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2026-04-13Visa
🍽️ Specified Skilled Worker "Food Service" Applications Frozen
50,000 cap reached; new applications halted from April 13, 2026
50,000
Cap reached
4/13
Start date
16
Other fields
Frozen
New applications
❓ What is happening?
The number of Specified Skilled Worker (i) residents in the "Food Service" field has reached the 50,000 cap, so the Immigration Services Agency will generally stop accepting new applications from April 13, 2026. Skill assessment tests will also be suspended both domestically and overseas, temporarily closing the path to Specified Skilled Worker status through food service.
⚠️ Who is affected?
- ●Foreigners planning to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) in food service
- ●Those who applied for or planned to take the skills assessment test
- ●Current technical interns in food service who planned to transition to SSW
- ●Those studying abroad aiming for food service employment in Japan
✅ Who is NOT affected?
- ●Those who already hold SSW (i) in food service (can continue residing)
- ●Specified Skilled Worker (ii) "Food Service" (separate system continues)
- ●Those applying for SSW (i) in the other 16 fields
- ●Those continuing to work in food service as technical interns
🔀 Alternative routes
- ●Take SSW (i) exams in the other 16 fields (Care, Lodging, Agriculture, Fishery, etc.)
- ●Technical Intern → Training Employment (April 2027~) → future SSW (i)
- ●Study visa to a culinary school/university, pursue other routes
- ●Consider other residence statuses like Designated Activities visa
📅 Upcoming Schedule
- ●April 13, 2026: New applications generally halted
- ●Existing residents: can continue working until visa expires
- ●May reopen if the resident count drops below the cap
- ●Further announcements expected from MAFF and ISA in 2026
💡 Key points to know
1Suspension applies to Food Service (i) only; (ii) continues
2Existing holders are not affected — continue working with confidence
3Those in a hurry should consider other fields
4Keep checking official announcements (situation may change)
5Verify latest info with sending agencies and supervising organizations