Who this is for
- Foreign nationals working in Japan as certified care workers
- People considering changing from Student or Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Nursing Care
- Facilities and businesses that employ certified care workers
Main application and consultation offices:Regional Immigration Services Bureau. Check which office has jurisdiction based on the type of application and the applicant’s place of residence or the receiving organization’s location.
Eligible Activities and Requirements
The covered activity is working as a certified care worker to provide nursing care or guidance on nursing care under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan. Being hired by a care facility alone is not sufficient; the applicant’s qualification and the duties set out in the contract are important. This status is distinct from a status intended for medical practice as a nurse.
Since April 1, 2020, the “Nursing Care” status has covered people regardless of the route by which they obtained the certified care worker qualification. It may be considered not only by graduates of training institutions but also by those who obtained the qualification through work experience, for example. The landing permission criteria require remuneration at least equal to that paid to a Japanese national performing the same work. The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months; the period requested is not necessarily granted.
How does it differ from Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care)?
The “Nursing Care” status requires the certified care worker qualification. By contrast, the Nursing Care field under Specified Skilled Worker (i) covers physical care and related support duties. As a general rule, skills and Japanese-language ability are assessed through the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test, a basic Japanese test or Japanese-Language Proficiency Test at N4 or above, and the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test. Exemptions from testing may apply based on completion of technical intern training or other circumstances, so whether tests are required should be checked based on the individual’s history.
The total period of stay under Specified Skilled Worker (i) is generally limited to 5 years. Exceptions may apply, so it cannot be assumed in every case that the period always ends at 5 years. “Nursing Care” does not have the same 5-year total limit as Specified Skilled Worker (i), but renewal screening is required at each expiry. The Nursing Care field is not covered by Specified Skilled Worker (ii). Those considering long-term employment should consider registering their certified care worker qualification and changing to “Nursing Care,” rather than transitioning to category (ii).
Certificate of Eligibility from overseas, change of status in Japan, and renewal
To enter Japan from overseas under “Nursing Care,” prepare an application for a Certificate of Eligibility. Those already in Japan under Student, Specified Skilled Worker, or another status who wish to engage in Nursing Care activities must apply for a change of status of residence. Passing the national examination does not automatically change a person’s status of residence; qualification registration and immigration procedures must be handled separately.
Those continuing to work under “Nursing Care” must apply for an extension of period of stay. For a standard renewal, certificates showing income and tax payment status for residence tax are central. For the first renewal after changing jobs, documents on the new employer’s working conditions and organizational profile are also required. The documents below are the main materials to prepare and are not a complete list of all documents that may be requested in an individual case.
Supporting materials:[1]
Documents added in 2026 and checking technical intern training history
For applications filed on or after April 15, 2026, a declaration concerning the representative of the affiliated organization has been added. It is required not only for Certificates of Eligibility and changes of status, but also for renewals. Those who have previously stayed in Japan under the Technical Intern Training program must submit a declaration regarding skill transfer for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status. The landing permission criteria also include skill-transfer conditions based on certain qualifications or technical intern training history, so check the applicant’s background.
Checking required documents and where to obtain them
The documents listed are representative examples. Required materials vary depending on the type of application, such as an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, change, or extension, as well as your current status of residence, affiliated organization, nationality, and family relationships. Additional materials may be requested for individual cases.
Main documents to be prepared by the applicant
Application form and photograph appropriate to the type of application
- Purpose
- To declare the procedure being sought, the applicant’s background, and the nature of their work.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan forms / Regional Immigration Services Bureau. The applicant must provide the photo.
- Points to check
- The forms differ for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence, and extension of period of stay. Prepare a photo that meets the specified requirements, and check for exceptions where a photo is not required, such as certain extensions depending on the period of stay.
Supporting materials:[1]
Passport / residence card / return envelope for Certificate of Eligibility
- Purpose
- To verify the applicant’s identity and current status of residence, and to receive the result of the Certificate of Eligibility application.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The passport and residence card kept by the applicant. The applicant or the person submitting the application must prepare the envelope and postage stamps.
- Points to check
- For a change of status of residence or extension of period of stay, present the passport and residence card. For a paper application for a Certificate of Eligibility, prepare an envelope bearing the recipient’s address and the postage required for registered mail. Also check the guidance for each submission method.
Supporting materials:[1]
Copy of the Certified Care Worker registration certificate
- Purpose
- To verify registration of the Certified Care Worker qualification.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The registration certificate kept by the applicant. If it has not been issued, complete the procedure through the Certified Care Worker qualification registration office.
- Points to check
- A principal document for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status of residence. It is not listed in the standard extension-of-period-of-stay document checklist. A notice of passing the national examination may not be accepted in place of the registration certificate.
Supporting materials:[1]
Certificate of residence tax (taxable or non-taxable) and certificate of tax payment
- Purpose
- To show total income for the year and the status of resident tax payment when applying for an extension of period of stay.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- In principle, the municipality where the applicant was residing on January 1.
- Points to check
- Prepare these for an extension of period of stay. If one certificate shows both income and tax payment status, only one is needed. If a certificate cannot be issued because the applicant has just entered Japan, moved, or for another reason, check with the immigration office.
Supporting materials:[1]
Main documents to be prepared by the employer
Document specifying the working conditions
- Purpose
- To confirm the duties, wages, and other employment conditions.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- A written notice of working conditions or similar document issued by the employer.
- Points to check
- Required for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status of residence. For an extension of period of stay, add this for the first extension after changing jobs. Ensure that the application form matches the contract terms, taking into account the requirement that remuneration be at least equivalent to that of a Japanese national.
Information brochure or similar document outlining the workplace
- Purpose
- To explain the workplace’s business activities, organization, officers, and history.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- A detailed information brochure prepared by the workplace or equivalent explanatory materials.
- Points to check
- Required for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status of residence. For an extension of period of stay, add this for the first extension after changing jobs. Prepare materials that explain the business and organization, not merely the facility name.
Supporting materials:[1]
Declaration concerning the representative of the affiliated organization
- Purpose
- To declare information concerning the representative of the affiliated organization.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Prepared by the affiliated organization using an Immigration Services Agency of Japan reference form.
- Points to check
- Additional submission is required for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence, or extension of period of stay filed on or after April 15, 2026. Take care not to rely solely on an outdated checklist.
Supporting materials:[1]
Documents clarifying the activities to be carried out at the client workplace
- Purpose
- To verify the care work and other activities actually performed at the client workplace.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- Documents such as a written notice of working conditions or employment contract prepared by the sending and client workplaces.
- Points to check
- Required for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status of residence when working under a dispatch contract. Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the nursing care field requires direct employment, so do not confuse it with the employment conditions under that system.
Documents to be checked by the applicant and workplace according to the applicant’s background
Declaration regarding the transfer of skills
- Purpose
- To explain the transfer to the applicant’s home country of skills and other knowledge acquired through Technical Intern Training.
- Issuing office / document preparer
- The applicant checks the contents with the workplace and prepares the declaration using an Immigration Services Agency of Japan reference form.
- Points to check
- Listed among the documents to be submitted for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility or change of status of residence if the applicant has previously resided in Japan under the status of residence “Technical Intern Training.” Check the relevant work history and declaration details.
Consultation and application preparation process
- 1
Check qualification registration and current period of stay
Organize the status of registration certificate issuance, the route by which the qualification was obtained, and any Technical Intern Training history, then determine whether the application is for a Certificate of Eligibility, a change of status of residence, or an extension of period of stay.
- 2
- 3
Gather and submit documents for the relevant application
Prepare tax certificates for an extension of period of stay and additional documents required after changing jobs separately. Attach Japanese translations to documents in foreign languages, and confirm the competent office and submission method.
Supporting materials:[1]
- 4
Respond to requests for additional documents and check the result
Respond if the Immigration Services Agency requests additional documents. For a change of status of residence, check the permitted activities before switching to them, and continue to manage the period of stay and notifications of changes to the affiliated organization.
Supporting materials:[1]
Points to check before applying
- The required documents vary depending on the type of application, the applicant’s background, and the work arrangement, and the Immigration Services Agency may request additional documents. For certificates issued in Japan, prepare documents issued within the past three months in accordance with the official guidance, and check the latest forms in use when applying.
- Obtaining a qualification or entering into an employment contract alone does not guarantee permission. The review period and required costs will be confirmed on an individual basis. Please inquire to confirm whether we can accept the specific engagement or provide support, which languages are available for consultations, and the scope of the engagement.
This page provides general information about the system and does not determine individual cases or guarantee permission or approval. Required documents and requirements vary depending on individual circumstances. When applying, check the latest official information and consult an administrative scrivener about the procedures suited to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply even if I did not graduate from a Certified Care Worker training institution?
There is no restriction on the route by which the qualification is obtained. Check that you hold the Certified Care Worker qualification and meet conditions such as having a contract for eligible duties. This is not a system under which care work experience alone, without registration of the qualification, enables you to obtain the status of residence “Nursing Care.”
My five-year limit under Specified Skilled Worker (i) is approaching, but my registration certificate has not arrived yet.
For a person residing in Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i) whose total five-year period is ending, if the registration certificate has not been issued at the time of application, there is a procedure under which a copy of the notice of passing the Certified Care Worker national examination may be submitted with an application to change status of residence. However, a copy of the registration certificate is required for the examination. Submit it promptly once issued, and do not assume that the notice of passing alone will result in approval.
Supporting materials:[1]
Do the documents for an extension of period of stay change if I change jobs while holding the status of residence “Nursing Care”?
For the first extension of period of stay after changing jobs, add to the usual extension documents a document showing the new workplace’s working conditions and materials outlining the organization. You must also separately check the notification requirements concerning the affiliated organization. Do not confuse this with an application for permission to change status of residence when changing affiliated organizations under Specified Skilled Worker.
Official Immigration and Legal Affairs Sources
Check the following official pages for application forms and the latest required submission materials. Official materials are displayed in Japanese or other languages provided by each organization.
- [1] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Nursing Care” (documents to be submitted for applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence, and extension of period of stay)
- [2] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Activities covered by the Status of Residence “Nursing Care” and landing permission criteria
- [3] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Specified Skilled Worker—Nursing Care field
- [4] Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of Residence “Specified Skilled Worker” (total period of stay and change of affiliated organization)