From Technical Intern Training to Employment for Skill Development in 2027

What changes on April 1, 2027

Japan will begin Employment for Skill Development (育成就労) on April 1, 2027, as it phases out Technical Intern Training. The new system aims to develop and secure workers in fields with labor shortages. It normally develops a worker over three years toward the skill level required for Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 (SSW1). SSW1 remains a separate residence status and a route for hiring candidates who already meet its skill and Japanese-language requirements.

Existing technical interns do not automatically change to the new status on the commencement date. An employer should manage approved Technical Intern Training plans separately from new Employment for Skill Development plans.

How the three routes differ

Completion of the new program does not itself grant SSW1 status. Moving from Employment for Skill Development to SSW1 generally requires passing the specified skills test and a Japanese-language test at A2 level or above. A person who satisfactorily completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 may qualify for a different test exemption. The routes must be assessed separately; see the system guide and official Q&A.

Transitional rules for current technical interns

A trainee already in Japan on April 1, 2027 may continue training under the approved plan. The official Q&A also covers cases where an application to certify a Technical Intern Training plan was filed by March 31, 2027 and training begins, in principle, by June 30, 2027. Conditions for moving to a later training stage differ, so check the individual's plan and residence status before giving advice.

An employer's preparation sequence

1. Match the actual job to the latest covered field and work category. Nursing care and accommodation each have a field-specific policy.
2. Schedule current technical interns, new trainees and SSW1 candidates who already meet the tests as separate groups.
3. For the new route, check the development plan, supervising support organization, employment terms, training and daily-life support. Applications ahead of commencement have already opened.
4. For direct SSW1 hiring, prepare the field tests, employment contract, SSW1 support plan and residence application under that separate process.

Frequently asked questions

Will current trainees switch automatically in April 2027?

No. Transitional rules allow eligible trainees to follow their approved Technical Intern Training plans. Their next step depends on the individual plan and residence status.

Does three years in the new program guarantee SSW1?

No. The candidate must meet the applicable skills and Japanese-language test requirements, as well as any field-specific conditions.

Can employers still hire directly under SSW1?

Yes. SSW1 remains a separate system. Use the SSW1 hiring guide to check the candidate's eligibility, contract and support arrangements.