Technical Intern Training Visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Technical Intern Training Visa
Stay Period	Up to 5 years (1+2+2 stages)
Application Cost	COE free; visa fee 15,000 JPY
Eligibility Timing	Typically 18 years or older
Work Rights	Strictly restricted to approved training plan
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Family Sponsorship	Family accompaniment is not permitted
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Visa Record	Residence Status (Zairyu Shikaku)
Processing Time	2 to 4 months

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Purpose & Program Status

The Technical Intern Training Program (技能実習) allows workers from developing countries to acquire vocational skills at Japanese host companies across sectors including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, food processing, textile production, machinery assembly, and care services.

• Program Reform: Enacted legislation in June 2024 abolishes this program and replaces it with the Employment for Skills Development (育成就労 / Ikusei Shūrō) system, scheduled to launch by 2027. Existing trainees can complete their programs under current rules during a 3-year transition period.

Eligibility Criteria

• Acceptance into an approved training program via a registered Supervising Organization (監理団体).
• Age 18 or older.
• No prior Technical Intern Training experience in Japan (for new applicants).
• Commitment to transfer acquired skills back to the home country upon return.
• No family relationship with the Japanese employer or supervisor.
• Clean background record.

Stay & Progression Stages

• Type 1: 1 year.
• Type 2: 2 years (requires passing skills assessment).
• Type 3: 2 years (requires passing skills assessment and changing training location).
• Maximum Stay: Up to 5 years total.

Costs & Fees

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Free.
• Visa Issuance Fee: 15,000 JPY (single entry, starting 2026-07-01).
• Supervising Organization Fees: Borne by the accepting company.
• Travel Expenses: Usually covered by the accepting party.

Conditions & Rights

• Work Restrictions: Trainees are strictly bound to the host company and job type designated in the training plan. Unauthorized work or outside employment is prohibited.
• Changing Employers: Trainees cannot freely change employers. However, transfers to another company are permitted with Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT) assistance in cases of exploitation, abuse, or serious contract violations.
• Family Accompaniment: Family members are not permitted to accompany trainees at any point during the 5-year maximum duration.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Application for Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Training plan (実習計画) approved by the OTIT.
• Acceptance letter from the Supervising Organization (監理団体).
• Recommendation letter from the accredited sending organization in the home country.
• Proof of enrollment in pre-departure Japanese language and safety training.
• Health certificate.

Application Steps

1. Apply through an accredited sending organization in your home country.
2. Complete matching with a Japanese Supervising Organization and host employer.
3. Complete pre-departure orientation, Japanese language, and safety training.
4. Obtain training plan approval from the OTIT.
5. The Supervising Organization submits the COE application to Japan Immigration.
6. Exchange the issued COE for an entry visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate.
7. Undergo initial orientation training in Japan before commencing on-the-job training.

Transition Pathways

Trainees who successfully complete Technical Intern Training (Type 2 or Type 3 level) can transition to the Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) visa in a related field without taking the standard skills evaluation test or Japanese language examination.

Important Contacts & Links

• Official Immigration Portal: Ministry of Justice Technical Intern Training Status
• Labor Protections: Trainees experiencing workplace issues or exploitation can contact the foreign worker labor consultation hotline. Keep all payslips, contracts, and relevant documentation.