Column / 2025.05.23

How to Find Jobs in Japan with Visa Sponsorship

Do you hold a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa but want to stay in Japan longer?
This guide explains how to switch to a long-term work visa with visa sponsorship, and how to find the right job to support your future in Japan.

＞＞Click here if you're looking for visa-sponsored job information right away.

【 Contents 】

Beginning: Feeling Uncertain About Your SSW Visa?

1. Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa
1-1. What is an SSW Visa?
1-2. What's the Problem with the SSW Visa?
1-3. Why You Should Consider Switching Visas

2. What Work Visas Can You Transition to From the SSW?
2-1. What Is the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?
2-2. What Are the Requirements?
2-3. Other Work Visas You Can Switch To
2-4. SSW Visa vs. Other Work Visas

3. How to Find Jobs in Japan with Visa Sponsorship
3-1. What Is a Visa Sponsor?
3-2. How to Identify Sponsorship Jobs
3-3. Job Search Tips by Japanese Language Level

4. Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs with YOLO JAPAN
4-1. What is YOLO JAPAN?
4-2. Can SSW Visa Holders Use It?
4-3. Why Use YOLO JAPAN?

Conclusion: Secure Your Future in Japan — Starting Today

Beginning: Feeling Uncertain About Your SSW Visa?

If you're reading this, you're probably working in Japan with a Specified Skilled Worker visa.

While this visa allows you to work in Japan, it has a major drawback—you can only stay for up to 5 years.
That limitation can cause serious anxiety about your future.

But don’t worry. There’s a way to stay in Japan longer by switching to another type of work visa.

Let’s help you build a secure, long-term future in Japan.

Looking for jobs with visa sponsorship?
Register on YOLO JAPAN for free —it only takes 3 minutes!
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1. Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa

1-1. What is an SSW Visa?

The Specified Skilled Worker visa was introduced in 2019 to allow foreigners to work in specific industries in Japan.

There are 16 eligible sectors as of May 2025, including:
Nursing care / Manufacturing / Food service / Construction
...and more.

Learn more in our full guide:
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa in Japan: Your Guide to Long-Term Employment

1-2. What's the Problem with the SSW Visa?

The biggest issue is the 5-year limit.
Once your visa expires, you may have no choice but to leave Japan.

It can also be challenging to find a new job or navigate the visa process within that limited timeframe.

1-3. Why You Should Consider Switching Visas

If you want to stay in Japan beyond the 5-year limit, it’s important to start considering a switch to a long-term visa now.

One popular option is the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa.

This type of visa can be renewed, allowing you to stay in Japan for the long term.

That’s why transitioning from the SSW visa is a key step if you're aiming to build a stable life here.