How to Change from Technical Intern Training to SSW
Updated：2026/9/27
If you successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2、you may qualify for exam exemptions when changing to Specified Skilled Worker (i)。Check your completed job type・tasks、desired field、training completion date、application timing、and country-specific procedures。
What Technical Interns Should Check First
Check whether you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3. If there was disappearance, contract violation, or resignation trouble, explanation documents may be needed.
After successfully completing Technical Intern Training No. 2、you are generally exempt from the Japanese exam。Skills exam exemptions are determined、based on how the completed job type・tasks correspond to the desired field。Matching field names alone is not enough to determine eligibility。
After training ends, you cannot start SSW work before change permission is granted. Coordinate the application timing with the company so there is no period when you cannot work at the training site.
Depending on the country, home-country registration or embassy procedures may also apply to people changing to SSW. Always check the country guide.
Detailed flow until change
Check the expected completion date and period of stay deadline for Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3
Check whether the SSW field you will enter matches your technical intern job type and work
Check whether you are exam-exempt or need a skills exam
Prepare documents explaining good completion, such as completion certificate, evaluation exam, and training provider documents
Decide whether to continue at the same company or move to a new company, and check the employment terms
Check the registered support organization, housing, daily life support, and Japanese learning support
Apply for permission to change status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
After change permission, receive a new residence card and start working under SSW
Common Mistakes
The training end date is near, but the company is late preparing documents
You thought it was the same job, but the SSW field or job category was different and a skills exam was needed
You looked only at the new company's salary and dorm fees, and did not check deductions, work location, or support details
You did not know the country procedures and had trouble after changing status or when temporarily returning home