From SSW1 to SSW2: A Practical Roadmap for Long-Term Retention (SSW2 Does Not Require a Support Plan)

このページは日本語でも読めます

日本語版：特定技能1号から2号へ：外国人も会社も得をする“定着ロードマップ”（2号は支援計画不要）

※Read in Japanese here.

Bottom line: SSW(ii) can be a “retention and life-planning milestone” for foreign workers and a “workforce stability strategy” for employers.
First, let’s correct a critical misunderstanding: SSW(ii) does NOT require the SSW(i) Support Plan (the so-called “10 support items”).

“I passed the exam, but the process is not moving”—why applications stall in practice

In real cases, a worker may pass the SSW(ii) skills exam and both the worker and employer want to proceed—yet the process slows down or stalls.

It is easy to blame “the support organization” or “the company,” but in practice the root causes are usually one of these:

（1）SSW(i) operations are not well designed: who provides support, who keeps records, and who handles notifications is unclear.
（2）SSW(ii) requirements are not properly documented: the evidence for experience, role, and qualifications is not organized by sector requirements.

Key point: Problems like “not enough staff for multilingual support” or “interviews cannot be scheduled” are typically SSW(i) operational issues (because SSW(i) involves mandatory support operations).
SSW(ii) itself is not subject to the SSW(i) Support Plan requirement. Separating these issues makes the case much easier to manage.

Clear the misunderstanding first: SSW(ii) does not require the Support Plan (“10 support items”)

What becomes “NOT required” under SSW(ii)

（1）Preparing and submitting the SSW(i) Support Plan (the support plan is an SSW(i) requirement)
（2）Implementing and recording the mandatory 10 support items (these apply to SSW(i))
（3）The assumption that outsourcing to a Registered Support Organization is mandatory (SSW(ii) has no mandatory support obligation)

That said, SSW(ii) does not mean “hands-off.” Employers must still maintain proper employment management, safety and compliance. No mandatory support plan does NOT mean neglect.

Why we recommend SSW(ii): benefits that matter to both workers and employers

Benefits that matter to foreign workers

（1）No fixed upper limit on renewals (long-term stay is possible as long as renewals are granted)
（2）Family life becomes more realistic (family-related options may be considered under applicable conditions)
（3）Long-term stability enables stronger life planning (housing, education, career development)

Quick note: SSW(ii) is not just a visa category—it changes what is realistic for your life in Japan.

Benefits that matter to employers

（1）Higher retention: workers can plan long-term, which often reduces turnover risk
（2）You can develop core staff (team leaders, trainers, supervisors)
（3）Better ROI: training → retention → productivity becomes more rational than repeated recruiting
（4）Because SSW(ii) does not require the SSW(i) Support Plan, the administrative support burden can be significantly lighter

Why cases stall: the real bottlenecks are “SSW(i) operations” and “SSW(ii) evidence”

（A）The common bottleneck: SSW(i) support operations

SSW(i) involves operational design (in-house support vs. outsourcing), recordkeeping, and notifications. If “who does what” is unclear, processing tends to slow down at the critical moment.

（B）Another bottleneck: evidence design for SSW(ii)

SSW(ii) is based on proficient skills. Passing an exam is a strong factor, but in many sectors you must also show ob

投稿者プロフィール

富永大祐行政書士

日系理化学機器輸入商社、日系センサーメーカー、外資系真空機器メーカー、外資系化学装置メーカーでの国内外業務を経て、令和2年度行政書士試験に合格。令和3年4月、トミーズリーガルサービス行政書士事務所を開業。

現在は入管業務（VISA・在留資格）を中心とした専門事務所として、外国人の雇用・受け入れ、企業の国際人材戦略、在留手続のオンライン申請支援を行う。
企業・個人いずれのクライアントにも寄り添い、迅速・丁寧で負担の少ない手続きをモットーとする。

また、国際業務の経験を生かし、英語での各種案内・申請支援にも対応。

趣味：バイク（GB350C）、ツーリング、Uber Eats 配達、テニス、ゴルフ

English:
After working in Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies in the fields of scientific instruments, sensors, vacuum equipment, and chemical processing machinery, I passed the national Administrative Scrivener examination in 2020 and founded Tommy’s Legal Service Administrative Scrivener Office in April 2021.

My practice is specialized in immigration procedures—visa applications, extensions, changes of status, and online filings for both companies and individuals. I support employers and foreign nationals with fast, accurate, and stress-free application processes.
English guidance and bilingual documentation are also available.

Hobbies: Motorcycles (Honda GB350C), touring, Uber Eats delivery, tennis, golf

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特定技能

2026年1月15日

From SSW1 to SSW2: A Practical Roadmap for Long-Term Retention (SSW2 Does Not Require a Support Plan)

“I passed the exam, but the process is not moving”—why applications stall in practice

Clear the misunderstanding first: SSW(ii) does not require the Support Plan (“10 support items”)

What becomes “NOT required” under SSW(ii)