Foreign nationals who complete Technical Intern Training (TIT) Category 2 are exempt from the standard skills assessment test and Japanese language test required for Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1, allowing for a smooth transition. With the new育成就労 (Ikusei Shuro) system set to launch in April 2027, understanding the current TIT-to-SSW transition pathway accurately is important for receiving companies, supervising organizations, and foreign workers alike.
Conditions for Transitioning from TIT Category 2 to SSW Category 1
① Completed TIT Category 2 in good standing — a Certificate of Successful Completion must be obtained from the implementing organization
② The TIT occupation/task must correspond to an SSW sector (see below for examples)
③ Current residence status is "Technical Intern Training Category 2" at the time of application
Which TIT Occupations Correspond to SSW Sectors
Examples of TIT occupations that match SSW sectors (full list available on the Immigration Services Agency website):
- Food manufacturing → SSW Food / Beverage Manufacturing sector
- Construction → SSW Construction sector
- Agriculture → SSW Agriculture sector
- Fisheries → SSW Fisheries sector
- Welding → SSW Industrial Machinery Manufacturing / Welding sector
- Nursing care / Elderly services → SSW Nursing Care sector
- Building cleaning → SSW Building Cleaning Management sector
- Automobile maintenance → SSW Automobile Repair and Maintenance sector
If the TIT occupation does not correspond to any SSW sector, the foreign national must pass the standard skills and language tests to apply for SSW Category 1.
Step-by-Step Transition Process
- ① Decide on the receiving company (SSW designated organization): The foreign national may continue with the same TIT implementing company or transfer to a new employer — either way, a new employment contract is required.
- ② Collect required documents:
- Certificate of TIT Completion (issued by the implementing organization)
- SSW employment contract and terms of employment
- Support plan
- Copies of passport and residence card
- Health certificate (required for some sectors)
- ③ Submit application for change of residence status: Apply at the Immigration Services Agency or through an authorized administrative scrivener.
- ④ Receive new residence card: Once approved, a "Specified Skilled Worker Category 1" residence card is issued.
Key Pitfalls to Watch
- Timing gap between TIT expiry and SSW approval: Apply well before the TIT period expires. Consider obtaining a "Designated Activities" permit (with work permission) to continue employment while waiting for the SSW status change to be processed.
- Sector match is mandatory: Moving to a company in a different sector from the TIT occupation is generally not permitted under the test-exempt pathway.
- Receiving companies must also meet SSW designated organization requirements: This includes joining the relevant sectoral council and fulfilling other administrative obligations.
- Support plan required for the new workplace: A new support plan must be prepared (or a Registered Support Organization may be engaged).
How Sakura Central Legal Office Can Help
We handle the residence status change application from TIT Category 2 to SSW Category 1, support document collection, and support plan drafting. Free initial consultation available.
For TIT-to-SSW residence status change applications, document support, and support plan drafting, contact Sakura Central Legal Office.
Free initial consultation available.