SSW Food Service Sector Applications Suspended
From April 13, 2026, new CoE applications for SSW in the food service sector are suspended. The 5-year intake cap of 50,000 workers has nearly been reached. Renewals and job changes for existing holders are unaffected.
The ISA announced on April 13, 2026, that new Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) applications for SSW Type 1 in the food service sector are suspended. By February 2026, approximately 46,000 workers had been admitted — a 53% year-on-year increase — nearly exhausting the 5-year cap of 50,000 set for March 2024–March 2029. Status change applications (e.g., student to SSW food service) are also denied in principle. The food service skills evaluation test has been suspended both in Japan and overseas.
Key Points
- New CoE applications for food service SSW: suspended from April 13, 2026
- Existing food service SSW holders: renewals and job changes within the sector proceed normally
- Skills evaluation tests for food service SSW: suspended in Japan and overseas
Recommended Action
If you were planning to enter Japan as a new SSW food service worker, pause your plans and monitor official ISA announcements. Resumption is not expected until at least April 2027 when the next intake period begins.