This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
There are 5 main differences. Under 1号 the period of stay is at most 5 years in total, family cannot be brought over, and the time does not count towards the work requirement for permanent residence. By contrast, 2号 has no upper limit on the period of stay, family may be brought over, and the time does count towards an application for permanent residence. Under 2号 there is also no longer a duty to provide support through a 登録支援機関 (registered support organisation) or similar body, and the level of skill required rises to "mature skills".
An enquiry from employers and foreign workers who want to know the difference between 特定技能1号 and 2号, and how many people actually hold 2号.
5 points differ decisively: the period of stay, bringing family, the route to permanent residence, the duty to provide support, and the level of skill.
在留資格「特定技能1号」 (Specified Skilled Worker (i)) is defined as the level requiring "a considerable degree of knowledge and experience", and 「特定技能2号」 (Specified Skilled Worker (ii)) as the higher level requiring "mature skills". The main differences in practice are as follows.
Your position moves from "a ready-to-work member of staff who follows instructions" to "a mature leader who holds the site together".
The level of skill for 1号 is defined as "a considerable degree of knowledge and experience". The position is that of a craftsperson or member of staff who, under the instruction and supervision of the person in charge of the site, carries out work of a certain level on their own: someone who can do accurately and alone what they have been taught.
The level of skill for 2号 is "mature skills". You must not only be able to carry out advanced work on your own judgement, but also have the ability of a manager and instructor. You bring together several skilled workers (Japanese staff, 1号 foreign nationals, technical intern trainees and so on), instruct and supervise them directly on site, and also take part in management work such as scheduling and quality control. In other words you take on a role such as 「班長」 (team leader), 「主任」 (senior staff) or 「副店長」 (deputy store manager).
Still very few compared with 1号, but the number is rising after the fields covered were widened in 2023.
According to figures published by the 出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency of Japan), 1号 makes up the overwhelming majority of 特定技能 residents, and 2号 is still only a very small number.
That said, the number of people on 2号 is on an upward trend. This is because the fields covered by 2号 were widened in 2023, so more people are switching to 2号 in areas such as food and drink manufacturing, agriculture and food service.
By nationality, Vietnam comes first, followed by China and Indonesia, and Vietnamese nationals in particular make up much of the 2号 population.
Resident numbers change every time they are published. This article gives only the trend and no specific figures, so please check the actual numbers on the official website of the 出入国在留管理庁.
Road transport, railways, forestry and the timber industry were added by a Cabinet decision in March 2024.
"Road transport (buses, taxis and lorries)", "railways", "forestry" and "the timber industry" are fields that have already been added to those covered by 特定技能, by a Cabinet decision in March 2024. They are not fields that are due to be added in future.
This widens further the range of occupations in which you can aim at 2号, and foreign workers are expected to become a central presence supporting Japan's key infrastructure.
Moving from 1号 to 2号 is not simply a visa renewal. It is official proof that, in Japanese society, you have stepped up from the side that is taught to the side that teaches, as a leader.
No. 1号 runs to at most 5 years in total. To keep working with no upper limit, you need to move to 2号.
2号. Once you hold 2号 you are allowed to bring your spouse and children and live together. Under 1号 you cannot, as a rule.
Time under 1号 does not count towards the work requirement for permanent residence. Time under 2号 does count.
Passing a more advanced skills test, or practical experience as a leader on site (as 班長, 主任, 副店長 or similar). Note that road transport, railways, forestry and the timber industry have already been added to the fields covered by 特定技能, by a Cabinet decision in March 2024.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.