Short summaries of "what changed" for Japanese tests and residence-status requirements, based on official announcements. Check each official site for details.
12 items
Reservations for JFT-Basic tests held from December 2026 to January 2027 open on November 25, 2026. Seats are limited and the site is busy right after opening.
The Immigration Services Agency announced when it will start checking for Japanese at "B1 or equivalent". It applies to Certificate of Eligibility applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.
The agency says the December 2026 JLPT filled up before the application period ended, and recommends JFT-Basic as an alternative.
Instead of start dates set about every two months, booking will open 59 days before each exam from the December 2026 exam dates.
The new system replaces Technical Intern Training. A1 is required before starting work, and an A2-level test to move to SSW (i).
The Immigration Services Agency has published the operating rules for the three fields.
Results now show a level by score: A1 (145–174), A2.1 (175–199) and A2.2 (200–250).
Issuance of Certificates of Eligibility for the food service field is temporarily suspended.
From April 2026, the BJT can be taken in Kathmandu.
Besides JFT-Basic (A1+) and JLPT (N5+), 11 more tests are treated as A1 or above.
Japanese ability at A1 level or above must now be shown by a test certificate or an interview.
Score reports for those who pass show a CEFR level (A1–C1) based on the total score.