For tens of thousands of foreign workers in Japan, the end of a Technical Intern Training program (技能実習 / TITP) raises an urgent question: what comes next? Returning home is one option, but for those who have built skills, relationships, and a life in Japan over the past three years, transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能 / SSW) status is often the most practical path forward.
The good news is that this transition is not only possible — it is one of the most common visa pathways in Japan today. If you completed Technical Intern Training 2 (技能実習2号) in good standing and your field qualifies, you may even be exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test. But the process involves specific eligibility rules, document requirements, and timing constraints that trip up many applicants.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the requirements are, which fields allow the transition, how the exam exemption works, the step-by-step process, expected costs, and the mistakes that cause applications to fail. Whether you are a technical intern yourself or an employer planning to retain a trainee, this article will give you a clear roadmap.
If you are already on an SSW visa and considering a job change, our Complete Guide to Changing Jobs on an SSW Visa covers that process in detail.
What Is the Technical Intern Training to SSW Transition?
Japan's Technical Intern Training Program (TITP / 技能実習制度) was originally designed to transfer skills to workers from developing countries who would then return home. In practice, many trainees have built valuable expertise during their 3 to 5 years in Japan and want to continue working here.
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / 特定技能) visa, introduced in April 2019, created a formal pathway for this. It allows workers with proven skills and Japanese language ability to work in Japan in designated industries facing labor shortages. The transition from Technical Intern Training to SSW is now one of the primary routes into the SSW program.
Key difference: Technical Intern Training is legally classified as a "training program," while SSW is a work visa. As an SSW worker, you have the right to choose your employer and change jobs within your designated field — rights that trainees do not have.
Why the Transition Matters
- Higher salary: SSW workers generally earn more than technical interns. The average monthly salary for SSW workers is approximately 205,700 yen, compared to approximately 177,800 yen for technical interns
- Job mobility: Unlike the TITP program, SSW workers can change employers within their designated field
- Longer stay: SSW (i) allows up to 5 years of additional stay (6 years in certain cases as of the 2025 amendment). SSW (ii) offers unlimited renewals and a path to permanent residency
- Better working conditions: SSW workers must receive equal or better pay and conditions compared to Japanese workers in the same role
Eligibility Requirements
Not every technical intern automatically qualifies for SSW status. The Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) requires you to meet specific conditions. Here is what you need.
1. Completion of Technical Intern Training 2 (技能実習2号) in Good Standing
This is the most fundamental requirement. You must have completed the full term of Technical Intern Training 2 — meaning you finished at least 3 years of training (Technical Intern Training 1 + 2) without serious violations such as unauthorized work, criminal activity, or abandonment of the program.
"Good standing" (良好に修了) means your supervising organization and employer have confirmed that you completed the program as planned, attended work as required, and met the training objectives.
Important: If you left your Technical Intern Training program early — for example, by running away from your employer — you generally do not qualify for the direct transition pathway. There may be alternative routes, but they require additional steps and are not guaranteed.
2. Skills Assessment
You must demonstrate that you have the technical skills required for the SSW field you are entering. There are two ways to meet this requirement:
- Option A (Exam exemption): If you completed Technical Intern Training 2 in an occupational category that corresponds to your target SSW field, you are exempt from the skills test. This is the most common path for transitioning trainees.
- Option B (Pass the skills test): If your training field does not directly correspond to your target SSW field, or if you are switching to a different field entirely, you must pass the designated skills evaluation test (技能評価試験) for that field.
3. Japanese Language Ability
SSW (i) requires Japanese language ability at JLPT N4 level or equivalent. This can be demonstrated by:
- Passing the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) at N4 or higher
- Passing the JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)
- Exam exemption if you completed Technical Intern Training 2 in good standing — the Japanese language test is waived regardless of whether you transition to the same or a different SSW field (see next section)
Note: The nursing care field has an additional requirement — you must also pass a separate Japanese language evaluation test specific to nursing care.
4. No Outstanding Immigration Violations
You must have a clean immigration record. Outstanding tax payments, health insurance arrears, or past immigration violations can lead to denial. If you have any unpaid obligations, settle them before applying.
5. A Valid Job Offer from an SSW-Qualified Employer
You need a concrete employment offer from a company approved to hire SSW workers. The employer must have a proper SSW employment contract (特定技能雇用契約) and, for SSW (i), a support plan (1号特定技能外国人支援計画) in place. Not every company is eligible — the employer must meet financial, compliance, and support-capacity requirements set by the Immigration Services Agency.
For details on what to look for in an employer, see our SSW Employment Guide.
Exam Exemptions: When You Don't Need to Take Tests
One of the biggest advantages of the TITP-to-SSW pathway is the possibility of being exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test. This exemption applies under specific conditions.
Same-Field Transition (Exam Exempt)
If you completed Technical Intern Training 2 in an occupational category that the government has officially designated as corresponding to an SSW field, you qualify for a full exam exemption. You do not need to take the skills test or the Japanese language test.
The Immigration Services Agency publishes a detailed mapping table (技能実習2号移行対象職種と特定技能1号における分野の関連表) showing which TITP occupations correspond to which SSW fields. Your supervising organization or an immigration professional can help you confirm whether your specific occupation qualifies.
Example: If you completed Technical Intern Training 2 as a "food manufacturing worker" (食品製造) in the TITP program, and you want to transition to SSW in the "Manufacture of Food and Beverages" field, this is a same-field transition. You are exempt from both the skills test and the Japanese language test.
Different-Field Transition (Skills Test Required, Language Test Exempt)
If you completed Technical Intern Training 2 in good standing but want to switch to an SSW field that does not correspond to your TITP occupation:
- The skills evaluation test for the new SSW field — Required
- The Japanese language test (JLPT N4+ or JFT-Basic) — Exempt (your Phase 2 completion satisfies the language requirement)
This is a valid pathway, but it requires time to prepare for and pass the skills test. Skills tests are administered by each field's designated testing organization, and test schedules vary. Note that the nursing care field has a separate Japanese language evaluation test specific to that sector, which is not waived even with Phase 2 completion.
Not all TITP occupations have a corresponding SSW field. The TITP program covers over 90 occupations across 169 work categories, but the SSW program has 16 designated fields. If your TITP occupation does not map to any SSW field, the skills test exemption does not apply — you must pass the skills test for your target SSW field. However, the Japanese language test remains exempt as long as you completed Phase 2 in good standing.
All 16 SSW Fields and Transition Eligibility
As of 2026, the Specified Skilled Worker program covers 16 designated fields. Here is the complete list, along with whether SSW (ii) is available (which determines your long-term prospects in Japan).
| # | SSW Field | Japanese Name | SSW (ii) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nursing Care | 介護 | Not available |
| 2 | Building Cleaning Management | ビルクリーニング | Available |
| 3 | Industrial Product Manufacturing | 工業製品製造業 | Available |
| 4 | Construction | 建設 | Available |
| 5 | Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery | 造船・舶用工業 | Available |
| 6 | Automobile Repair & Maintenance | 自動車整備 | Available |
| 7 | Aviation | 航空 | Available |
| 8 | Accommodation | 宿泊 | Available |
| 9 | Automobile Transportation | 自動車運送業 | Not available |
| 10 | Railway | 鉄道 | Not available |
| 11 | Agriculture | 農業 | Available |
| 12 | Fishery & Aquaculture | 漁業 | Available |
| 13 | Manufacture of Food & Beverages | 飲食料品製造業 | Available |
| 14 | Food Service Industry | 外食業 | Available |
| 15 | Forestry | 林業 | Not available |
| 16 | Wood Industry | 木材産業 | Not available |
Fields 9, 10, 15, and 16 (Automobile Transportation, Railway, Forestry, and Wood Industry) were added in 2024 and are currently available only as SSW (i). They do not yet have an SSW (ii) pathway.
Nursing Care (Field 1) does not have SSW (ii), but a separate visa pathway for care workers (介護ビザ) provides a long-term option.
Fields Most Common for TITP-to-SSW Transitions
Based on publicly available data, the fields with the highest number of transitions from Technical Intern Training include:
- Manufacture of Food & Beverages — the single largest SSW field by number of workers
- Industrial Product Manufacturing — covers a wide range of manufacturing occupations
- Agriculture — particularly crop farming and livestock
- Construction — note: construction has additional requirements including CCUS registration and a Ministry-approved Receiving Plan
- Nursing Care — growing rapidly, with an additional Japanese language requirement specific to this field
Step-by-Step Transition Process
The transition follows a structured process. Here is exactly what happens, in order.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Before anything else, verify that your TITP occupation corresponds to an SSW field (for exam exemption) and that you have completed Technical Intern Training 2 in good standing. Your supervising organization (監理団体) can provide your completion certificate (技能実習2号修了証). If you plan to switch fields, confirm the skills test schedule for your target field.
Secure a Job Offer from an SSW-Qualified Employer
You need a confirmed offer from a company approved to hire SSW workers. This can be your current TITP employer (if they meet the requirements and want to hire you as SSW) or a completely new company. The employer must prepare an SSW employment contract and support plan. A recruitment agency like TreeGlobalPartners can match you with qualified employers at no cost to you.
Take Required Tests (If Applicable)
If you are transitioning to a different field, you must pass the skills test for that new SSW field. The Japanese language test is waived if you completed Phase 2 in good standing (except for nursing care's specialized language test). Schedule the skills test well in advance — test seats can fill up quickly, especially for popular fields. If you qualify for the full exam exemption (same-field transition), skip this step entirely.
Gather Required Documents
Both you and your new employer need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents for the immigration application. Your side includes: passport, residence card, photo, test certificates (or completion certificate for exam exemption), tax certificates, and social insurance records. The employer prepares: employment contract, working conditions document, support plan, company registration, and field-specific documents. For a detailed checklist, see our SSW Document Preparation Guide.
Submit the Change of Status Application
File the "Application for Change of Status of Residence" (在留資格変更許可申請) at the regional Immigration Services Bureau (出入国在留管理局) that has jurisdiction over your new employer's location. All documents must be submitted together in a complete package. Incomplete applications will be returned or flagged for additional documents, causing significant delays.
Wait for Processing and Receive Your New Residence Card
Processing typically takes 1 to 3 months. You may receive requests for additional documents during this period. Once approved, you will receive a notification postcard. Visit the immigration office with the postcard, your passport, and a 6,000 yen revenue stamp (収入印紙) to pick up your new residence card showing "Specified Skilled Worker (i)" status.
Begin Working Under SSW Status
You can start working at your new company only after receiving the new residence card. Your employer is also required to register your information with the relevant industry association for your SSW field (分野別協議会). This registration is mandatory and must be completed promptly after your status change is approved.
The Bridging "Designated Activities" Visa
One of the most stressful aspects of the transition is timing. Your TITP visa has a fixed expiration date, and if the SSW application is not ready by then, you risk falling out of legal status. The Japanese government recognizes this problem and offers a bridging measure.
Designated Activities (特定活動) — 4-Month Transition Visa
If you meet the following conditions, you can apply for a "Designated Activities" (特定活動) visa that allows you to work at your planned SSW employer for up to 4 months while the Change of Status application is being prepared or processed:
- You have completed (or are about to complete) Technical Intern Training 2
- You have a confirmed SSW job offer
- You intend to apply for Change of Status to SSW (i) but cannot complete the paperwork before your current visa expires
- The employer meets SSW eligibility requirements
Critical: The 4-month Designated Activities period counts toward the 5-year maximum of SSW (i) status. It is not an extension on top of the 5 years. Also, this bridging visa generally cannot be renewed. You must file the Change of Status application within this 4-month window.
This bridging visa is a practical lifeline, but it should be treated as a backup plan. Ideally, begin preparing your transition documents well before your TITP visa expires so that you can submit the Change of Status application directly, without needing the Designated Activities bridge.
Need Help with Your TITP-to-SSW Transition?
TreeGlobalPartners provides free job placement for foreign workers. We match you with SSW-qualified employers and handle coordination. Our group company, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), manages the visa application procedures.
Free Consultation →Timeline and Processing Time
The total time from "deciding to transition" to "starting work under SSW status" depends on whether you need to take tests and how quickly documents can be gathered. Here is a realistic breakdown.
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eligibility confirmation + job search | 2–4 weeks |
| 2 | Skills test & language test (if required) | 1–3 months (depends on test schedule) |
| 3 | Document preparation (worker + employer) | 2–4 weeks |
| 4 | Submission + immigration processing | 1–3 months |
| 5 | Receive residence card and begin work | 1–2 weeks after approval |
Best case (same-field, exam exempt): Approximately 2 to 4 months total
Different-field (tests required): Approximately 4 to 7 months total, depending on test scheduling
Start early. The single most common cause of transition problems is waiting too long to begin the process. If you know you want to transition, start working on eligibility confirmation and job hunting at least 4 to 6 months before your TITP program ends.
Costs Involved
The costs of transitioning from Technical Intern Training to SSW are split between the worker and the employer. Under Japanese law, employers and recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging fees to workers for job placement.
Costs for the Worker
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Status application fee | 6,000 yen | Revenue stamp (収入印紙), paid upon receiving new residence card |
| Skills test fee (if applicable) | 3,000–8,000 yen | Varies by field; exempt if same-field transition |
| Japanese language test fee (if applicable) | 7,000–7,500 yen | JLPT: 7,500 yen / JFT-Basic: 7,000 yen; exempt if completed Phase 2 in good standing |
| Tax & insurance certificates | 1,000–3,000 yen | Issuance fees at city/ward office |
| Photo | 500–1,500 yen | Visa-specification photo (4cm x 3cm) |
Total worker cost: approximately 7,000 to 20,000 yen, depending on whether tests are required.
Costs for the Employer
| Item | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment agency fee | 200,000–400,000 yen | One-time fee to the recruitment agency (if used) |
| Visa application support (行政書士) | 50,000–150,000 yen | If using a licensed administrative scrivener for the application |
| Registered Support Organization fee | 20,000–30,000 yen/month | Monthly fee for outsourced support (SSW Category 1 only); the average monthly support outsourcing fee is approximately 20,000 to 30,000 yen per person |
| Industry association membership | Varies | Some field associations charge membership or registration fees |
Key rule: Under Japan's Employment Security Act (職業安定法), recruitment agencies are prohibited from charging job-seeking workers for placement services. If any agency asks you to pay a fee, this is a violation of the law. All placement costs are borne by the employer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The transition process has many moving parts, and mistakes can cost you weeks, months, or even your eligibility. These are the errors that come up repeatedly.
01Starting Too Late
The most common and most damaging mistake. If you wait until the final month of your TITP visa to begin the transition, you will almost certainly need the Designated Activities bridging visa — and even that may not be enough time if there are complications. Begin at least 4 to 6 months before your TITP program ends.
02Assuming Exam Exemption Without Verification
Not every TITP occupation maps to an SSW field. Relying on an assumption rather than checking the official correspondence table (技能実習2号移行対象職種と特定技能1号分野の関連表) published by the Immigration Services Agency can lead to a last-minute scramble to take tests you thought were unnecessary.
03Ignoring Outstanding Tax or Insurance Payments
Immigration checks your tax and social insurance compliance. Even a small outstanding payment can trigger a denial or request for additional documentation. Check your payment records at your local city office and settle all arrears before filing.
04Not Filing the 14-Day Notification
After leaving your TITP employer (or any employer), you must notify immigration of the change within 14 days (契約機関に関する届出). Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen and may negatively affect your SSW application.
05Choosing an Employer Who Cannot Meet SSW Requirements
Not every company is eligible to hire SSW workers. Some employers — especially smaller companies with no prior experience hiring foreign workers — may not meet the financial stability, support plan, or compliance requirements. Verify the employer's eligibility before committing.
06Working Before Receiving the New Residence Card
You cannot legally work at the new SSW employer until you have received the approved residence card showing SSW status. Starting work before approval is an immigration violation that can result in deportation and a re-entry ban.
07Not Understanding the Differences Between TITP and SSW Rules
SSW workers have different rights and obligations compared to trainees. For example, SSW workers can change jobs (within their field), are not bound to a single employer, and have access to a registered support organization. Understanding your new rights helps you avoid being exploited and make informed decisions about your career.
SSW (i) vs. SSW (ii): What Happens After SSW (i)?
Most TITP graduates transition to SSW (i), which allows up to 5 years of stay (or 6 years under the 2025 amendment, if you meet specific scoring requirements on the SSW (ii) evaluation test). But it is important to understand what comes next.
| Feature | SSW (i) / 特定技能1号 | SSW (ii) / 特定技能2号 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 5 years total (6 years in certain cases) | Unlimited (renewable) |
| Family accompaniment | Generally not permitted | Spouse and children permitted |
| Skill level required | Competent level (一定の水準) | Proficient/expert level (熟練) |
| Support plan required | Yes | No |
| Path to permanent residency | Not directly | Yes (eligible to apply) |
| Available fields (2026) | All 16 fields | 11 of 16 fields |
If you are in one of the 11 fields that offer SSW (ii), you can take the SSW (ii) evaluation test after building sufficient experience during your SSW (i) period. Passing this test opens the door to unlimited visa renewals, family sponsorship, and permanent residency — making it one of the most attractive long-term pathways for foreign workers in Japan.
2025 Amendment: As of September 2025, if you take the SSW (ii) evaluation test and score at least 80% of the passing score (but do not pass), you may be eligible for a 1-year extension, bringing your total SSW (i) stay to a maximum of 6 years. This gives you additional time to prepare and retake the test.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 System Reform
The Japanese government has announced that the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) will be replaced by a new system called "Employment for Skill Development" (育成就労), expected to take effect in 2027. This reform fundamentally changes how foreign workers enter and stay in Japan.
Key Changes Under the New System
- Direct SSW pathway: The new "Employment for Skill Development" program is explicitly designed as a stepping stone to SSW status, unlike the TITP which was officially framed as "skills transfer"
- Greater job mobility: Workers under the new system will have more freedom to change employers than current technical interns
- Clearer transition criteria: The pathway from the new training program to SSW (i), and from SSW (i) to SSW (ii), will be more formally structured
- Current trainees will be transitioned: Workers currently in the TITP program are expected to be moved into the new framework. Details are still being finalized
If you are currently a technical intern or are planning to become one, this reform is relevant to your long-term planning. The fundamental principle remains the same: demonstrate skills, pass tests (or qualify for exemption), secure a job offer, and apply for SSW status. The process may become more streamlined, but the core requirements are unlikely to change dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Who can transition: Workers who completed Technical Intern Training 2 (技能実習2号) in good standing, with a valid SSW job offer
- Exam exemption: Available for same-field transitions. You skip both the skills test and the Japanese language test
- Different-field transitions: Permitted. The Japanese language test is still waived, but you must pass the skills test for the new field
- 16 SSW fields: Nursing care, building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, auto repair, aviation, accommodation, auto transportation, railway, agriculture, fishery, food manufacturing, food service, forestry, and wood industry
- Timeline: 2 to 4 months (same field) or 4 to 7 months (different field)
- Worker costs: Approximately 7,000 to 20,000 yen (application fee + certificates + photos; tests if applicable)
- Bridging visa: A 4-month "Designated Activities" visa is available if your TITP visa expires before SSW application completion
- After SSW (i): 11 of 16 fields offer SSW (ii) with unlimited renewals, family sponsorship, and a permanent residency pathway
- Start early: Begin the transition process at least 4 to 6 months before your Technical Intern Training ends
The transition from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker is one of the most important career decisions you will make in Japan. Getting the process right means securing better pay, job mobility, and potentially a long-term future in this country. Getting it wrong means delays, denied applications, and lost opportunities. If any part of the process feels unclear, reach out for professional support before your deadlines approach.
Free Job Placement for Your SSW Transition
TreeGlobalPartners provides free job placement for foreign workers transitioning from Technical Intern Training to SSW. No fees charged to workers — ever. Our group company, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), handles all visa application procedures.
Get Free Consultation →Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws, visa requirements, and government policies are subject to change. For the most current information, please consult the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) or a qualified immigration professional (行政書士 / attorney). TreeGlobalPartners accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.