Can I migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills? Introducing the conditions and migration methods

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

Technical Intern Training Some of you who are working in Japan as a student may want to know if you can change to the status of residence "Specified Skills".

This time, we will talk about "Can you migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills?"
We will explain the conditions under which you can transfer, the types of jobs you are eligible for, and how to proceed.

What is the status of residence "Technical Intern Training" and "Specified Skills"? Know the difference

"Technical Intern Training" and "Specified Skills" are systems created for different purposes.

< Technical Intern Training >

We want foreigners to study technology in Japan and then return to their home countries to spread their knowledge and skills.

< Specified Skills (SSW/Tokuteiginou)>

Our goal is to enable foreigners who "already have the skills to work in a specific field" and "can speak enough Japanese to get by without any problems in daily life" to start working in Japan right away.

Technical Intern Training and Specified Skills have the following differences:

< Technical Intern Training >

• There is no Japanese language test (only nursing care jobs have a Japanese language test).
• You will gain knowledge and skills while working.
• Families cannot live together in Japan.
• The period during which you can live in Japan is fixed.

< Specified Skills >

• There are two types of qualifications: Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
• You can only work in the "Specified Industry Fields" industry.
• You need knowledge and skills for the job.
• There is a Japanese language test (there is no test for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)).
• If you have Specified Skilled Worker (ii), you can live in Japan with your family (subject to certain conditions).
• If you have Specified Skilled Worker (ii), there is no set period during which you can live in Japan.

Specified Skills is "What is Specified Skilled Worker System? It is explained in detail.
We also explain the length of stay and the skills you need, so be sure to read on.

Can I move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills? Introducing conditions and job types

You can migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills.
However, there are conditions.

Condition 1: Only eligible occupations can be transferred

There are only a limited number of positions that can be transferred from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills.

As of May 2024, there are 14 fields as follows:

• Nursing care field
• Building cleaning management Fields
• Materials, industrial machinery, electrical, electronic and information related industries
• Construction field
• Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry Fields
• Automobile repair and maintenance Fields
• Aviation sector
• Accommodation
• Agriculture
• Fisheries sector
• Manufacture of food and beverages Fields
• Food service industry Fields
• Railway sector
• Wood industry

Condition (2) Occupations in Technical Intern Training and Specified Skills are the same

To transition from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills, you must have the same job title.
If the Technical Intern Training and Specified Skills jobs change, you must pass a skills test.

Requirement (3) Successful completion of Technical Intern Training (ii)

Technical Intern Training You can't migrate from No. 1 to Specified Skills.
To migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills, you must have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing.

"Good completion" means "Technical Intern Training completed in a period of 2 years and 10 months or more according to the training plan".
In addition, the condition is that you have passed the skill test level 3 or the equivalent Technical Intern Training evaluation test" or "you have an evaluation record for practical training".

Technical Intern Training If you are moving from No. 3 to Specified Skills, you must have completed your training plan.

How to migrate from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills

*The procedure will be carried out by the company (Accepting Organizations).

To transition from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills, the company you work for (Accepting Organizations) submits documents to the "Local Immigration Bureau" and completes the procedures.

Once submitted, it may take 2-3 months for your application to be approved.

The following documents are required for application:

• Application for permission to change status of residence
• Application form (prepared by foreigner and Accepting Organizations respectively)
• Documents regarding skill level and Japanese language proficiency level
• Documents regarding working conditions
• Documents related to labor insurance, social insurance, and taxes (prepared by foreigners and Accepting Organizations respectively)
• Documents regarding support for foreigners with Specified Skilled Worker (i)

There are special measures in place if you are unable to prepare the documents in time.

If you are unable to apply in time, there are special measures available.

You can apply for permission to change your status of residence to a company where you plan to work as an Designated Activities Specified Skills and prepare for the transition while working.

However, there are complicated conditions, so ask the company you work for to check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

Conditions for receiving special measures

• There is a reason that it is deemed difficult to apply for permission to change the status of residence to “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” by the expiration date of the applicant’s period of stay.
• Accepting Organizations You are planning to apply for permission to change your status of residence in order to work in the work in "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" as a Specified Skilled Workers.
• The person will be working in a similar position to the work that he or she plans to do under the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" visa.
• The applicant is paid the same amount as the wages expected to be paid if they work as a Specified Skilled Workers and at least the same amount as if the Japan were working.
• The applicant must have passed the skills test and Japanese test required to work as a Specified Skilled Workers. (* Technical Intern Training (ii) Including cases where you are exempt from the exam as a good graduate. ）
• Accepting Organizations The applicant or the person to be entrusted with the support must be able to provide appropriate support for the applicant's daily life during their stay.
• Accepting Organizations Applicants must be properly accepted.

Documents required for special measures

• Application for permission to change status of residence
• Instructions created by Accepting Organizations
• Copies of employment contract and employment terms
• Documents proving that you have passed the skills test and Japanese test required to work as a Specified Skilled Workers, or that you are exempt from the examination, such as a Technical Intern Training (ii) good completion

What are the benefits of migrating from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills?

When you move from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills, you can:

You can complete the process without having to return to your home country

Technical Intern Training must return to their home country after completion.
If you move to Specified Skills, you can live in Japan and go through the process.

Long-term work in Japan

By transitioning to Specified Skills, you will be able to utilize the skills, knowledge, and Japanese language you have learned in Japan and work in Japan for a long time.
If you work for the same company, you will be familiar with the way things are done and can work with peace of mind.

The period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (i) is up to five years.
There is no set period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).
*Update is required.

Higher wages

Specified Skilled Workers are paid at or above the same level of wages if they do the same work as Japan people.

Summary: Moving from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills is possible!

Technical Intern Training and Specified Skills have differences in terms of conditions and length of stay, but they can be depressed.
Transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skills can benefit from being able to work in Japan for longer periods of time and increasing wages.

To migrate, you must have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing.
The procedure is carried out by the company you work for (Accepting Organizations).
Please ask the company to submit the necessary documents to Regional Immigration Services Bureau.