The SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa is a Japanese work visa. It lets foreign workers work in sectors where Japan needs more people. KTTI's SSW preparation course in Dhaka teaches SSW Japanese, JFT Basic and JLPT, and trains you for the skill test, the interview and life in Japan. The residential course costs BDT 25,000 per month, and a new batch starts every 6 to 8 weeks.
1. What Is the SSW Visa?
SSW stands for Specified Skilled Worker. Japan created this visa to fill the labour shortage in sectors such as nursing care, construction, agriculture, food manufacturing and food service. It is a legal way to work in Japan.
There are two types:
- SSW (i): for workers with basic skills. You can stay in Japan for up to 5 years in total. Family members usually cannot come with you. Most Bangladeshi candidates start here.
- SSW (ii): for workers with advanced skills in some sectors. It has different rules and is not the first step for new candidates.
By law, an SSW worker must get pay equal to or higher than a Japanese worker doing the same job. The exact salary depends on the employer, the sector and the area.
2. SSW Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Candidates
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Japanese language | JFT Basic or JLPT N4, usually |
| Skills | Pass the skill test for your sector (some people who finished Technical Intern Training No. 2 may be exempt) |
| Health | Pass the medical check |
| Employer | A Japanese employer who signs a contract with you |
| Documents | Valid passport and other documents for your case |
| Bangladesh government steps | Follow the government process for overseas work, such as BMET registration and emigration clearance |
3. Japanese Level for SSW: JFT Basic or JLPT N4
Japanese is not optional. Every SSW candidate must show basic Japanese. There are two accepted tests.
| JFT Basic | JLPT N4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | A2 (everyday Japanese) | N4 (basic Japanese) |
| Format | Computer-based, several test dates a year | Paper exam, usually twice a year (July and December) |
| Pass mark | Usually 200 out of 250 points | Set by JLPT for each test |
| What it tests | Script and vocabulary, conversation and expression, listening, reading (about 1 hour) | Vocabulary and kanji, grammar and reading, listening (about 2 hours) |
| Best for | Job seekers who want a quicker test date | Learners who prefer a classic exam |
KTTI teaches both. Beginners start at N5 or A1 level and move up. Read more on our Japanese Language Course page.
4. The Skill Test
Besides Japanese, you must pass a skill test for the sector you choose. The test checks that you can do the basic work of that sector, for example how to work safely, use tools and follow workplace rules. Test content, place and dates are different for each sector.
KTTI's residential course includes skill test preparation and skill training, together with SSW Japanese. This way you learn the work words in Japanese at the same time as the work itself.
5. SSW Sectors
Japan allows SSW workers in around 16 sectors, such as nursing care, building cleaning, construction, shipbuilding, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fishery, food and beverage manufacturing and food service.
Not every sector is open for Bangladeshi candidates at all times. The Bangladesh government decides which sectors are approved for sending workers to Japan. KTTI trains candidates for the approved sectors, and our team will tell you which ones are open now.
6. How to Get an SSW Visa from Bangladesh: Step by Step
Choose your sector from the approved list.
Learn Japanese and pass JFT Basic or JLPT N4.
Pass the skill test for your sector.
Find a Japanese employer. Kawaii Group has offices in Bangladesh and Japan and works with employers in Japan.
Join the employer interview. Practise first with our interview preparation and a mock interview.
Sign the contract. Your employer applies for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Japan.
Complete the Bangladesh government steps (for example BMET registration and emigration clearance) and the medical check.
Apply for the visa with your COE, join pre-departure orientation, and fly to Japan.
7. KTTI SSW Preparation Course
The SSW preparation course is KTTI's main residential programme. It is made for candidates who want to work in Japan and need language, skills and interview training in one place.
What You Learn
| Training area | What we do |
|---|---|
| SSW Japanese | Work and daily-life Japanese for your sector |
| JFT Basic preparation | A1 to A2 training with JFT-style practice tests |
| JLPT preparation | N5 to N3 classes, with N4 as the usual SSW target |
| Skill test preparation | Practice for the skill test and basic skill training |
| Weekly mock test | A test every week to track your progress |
| Interview preparation | Short course for candidates who passed the language test (2 to 3 weeks, 15 per batch, BDT 5,000) |
| Mock interview with our Japan office | Online practice with Japanese interviewers from Kawaii Group Japan |
| Pre-departure orientation | Japanese culture, workplace manners and daily-life tips before you fly |
Residential Course Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Residential. Stay at KTTI with meals arranged. |
| Class time | Morning batches |
| Batch size | 30 learners per batch |
| New batches | A new batch every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Fee | BDT 25,000 per month |
| Teachers | Bangladeshi and Japanese teachers. You can choose, or learn from both. |
| Extra | Weekly mock test, Japanese culture lessons, Japan-office mock interview |
Fee and batch dates are confirmed by the KTTI admission team. Please ask what the residential fee includes.
Other Ways to Prepare
- Non-residential: JLPT N5 to N3 and JFT A1 to A2 classes in the morning or midday, plus evening and weekend batches.
- Afternoon exam preparation: JLPT and JFT Basic preparation for learners close to their exam.
- Evening classes for people who work or study during the day.
- Online: live night classes and recorded classes.
How Long Does SSW Training Take?
It depends on your Japanese level when you start. As a common estimate, learners need around 150 hours of study to reach N5 or A2 start level and around 300 hours in total for N4.
Beginners need longer than learners who already know some Japanese. KTTI starts a new residential batch every 6 to 8 weeks, and your teacher will tell you a realistic plan after your first mock tests.
Why the Japan-Office Mock Interview Matters
Many candidates pass JFT Basic or JLPT but freeze in the real interview. Our mock interviews are run online by Japanese interviewers from the Kawaii Group Japan office. You face natural Japanese speed, real questions and honest feedback before the real day. This is rare among Bangladeshi training institutes.
8. SSW Visa vs Student Visa
| SSW Visa | Student Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Work in Japan | Study in Japan |
| Japanese needed | JFT Basic or JLPT N4, usually | Basic Japanese, depends on school (often around N5 or 150 hours) |
| Skill test | Yes, for your sector | No |
| Work rights | Full-time work in your sector | Part-time work with permission |
| Stay | Up to 5 years in total (SSW i) | Depends on school and course |
| KTTI course | SSW Preparation Course | Student Visa Preparation |
9. Costs and How to Stay Safe from Fraud
Your total cost has several parts:
- KTTI training fee: BDT 25,000 per month for the residential course. Interview preparation is BDT 5,000.
- Test fees for JFT Basic or JLPT and for the skill test.
- Medical check, passport and document costs.
- Visa, travel and other costs. These depend on your sector and employer.
Important: Please follow the Bangladesh government rules on recruitment costs. Ask for clear, written costs and keep every receipt.
10. Free SSW Visa Guide (PDF)
Complete & Comprehensive Guide to Japan SSW Work Permit and Visa Pathways
Are you planning to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program? We have prepared a complete guide covering the key requirements, eligibility, Japanese language and skill tests, required documents, job process, application procedures, visa requirements, and other important information you need to know before applying.
Read the Complete Japan SSW Guide11. Why Candidates Trust KTTI
KTTI is the training institute of Kawaii Group, a Bangladesh-Japan joint group with offices in Bangladesh and Japan. Kawaii Group works in human resources and sends people to Japan on the student visa and the SSW visa. So we train you for what employers and interviewers in Japan really expect.
Real experience
We train candidates for the SSW visa and the student visa, not only for exams.
Expert teaching
Bangladeshi and Japanese teachers. Meet them on the Our Teachers page.
Authority
Offices in Bangladesh and Japan. Mock interviews run by our Japan office.
Trust
Clear fee on this page, honest limits, a fraud warning, and no guarantee promises.
Approved Sectors
Training for sectors approved by the Bangladesh government for sending workers to Japan.
Residential facility
Residential facility with meals, for candidates from other districts.