Can I move from technical intern training to Specified Skills? Here are the conditions and how to move.

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

Some of you who are working in Japan as technical intern trainees may be wondering whether you can change your residence status to "Specified Skills."

This time, we will talk about whether it is possible to transition from technical training to Specified Skills.
We will explain the conditions for transfer, the eligible job types, and how to apply.

What are the residence statuses "Technical Intern Training" and "Specified Skills"? Learn the differences

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

<Technical Internship>

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.

There are the following differences between technical intern training and Specified Skills.

<Technical Internship>

• 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 "specific industrial sectors."
• 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.

For more information on Specified Skills, please see "What is the Specified Skills System? An easy-to-understand explanation!"
It also explains the period of stay and necessary skills, so please read it.

Is it possible to switch from technical intern training to Specified Skills? Introducing the conditions and occupations

It is possible to transition 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 occupations 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 field
• Materials, industrial machinery, electrical, electronic and information related industries
• Construction field
• Shipbuilding and marine industry
• Automobile maintenance field
• Aviation sector
• Accommodation
• Agriculture
• Fisheries sector
• Food and beverage manufacturing sector
• Food service industry
• Railway sector
• Timber Industry

Condition 2: The occupation of the technical internship and Specified Skills are the same

In order to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skills, the occupation must be the same.
If you change occupations between technical intern training and Specified Skills training, you will need to pass a skills test.

Condition 3: Have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii)

It is not possible to transition from Technical Intern Training No. 1 to Specified Skills.
In order to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skills, you must have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii).

"Completing successfully" means "completing the technical intern training in accordance with the training plan within a period of two years and ten months or more."
In addition, you must have "passed the Skill Test Level 3 or an equivalent technical intern training evaluation test" or "have an evaluation report for your internship."

If you wish to transition from Technical Intern Training No. 3 to Specified Skills, the training plan must be completed.

Procedures for transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skills

*The procedure will be carried out by the company you work for (host organization).

To transition from technical intern training to Specified Skills, the company where you work (accepting organization) will submit documents to the Regional Immigration Bureau and complete the procedure.

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 (to be completed by the foreign student and the host organization)
• Documents regarding skill level and Japanese language proficiency level
• Documents regarding working conditions
• Documents related to labor insurance, social insurance, and taxes (to be prepared by the foreign national and the host organization separately)
• 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 residence status to "Designated Activities (4 months, work allowed)", which allows you to prepare for the transition while working at the company where you plan to work as Specified Skills.

However, the conditions are complicated, so please ask your employer to check the Immigration Services Agency's 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.
• The host organization plans to apply for permission to change the status of residence to work as specified skilled workers in the "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" occupation.
• 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 will receive the same amount of wages as he/she would be paid if working as specified skilled workers, and at least the same amount as a Japanese national working in that position.
• The applicant must have passed the skills test and Japanese language test required to work as specified skilled workers. (This also includes cases where the applicant is exempt from the test as a person who has successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii))
• The accepting institution or the institution to which support will be entrusted must be able to adequately support the applicant in their daily life during their stay in Japan.
• The receiving organization will be able to accept the applicant appropriately.

Documents required for special measures

• Application for permission to change status of residence
• Explanation prepared by the host organization
• Copies of employment contract and employment terms
• Documents proving that you have passed the skills test and Japanese language test required to work as specified skilled workers, or that you are exempt from the test, such as having successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii)

What are the benefits of transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skills?

There are the following benefits to transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skills.

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

After completing your technical internship, you will need to return to your home country.
If you transition to Specified Skills, you will be able to complete the process while living in Japan.

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

If specified skilled workers performs the same work as a Japanese person, he or she will be paid the same or higher wages.

Summary: It is possible to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skills!

Although there are differences in conditions and periods of stay between technical intern training and Specified Skills, they can both be transferred.
By transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skills, you can enjoy the benefits of being able to work in Japan for a longer period of time and receiving higher wages.

To transition, you must have successfully completed Technical Intern Training (ii).
The procedure will be carried out by the company you work for (host organization).
Please have your company submit the necessary documents to the Regional Immigration Bureau.