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Differences Between Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker

Updated：2026/5/15

People who successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3 may be able to move to SSW more easily. However, it is important to check whether the field is the same, whether there will be a gap between the training end date and SSW start date, and whether country procedures are needed.

Things to Check Before Applying
  • 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.
  • If moving to the same field and job category, the skills exam and Japanese exam may be exempted. If moving to a different field, check the skills exam for that field in principle.
  • 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
  1. Check the expected completion date and period of stay deadline for Technical Intern Training No. 2 or No. 3
  2. Check whether the SSW field you will enter matches your technical intern job type and work
  3. Check whether you are exam-exempt or need a skills exam
  4. Prepare documents explaining good completion, such as completion certificate, evaluation exam, and training provider documents
  5. Decide whether to continue at the same company or move to a new company, and check the employment terms
  6. Check the registered support organization, housing, daily life support, and Japanese learning support
  7. Apply for permission to change status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
  8. After change permission, receive a new residence card and start working under SSW
Points When Applying Directly
  • 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
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