The Japanese government is moving to increase the acceptance cap for the "Specified Skilled Worker No. 1" status of residence in the nursing care sector by 20,000. This measure aims to prevent unexpected suspensions of visa applications and ensure a stable supply of foreign workers to a sector facing labor shortages due to an aging population.
Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 Nursing Care Cap Raised to 146,900
On October 19, 2026, the Japanese government proposed expanding the acceptance cap (projected intake) for Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 in the nursing care sector during a meeting of relevant ministries and experts.
- Previous Acceptance Cap: 126,900 people
- Adjusted Acceptance Cap: 146,900 people (an increase of 20,000)
The government plans to finalize the expansion proposal following a Cabinet decision within the year.
Overall Acceptance Cap Maintained via Allocation Shift from 'Training and Employment'
Rather than increasing the total foreign worker intake, this cap expansion reallocates quotas from a new system to be introduced in the future.
Starting in April 2027, Japan plans to launch the "Training and Employment" system, which replaces the existing Technical Intern Training Program. From the 33,800 quota allocated to nursing care under the new system, 20,000 slots will be transferred in advance to the Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 framework.
Consequently, the total overall cap for the nursing care sector (160,700) and the total acceptance cap across all Specified Skilled Worker sectors (approximately 1.23 million) remain unchanged.
Preventing Visa Application Suspension Risks in Advance
The government's decision to adjust the quota stems from the rapid influx of foreign workers in nursing care. As of the end of July 2026, the number of Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status holders in nursing care had already reached approximately 80,000.
Maintaining the current cap posed a high risk of reaching the limit by the second half of fiscal year 2027, which would have completely halted new visa issuances or status change applications. This adjustment aims to avoid repeating the disruption seen in sectors such as food services, where intake was temporarily suspended after reaching the upper limit.
Impact on Foreign Residents and International Students
This quota adjustment holds significant meaning for foreign students and workers preparing for employment in nursing care or seeking to change their status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 in Japan.
- Stable Environment for Status Changes: Resolving the risk of sudden visa application halts due to cap limits allows individuals to prepare for employment and visa change procedures with peace of mind.
- Sustained Medium- to Long-Term Career Opportunities: Amid steady demand for nursing care staff in Japan, opportunities to secure residence status and build local work experience will remain available.
Residents in Japan preparing to acquire a Specified Skilled Worker visa are advised to stay informed about the upcoming official Cabinet decision and any updates to application requirements.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 毎日新聞