Complete Guide: Transitioning from Technical Intern to SSW Visa

After completing technical intern training, you can transition to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) if you meet the requirements. If preparation is insufficient and you cannot meet the deadline for your period of stay, changing to Designated Activities may be considered in some cases.

After completing the Technical Intern Training program, one method gaining attention for continuing to work in Japan is the transition to "Specified Skilled Worker" status.

In particular, those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 may have their skills test and Japanese language test waived under certain conditions, allowing for a relatively smooth transition to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1).

In this article, we explain the process for transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status in an easy-to-understand manner, including required documents, points to note, and common pitfalls.

Is it possible to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status?

In short, it is possible to transition to Specified Skilled Worker status after completing technical intern training.

Successful completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2
Proper employment contract with the accepting company
The intended work falls under a target field of Specified Skilled Worker status
A support system is in place at the accepting organization

When transitioning to the same field or occupation, there may be procedural advantages.

Basic Transition Patterns

① When transitioning to the same field

If you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 and are moving to the corresponding Specified Skilled Worker field, the skills test and Japanese language test may be waived.

Easy to leverage experience gained during technical intern training
Required documents are relatively easy to organize
Companies can also plan their acceptance more easily

② When transitioning to a different field

If you wish to obtain Specified Skilled Worker status in a field different from your technical intern training, you will generally need to pass the skills test for that field.

When transitioning to a different field, even if the Japanese language test is waived, note that the skills test is generally required.

Need to pass the skills test for the desired field
Need to secure an accepting company
Job content must match the status of residence

Transition Procedure Flow

Step 1: Decide on an accepting company

First, decide on the company (accepting organization) that will employ you as a Specified Skilled Worker foreign national.

Confirm whether the work falls under a target field
Confirm that employment conditions are appropriate
Confirm that the compensation level is equal to or greater than that of Japanese workers

Step 2: Confirm test exemption or test requirements

If you have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2, you may be exempt from tests when transitioning to a corresponding field.

Pass certificate for Skills Proficiency Test Level 3
Evaluation form from technical intern training
Relevant documents such as completion certificates

On the other hand, when transitioning to a different field, prepare the pass certificate for the skills test of the desired field.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents

For the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence, documents created by the accepting organization are required in addition to the applicant's own documents.

Application form for Permission to Change Status of Residence
Photograph
Passport and Residence Card
Employment contract and employment conditions letter
Test pass certificate or documents proving test exemption
Explanatory documents created by the accepting organization

Step 4: Apply to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Once the documents are ready, submit the Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Incomplete documents can lead to prolonged screening or disadvantageous outcomes, so prior confirmation is important.

Step 5: Begin work after permission is granted

After permission to change to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) is granted, you may begin working within the scope of the permitted job content.

Checkpoints for Required Documents

When transitioning, it is important not just to collect documents but to be aware of "what each document proves."

Identity verification documents
Documents showing academic and skill levels
Documents showing successful completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2
Documents showing appropriateness of employment conditions
Documents showing presence or absence of a support system

Certificates issued in Japan are generally required to be issued within the last 3 months, so pay attention to the timing of issuance.

What if evaluation forms or completion documents are not available?

A common practical issue is when "the supervising organization or training implementer will not provide the evaluation form."

Even in such cases, do not give up immediately.

Prepare a statement of reasons explaining why the document cannot be provided
Submit explanatory letters created by instructors, etc., as supplementary documents
Consult in advance with the nearest immigration office

Even when documents are missing, there may be room for judgment based on explanations and alternative documents.

When preparation cannot be completed by the deadline of the period of stay

There may be cases where you cannot apply for Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) by the deadline of your period of stay due to waiting for test results or delays in company preparation.

In such cases, changing to "Designated Activities (6 months, work permitted)" may be considered in some situations.

However, this status of residence is strictly for preparing to transition to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1). It is not granted unconditionally.

There must be a reasonable reason
You must plan to apply for a change to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) in the future
The accepting organization and support system must be in place
This period of stay is included in the total period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1)

Points for Companies to Confirm

It is not only the foreign national but also insufficient preparation on the accepting company's side that can lead to disapproval or prolonged screening.

Whether the job content falls within the scope of Specified Skilled Worker status
Whether the compensation amount is appropriate
Whether a support plan or support outsourcing system is in place
Whether necessary council membership and field-specific requirements are met

Specified Skilled Worker status is not "done once you hire"; the system is designed to include support after acceptance.

Common Points to Note

Completing technical intern training does not automatically grant transition to Specified Skilled Worker status
Transitioning to a different field may require additional tests
Incomplete documents are a major cause of screening delays
Mismatch between job content and status of residence is high risk

Our Support Services

Our company supports both companies and foreign nationals with the transition from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status.

Pre-diagnosis of transition requirements
Organization and preparation support for required documents
Confirmation of field compatibility
Support for building acceptance and support systems

👉 We provide careful, practical support for complex transition procedures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is it necessary to return to my home country before transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker status after completing technical intern training?

No. If you meet the conditions, you can apply for Permission to Change Status of Residence within Japan.

Q. Can I transition to Specified Skilled Worker status in a field different from my technical intern training?

Yes. However, you will generally need to pass the skills test for the new field.

Q. Can I apply even without an evaluation form?

In some cases, judgment may be made based on explanations and alternative documents. It is recommended to consult with an expert or immigration office in advance.

Q. What should I do if I cannot prepare in time for the deadline?

Depending on the circumstances, "Designated Activities (6 months, work permitted)" may be considered.

Conclusion

Transition from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status is possible
Test exemption may apply when transitioning to the same field
Transitioning to a different field may require a skills test
Document preparation and the company's acceptance system are important
Early action is necessary if the deadline is approaching

Free Consultation Here

If you are having trouble with transitioning from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status, confirming required documents, or preparing your company's acceptance system, please feel free to contact us. We will propose the optimal approach based on your situation.