Specified Skilled Worker Food Service Cap Now in Effect: Important Update on COE, Change of Status, and Test Suspension
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced an important operational update regarding Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry.
According to the official announcement, the number of foreign nationals already holding this status in the food service field reached approximately 46,000 as of the end of February 2026, and is expected to exceed the projected intake ceiling of 50,000 around May 2026.
As a result, Certificates of Eligibility (COE) applications accepted on or after April 13, 2026 will not be issued. In addition, applications for change of status to Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry will generally be denied.
At the same time, some exceptions may remain for people who are already staying in Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the same field, such as certain job changes within the food service industry. Careful case-by-case review is necessary.
In parallel, the food service industry skills test for Specified Skilled Worker (i) has also been suspended for the time being, including reservation procedures. This creates a significant impact on employers and applicants who were planning new recruitment through the test route.
Key Points
- The intake cap for Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service industry is now being operated.
- COE applications accepted on or after April 13, 2026 will not be issued.
- Change of status applications will generally be denied.
- Some exceptions may still apply to people already staying in Japan under SSW (i) in the same field.
- The food service industry skills test has also been suspended for the time being.
Practical Considerations for Employers
Employers in the food service industry should first confirm the applicant’s current residence status and whether the person is already staying in Japan under Specified Skilled Worker (i) in the food service field. The legal treatment may differ depending on the applicant’s present immigration position.
If the suspension of the skills test continues, recruitment planning, onboarding schedules, and workforce allocation may also need to be reviewed. Early legal review is advisable before proceeding with any planned hiring.
Consultation
Our office provides consultation based on the latest immigration practice concerning Specified Skilled Worker in the food service industry, including eligibility review, document preparation, and planning for future hiring and status-related issues in Japan.
投稿者プロフィール
- 行政書士 (Immigration Lawyer)
-
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（CB1300SB）、ツーリング、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 CB1300SB), touring, tennis, golf
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