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Japan has a problem with its food service sector that is in crisis, not because its employees are going anywhere, but because it can’t find more new employees. The government has already put a temporary halt to new hires in the food service category of skilled workers (SSWs) in April 2026 due to the expected overshoot in skilled workers by 50,000. The ripple effect? An influx of current Category I visa holders seeking to switch to the Japan Category II Visa — the only visa category that offers no time limit to stay in Japan.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
| Who is affected | In the food service industry, the Category I SSW holders are found in Japan. |
| What caused the panic? | Although this is a major development, the rest of the Category I food service admissions in April 2026 are not included at this time. |
| The upgrade target | Japan Category II Visa (Specified Skilled Worker Category II) |
| Category I stay limit | Maximum 5 years |
| Category II stay limit | Indefinite (may be renewed indefinitely) |
| Family sponsorship | Allowed under Category II only |
| Management eligibility | Store managers/supervisors must hold a Category II license. |
| Minimum experience needed | Available only for the Deputy Manager 2+ years’ experience as a Deputy Manager or supervisor. |
| The average salary offered (May 2026) | ¥3.34 million (up ¥160,000 from March) |
| Cap for a worker in a sector (category I) | 50,000 workers |
What’s Going On in Japan’s Food Service Sector?
To maintain the continuity of the restaurants, izakayas, and food chains in Japan, foreign labour has been relied upon. The Specified Skilled Worker program was introduced to deal with a long-standing labour shortage, and two categories of skilled workers were defined: Category I is for entry-level occupations, and Category II is for those who are advanced to leadership roles.
Category I did most of the work for years. However, after the cap of 50,000 workers has been almost reached and new entries are now in principle prohibited, companies are no longer counting on a new source of workers. Their answer: Keep what they have — and build it up.
Why the Upgrade Changes Everything for Workers
The difference between Category I and Category II is more than administrative; it’s life-changing to the worker.
If you are a citizen of Mexico, your residence is limited to five years, or Category I. Guest families are not allowed. Stuck in front of the house or kitchen with limited prospects of advancement. By contrast, an SSW Category II status places the person on the path to indefinite residence, family sponsorship, and management-track positions with the company such as “store manager” or “area supervisor.”
If you are an employer, a Category II worker is a long-term asset. No expiry pressure. Periodic recruitment cycle, every few years. The worker is a part of the business and will eventually lead the business.
Category I vs. Japan Category II Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | Category I | Japan Category II Visa |
| Stay duration | Up to 5 years | Indefinite (extendable) |
| Family members | Not permitted | Permitted to accompany |
| Job scope | Operational (cooking, service) | Supervisory / management |
| Path to settlement | Limited | Permanent residency eligible |
| Japanese language requirement | Basic | Proficient |
| Skills requirement | Standard | Advanced |
| Company value | Short-term staffing | Long-term investment |
How Workers Are Upgrading — and What It Takes
The way to the Japan Category II Visa is not a plain cut. Requires at least 2 years of supervisory experience (deputy store manager or higher). In addition, workers should have a higher level of knowledge about food and their competence in the Japanese language is required.
Companies are conducting special seminars for Category I holders to help close the gap. Newspapers from approximately 40 food service companies participated in one recent two-day program held in Tokyo, where approximately 100 participants were in attendance. This will involve food safety legislation, employment and human resources rules and the expertise to manage a store team.
Japan’s most valuable workers, in the top tier of jobs, are actively seeking these sessions, not as a luxury, but as a lifeline. Put simply, one area manager said, a Category II worker is a person who can keep the company afloat on his own.
Wages Are Rising Too
This has ushered in a “salary war” in the entry-level ranks. As no new workers in Category 1 can be admitted, businesses are playing an increasingly aggressive game of catch-up when it comes to attracting those already in place. The rivalry of foreign workers seeking Category II Visa of Japan as well as that of food service workers with experience has turned the entire market upside down, as illustrated by the increase of average monthly salary offers by ¥160,000 within three months, from March to May 2026.
Policymakers are also witnessing a surge of business requests for training consultancies to enhance conditions, develop retention initiatives and establish more transparent career ladders — all with the intent of getting workers to sign up before their competitors.
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The Permanent Residency Angle
The Japan Category II Visa has become the most feasible way to achieve long-term residency status for thousands of Category I workers who came to Japan as potential economic immigrants. It sets up immigration status and enables family reunification, two motivations that lead many migrants to stay in the country permanently.
In a strange kind of way, the immigration freeze has created less turnover among the food service industry’s foreign employees. Upgraders will not be moving on. And the companies that are investing in that upgrade are creating teams that truly have institutional depth to them.
FAQs
What is the Japan Category II Visa?
It is a more advanced visa classification in Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa category, for foreign workers with experience. It can be sponsored by a family member, stay indefinitely and have access to senior positions, unlike Category I.
Why was the Category I entry freeze imposed?
The government’s limit of 50,000 for Category I workers was reached in the food service industry. The food service industry reached its government limit of 50,000 Category I workers. New admissions were also suspended in principle in April 2026 to not over-fulfil the quota.
Can a Category II holder apply for permanent residency in Japan?
Yes. One of the most obvious routes to long-term residency and eventual permanent settlement in Japan under the current immigration policy 2026 is the SSW Category II program.
How long does it take to qualify for Category II?
A Category I holder needs to have at least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role (e.g. deputy store manager) to make an upgrade request.
Will salaries of food service foreign workers continue to rise?
As a result of the reduction in the availability of new labor as a consequence of the entry freeze, the expectation is that salaries will continue to rise into 2026 and beyond, particularly for individuals who possess experience.
