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📌 [Update, October 20, 2026] This article explains the handling that applied from August 20, 2026. On October 19, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency revised its operational guidelines and the written pledge form (Reference Form No. 1-32; called the “Sworn Statement” in the newer article), and wording such as limiting the persons to be supervised to those who “work at the same business establishment” and are “engaged in full-time work” was changed (the same business establishment remains the general rule, with flexible handling where there are reasonable circumstances). The revision also explains what to write when the number of persons to be supervised is temporarily insufficient, and how applications filed between August 20 and October 19 are handled. For the latest handling, please see Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Sworn Statement: October 19 Changes.
For various Status of Residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), a new document has been added. The Immigration Services Agency announced “Regarding the Job Description of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Foreign Nationals” on August 5, 2026, stating that the submission of a “Written Pledge Regarding the Job Description of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Foreign Nationals” (Reference Form No. 1-32) will be required for Status of Residence applications filed on or after August 20, 2026.
This is not merely an addition of a form. This written pledge requires applicants to state, at the name level, who the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is instructing and what tasks they are instructing. Depending on the field, two or more individuals may be required to receive instruction, and discrepancies between the stated information and the actual situation could lead to the revocation of the Status of Residence. This information is organized for both the foreign national themselves and the HR professionals of the accepting company.
First, let’s summarize the key points.
💡 Key takeaway: Rather than simply “one more form has been added,” it is more accurate in practice to understand that “it is necessary to be able to explain the placement and instruction system of the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) in writing.”
The background lies in the concept of the skill level required for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
According to the Immigration Services Agency’s explanation, Specified Skilled Worker (ii) foreign nationals are required to possess advanced skills acquired through many years of practical experience, as stipulated in the basic policy. These skills must be of a high level of expertise and technical proficiency, equivalent to or exceeding those of foreign nationals holding existing Status of Residence in specialized and technical fields. For example, they are defined as being capable of executing highly specialized and technical tasks independently or supervising operations while performing tasks with advanced skills as a supervisor.
In light of this standard, the sector-specific operational policies for each specified industry field stipulate that the duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (ii) include “instructing multiple workers” and “managing processes.” In other words, the understanding is that the duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (ii) differ fundamentally from those performed by Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is not simply an “upgraded version” of Specified Skilled Worker (i). The system is structured such that their duties include instruction and management.
Therefore, the Immigration Services Agency decided to require the submission of a written pledge at the Status of Residence application stage to confirm “the difference between the job duties performed by Specified Skilled Worker (ii) and those performed by Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals” and “the individuals receiving instruction from the Specified Skilled Worker (ii).”
The Immigration Services Agency has also published a page titled “Job Description for Each Field of Specified Skilled Worker (ii).” Some of the descriptions provided there are as follows:
| Field/Category | Overview of Field/Category (Excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Building Cleaning | Engaging in cleaning the interior of buildings while instructing multiple workers, managing the site, and performing planning, progress management, and other management tasks for said operations. |
| Industrial Product Manufacturing (Machine Metal Processing Category) | Engaging in manufacturing processes for raw material products, industrial machinery, etc., while instructing multiple skilled workers, and managing processes. |
| Construction (Civil Engineering Category) | Engaging in tasks related to the new construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair of civil engineering facilities, etc., while instructing multiple construction skilled workers, and managing processes. |
In all cases, the overview describes not merely “being able to perform tasks,” but “engaging in tasks while instructing and managing.” It becomes clearer to understand the written pledge as a document to confirm whether this overview matches the actual placement.
The form is broadly divided into two parts.
| Column | Content to be Stated |
|---|---|
| ① | Name of Department |
| ② | Position or Title |
| ③ | The specific job duties (e.g., manufactured products, harvested crops, work processes) performed by the foreign national |
| ④ | If Technical Intern Trainees or Specified Skilled Workers (i) are engaged in work, the differences in job duties between those foreign nationals and the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) |
Column ④ is the most difficult section to complete in practice. If Technical Intern Trainees or Specified Skilled Workers (i) are present at the same workplace, it is necessary to explain “what is different about the Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” in a way that does not contradict the job duties for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) as stipulated by the sector-specific operational guidelines.
This is the practical core of this document. For individuals receiving guidance from the Specified Skilled Worker (ii), the following information must be provided:
The form has spaces for 5 individuals, and it is stipulated that additional spaces should be added as appropriate if insufficient.
As a point of attention, the following conditions are indicated:
⚠️ Easily Overlooked Condition: When applying for a second or third Specified Skilled Worker (ii) at a business establishment where a Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is already employed, it is not possible to count the same subordinates multiple times. Depending on the personnel structure of the business establishment, the required number of individuals may not be met here.
Furthermore, if there are multiple applicable items regarding the business establishment, business content, department, position, or job duties, it is stipulated that all of them must be stated.
The reference form includes guidelines for the required number of individuals for each specified industry sector.
| Specified Industry Sector for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) | Required Number of Individuals |
|---|---|
| Building Cleaning Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Industrial Product Manufacturing Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Construction Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Automobile Maintenance Sector | 1 or more individuals |
| Aviation Sector | Airport Ground Handling category: 1 or more individuals |
| Accommodation Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Agriculture Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Fishery Sector | (Not specified) |
| Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector | 2 or more individuals |
| Food Service Industry Sector | (Not specified) |
The notes in the form state that for specified industry sectors or job categories where the required number of individuals is not specified, it is permissible for there to be no individuals receiving guidance. However, even in such cases, it is stipulated that if individuals are present, they must be listed. The intention is not ‘you don’t have to write it,’ but rather ‘you may leave it blank if there are none.’
The table heading is ‘Specified Industry Sector for Specified Skilled Worker (ii),’ and 11 sectors are listed. If your company’s sector is not found in the table, please check the sector-specific operational guidelines and the separate manual to confirm whether it is even eligible for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
The Written Pledge is a document to be submitted during various Status of Residence applications. It is required in situations where an application is made as a Specified Skilled Worker (ii), such as an Application for Change of Status of Residence from Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Specified Skilled Worker (ii), an Application for Extension of Period of Stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii), or an Application for Certificate of Eligibility.
Realistically, the preparation process should proceed as follows:
Point 4 is crucial. The written pledge is a “document that accurately reflects the reality,” not a “document written to ensure approval.”
The Immigration Services Agency clearly states the following two points as matters to note:
Furthermore, it is stated that “all details must be specifically described, as it significantly impacts the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility or the approval/denial of various Status of Residence applications.”
📌 If a disqualifying reason applies, the impact extends beyond the application of that one individual, affecting the company’s ability to accept Specified Skilled Workers itself. Providing information that differs from reality to obtain temporary approval is not worthwhile for either the company or the individual.
The points to consider differ for the foreign national themselves and the accepting company.
Additionally, on August 20, 2026, the revision of the list of required documents related to “Specified Skilled Worker,” the update of the list of application and notification forms, and the update of the operational guidelines concerning the acceptance of Specified Skilled Workers were also carried out. We recommend not only reviewing the written pledge but also obtaining the latest version of the list of required documents.
For companies that have established internal acceptance manuals and application checklists, please understand that simply adding this one document is not enough. In practice, this change is akin to a shift in sequence, where “designing the supervision system comes before assigning a Specified Skilled Worker (ii).”
Organized by priority.
Q1. Is the written pledge submitted by the company or the individual?
A. This form is prepared and declared by the Accepting Organization for Specified Skilled Worker (accepting company), but it includes a signature field for the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) themselves and fields for the name or designation of the Accepting Organization for Specified Skilled Worker, and the name and position of the person responsible for its creation. The structure is such that both the company and the individual confirm the contents.
Q2. Can the person providing supervision be a Japanese national?
A. The form notes in the target individual’s name field, “If the individual is a foreign national, also include the Residence Card number,” and there is no statement limiting it to foreign nationals. The conditions specified are that the person must work at the same business establishment, generally belong to the same department, be engaged in full-time work, and not be receiving supervision from another Specified Skilled Worker (ii) at the time of Application.
Q3. Can part-time or temporary workers be listed as target individuals?
A. The cautionary notes state that it is limited to individuals engaged in full-time work. It is not intended for individuals working short hours to be listed as target individuals.
Q4. What if there are more than 5 target individuals?
A. The form includes a note stating that if there are not enough fields to enter information, additional fields should be added as appropriate. If there are multiple applicable individuals, all of them must be listed.
Q5. Is it acceptable for the fishery and Food Service Industry fields to have no subordinates?
A. For fields and job categories where the required number of target individuals is not specified in the table, it is stated that it is acceptable for there to be no individuals receiving supervision. However, if target individuals are present, they must be listed, so it is not possible to “pretend they are not there.”
Q6. Is it required for Applications submitted before August 19?
A. The Immigration Services Agency’s guidance states that “for August 20 (Thursday) and later, it will be required when submitting various Status of Residence applications.” If you are concerned about individual handling, please confirm with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau where you will submit your Application.
Q7. What should I do if the written content differs from the actual situation?
A. It is stated that if there are discrepancies, there is a possibility that the Status of Residence may be revoked. If the supervision system changes due to personnel transfers or other reasons, do not leave it unattended. Organize the actual situation before the next various Status of Residence applications, and consult with an expert if necessary.
As of August 20, 2026, the “Written Pledge Regarding the Job Description of Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” (Reference Form No. 1-32) is required for various Status of Residence applications for Specified Skilled Worker (ii). The document requires details such as the affiliated department, position, specific job duties, differences in duties from Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Worker (i), and the names of individuals receiving supervision and the content of that supervision. In many fields, two or more target individuals are required, and the conditions are that they must be at the same business establishment, generally in the same department, employed full-time, and not currently supervising another Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
The message of the system is clear: Specified Skilled Worker (ii) are not only skilled workers but also hold positions to supervise and manage the workplace. Before preparing the documents, please confirm that the assignment and duties align with the system’s expectations. Discrepancies between the written content and the actual situation could lead to serious consequences, such as the revocation of the Status of Residence or disqualification as an accepting company.
Related articles: Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)／Proposed Amendment to Add a “5-year” Period of Stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)／Amendment to the Requirements for the Support System for Specified Skilled Worker (i)
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Please feel free to use our free consultation service.
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Free Immigration Pre-Submission Check ›
For those who will apply for a status of residence at the Immigration Services Bureau by themselves. Before you submit, we check your application form and supporting documents and tell you about any missing documents and points to watch. We accept checks online (Google Meet, about 20 minutes) or via LINE.
・Eligible: applications for a Certificate of Eligibility, change of status of residence and extension of period of stay (applications for permanent residence are accepted only from residents of Miyazaki Prefecture). Naturalization is not covered.
・Online (Google Meet): once per application. Replies via LINE: available for the same application until you submit it.
・Our guideline for replies via LINE is, in principle, within 2 business days (we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; replies may take longer when we are busy).
・Please send copies of your documents by LINE or email. For your residence card, send the front side only; please do not send the side showing your My Number.
・What we tell you is our office’s opinion. It does not guarantee approval; the outcome depends on the decision of the Immigration Services Bureau.
・We only point out missing documents and points to watch. We do not prepare or rewrite your application documents for you or draft text for them, and we do not tell you whether your application is likely to be approved (if you would like to engage us, we will introduce the Self-Prep Course, the Light Plan and the Standard Plan).
・If we find that a document contains information that is not true, or that the application is not your own (or a family member’s), we will decline the check.
This article is written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. Details of the system and its effective date may change in the future. For actual applications, please refer to the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.
Author of this article: Satoshi Nakayama, Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
