What Is the Move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker?
When foreign talent who has gained experience under the Technical Intern Training system wishes to continue working in Japan, a change of status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker (i) is a strong option. If certain conditions are met, the skills test and Japanese language test are exempted, enabling a smooth transition.
Basis: “Basic Policy on the Operation of the System Concerning the Residence Status of Specified Skilled Worker” (Cabinet decision of December 25, 2018 (Heisei 30))
Definition of “Satisfactory Completion” of Technical Intern Training (ii)
“Satisfactorily completed”, which is the condition for test exemption, refers to falling under either of the following.
| Condition | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic requirement | Having completed 2 years and 10 months or more of Technical Intern Training (ii) |
| Confirmation of evaluation (either one) | (1) Having passed the practical test of the National Trade Skills Test Grade 3 or an equivalent technical intern training evaluation test |
| (2) If the above test has not been passed, being recognized as having satisfactorily completed the training based on an evaluation report prepared by the company where the technical intern training took place |
Point: If you have passed the practical test of the National Trade Skills Test Grade 3, proving satisfactory completion is easy. Even if you did not pass, proof by means of an evaluation report is possible.
Conditions for Test Exemption
Moving to the Same Sector (Both Skills Test and Japanese Language Test Exempted)
If you have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii) and there is a relationship between the occupation/task of the technical intern training and the Specified Skilled Worker sector, both the skills test and the Japanese language test are exempted.
Moving to a Different Sector (Only the Japanese Language Test Exempted)
If you have satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training (ii), the Japanese language test is exempted. However, if the sector you are moving to differs from the technical intern training, you must pass the skills test for that sector.
Correspondence Table Between Technical Intern Training Occupations/Tasks and Specified Skilled Worker Sectors (Main Sectors)
| Technical Intern Training Occupation/Task | Specified Skilled Worker Sector | Test Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture-related (crop farming, livestock farming) | Agriculture | ○ |
| Fishery-related (fishing vessel fishery, aquaculture) | Fishery | ○ |
| Construction-related (formwork construction, rebar work, scaffolding, etc.) | Construction | ○ |
| Food manufacturing-related (can seaming, poultry processing, etc.) | Manufacture of food and beverages | ○ |
| Part of textile and clothing-related | Manufacture of industrial products (materials, industrial machinery, electric/electronics and information) | * Confirmation required |
| Machinery and metal-related (casting, forging, machining, etc.) | Manufacture of industrial products (materials, industrial machinery, electric/electronics and information) | ○ |
| Welding (manual welding, semi-automatic welding) | Shipbuilding and ship machinery | ○ |
| Automobile maintenance | Automobile maintenance | ○ |
| Building cleaning | Building cleaning | ○ |
| Nursing care | Nursing care | ○ |
| Accommodation | Accommodation | ○ |
Note: The correspondence relationships are set out in detail. Please check the complete correspondence table on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Flow of Transition Procedures
The move from Technical Intern Training (ii) to Specified Skilled Worker (i) is made through an application for permission to change status of residence.
- Decide on the accepting company — Secure a new employer (it may be the same as, or different from, the technical intern training organization)
- Conclude an employment contract — Conclude a Specified Skilled Worker employment contract with the accepting company
- Formulate a support plan — Formulate a support plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals (or outsource to a Registered Support Organization)
- Prepare the required documents — See below
- Apply for permission to change status of residence — Apply at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- Screening and permission — The screening period is roughly 1 to 3 months
- Start working — Begin working as a Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Required Documents (Main Items)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application for permission to change status of residence | Prescribed form |
| Photo (4cm high × 3cm wide) | Taken within the past 3 months |
| Passport and residence card | To be presented |
| Certificate of completion of Technical Intern Training (ii) | Proves satisfactory completion of technical intern training |
| Certificate of passing the National Trade Skills Test Grade 3, or evaluation report | Evaluation proof of satisfactory completion |
| Copy of the Specified Skilled Worker employment contract | Contract with the accepting company |
| Support plan for Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign nationals | Formulated by the accepting company |
| Documents concerning the accepting company | Certificate of registered matters, financial statements, etc. |
| Additional documents by sector | Differs by sector |
Relationship with the Employment for Skill Development System
Following the 2024 (Reiwa 6) legal reform, the “Employment for Skill Development System”, which replaces the Technical Intern Training system, is scheduled to start in fiscal 2027 (Reiwa 9).
The Employment for Skill Development System is designed so that transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after a 3-year development period is the basic path, and it is expected to further promote smooth transitions between the Technical Intern Training system and the Specified Skilled Worker system.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “About the Specified Skilled Worker System” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/specifiedskilledworker.html
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