Suspension of Certificate of Eligibility Issuance for Specified Skilled Worker (Restaurant Industry)
The Immigration Services Agency has announced a temporary suspension of issuing Certificates of Eligibility for Specified Skilled Workers in the restaurant industry. Applications submitted after April 13, 2026 will not be issued.
Article
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced a temporary suspension of the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility (COE) for Specified Skilled Workers in the "restaurant industry" field.
Background of the Decision
On April 3, 2026, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formally requested the Minister of Justice to suspend the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility in the restaurant industry sector under the Specified Skilled Worker program.
Based on this request, the Immigration Services Agency has decided to implement a temporary suspension.
Scope of the Suspension
- Applies to the "Restaurant Industry" field under Specified Skilled Worker visa
- Effective immediately as of April 13, 2026
- All new applications submitted after this date will not be issued
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A Certificate of Eligibility is an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency that certifies a foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.
- Required for visa issuance
- Submitted to Japanese embassies/consulates abroad
- Essential for hiring foreign workers
Impact on Employers and Applicants
This suspension has significant implications for both companies and foreign workers planning to work in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (Restaurant Industry) category.
For Employers
- New hiring under this category will be paused
- Recruitment plans may need to be revised
- Alternative visa categories should be considered
For Applicants
- Applications submitted after April 13 will not be processed
- Those planning to apply should consider other pathways
- Already issued COEs remain valid (subject to confirmation)
Important Notes
- This is a temporary suspension
- No official end date has been announced
- Policy may change based on government decisions
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- Assessment of alternative visa options
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- Support in coordination with specialists
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I still apply for this visa?
No, applications submitted after April 13, 2026 will not be issued COE.
Q. Is this permanent?
No, it is currently a temporary suspension with no announced end date.
Q. Are other Specified Skilled Worker fields affected?
As of now, the suspension applies only to the restaurant industry field.
Summary
- COE issuance for restaurant industry SSW is suspended
- Applies to applications submitted after April 13, 2026
- No end date has been announced
- Employers should consider alternative hiring strategies
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