  • Clarification of career paths
  • Support for obtaining Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status
  1. Development of Better Working Environments
  • Appropriate working hour management
  • Fair evaluation and compensation systems
  • Creation of multicultural workplaces
  1. Operational Efficiency and Productivity Improvement
  • Promotion of digitalization
  • Review of business processes
  • Shift toward higher value-added services

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: I am currently working as a Specified Skilled Worker. Can I extend my visa?

A1: Yes, you can. This measure is a suspension of new acceptance, and visa extensions for existing specified skilled workers remain available as normal. Please proceed with your extension application with confidence.

Q2: Is it absolutely impossible to apply after April 13?

A2: In principle, Certificates of Eligibility will not be issued, but issuance is scheduled to resume when the number of accepted workers decreases. Please monitor announcements from the Immigration Services Agency.

Q3: Can I change from food service to SSW in another industry?

A3: Yes, it is possible. However, you will need to pass the skills test for the new industry and apply for a Change of Status of Residence.

Q4: If I apply by April 12, will I definitely be approved?

A4: Applications submitted by the 12th will be processed sequentially, but if the ceiling is reached during processing, subsequent applications may be rejected. We recommend applying as early as possible.

Q5: Is transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) possible?

A5: The food service industry is an eligible field for Specified Skilled Worker (ii). If you pass the required skills test and meet the requirements, transition is possible. SSW (ii) has no upper limit on residence period and allows family accompaniment.

Q6: How long will this measure continue?

A6: It is scheduled to be lifted when the number of accepted workers decreases and there is room under the ceiling. The specific timing is currently undetermined.

Q7: Can I change jobs within the food service industry?

A7: Yes, you can. Those who already hold SSW (food service) status can change employers within the same industry by submitting a notification of affiliation change.

Q8: What happens to transitions from Technical Intern Training to SSW?

A8: Transitions from Technical Intern Training to SSW in the food service industry will also be suspended in principle from April 13. You will need to consider transitioning to SSW in other industries.

10. Conclusion: Transforming Change into Opportunity

The suspension of acceptance for Specified Skilled Workers in the food service industry from April 13, 2026, represents a major turning point for the food service sector. However, it is important to view this change not merely as a “restriction” but as an “opportunity to reassess human resource strategies.”

For Foreign Residents in Japan

If you are already working as a Specified Skilled Worker, your visa extensions remain available as normal. Please continue your life and work in Japan with confidence. For those hoping to work in the food service industry, please explore possibilities by also considering other industries and other residence statuses.

If you have concerns, we recommend consulting with specialists such as immigration lawyers rather than worrying alone.

For Corporate Executives and HR Managers

This measure has highlighted the risks of human resource strategies overly dependent on foreign workers. Use this as an opportunity to build multifaceted approaches such as:

  1. Flexible recruitment strategies combining multiple residence statuses
  2. Investment in retention improvement and training of existing staff
  3. Securing personnel through development of better working environments
  4. Promotion of operational efficiency and productivity improvement

Support as Immigration Lawyers

As immigration law professionals, we provide optimal solutions tailored to your individual circumstances.

・Advice on residence status options
・Preparation of application documents and representation
・Consulting on corporate human resource strategy
・Reliable support for visa extension procedures

This measure is temporary, and there is the possibility that acceptance will resume in the future. However, business operations must continue in the meantime. Now is the perfect opportunity to build sustainable and resilient human resource strategies.

Let us not fear change, but transform it into strength. We will fully support your endeavors.

[Important] Verify Latest Information

Immigration-related systems are subject to change at any time. Always obtain the latest information from official Immigration Services Agency announcements and specialists such as immigration lawyers.

Source: Yahoo! News
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/71e9258f30d6b66e7db69e9a97e921c299c4e62d