Changing from TIT Category 2 to SSW Category 1 — Required Documents, Occupation Correspondence, and Common Mistakes

Foreign nationals who have completed Technical Intern Training (TIT) Category 2 can change their residence status to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1 if they meet the applicable requirements. This transition is a major option for those wishing to continue working in Japan, but delays or denials are common among applicants unfamiliar with the process. This article explains the practical steps, required documents, and most common pitfalls.

Key Requirements for Transitioning from TIT Category 2 to SSW Category 1

Verifying the Occupation-Field Correspondence

Not every TIT Category 2 occupation maps directly to an SSW Category 1 field. The occupation and work category must correspond as defined by the applicable regulations. Covered SSW fields include: agriculture, fisheries, food/beverage manufacturing, restaurant industry, construction, shipbuilding and ship machinery, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, nursing care, building cleaning, casting, industrial machinery manufacturing, electronics and electrical information industry, textiles, printing, steel, nonferrous metals, and fabricated metals. Where the TIT occupation does not correspond to an SSW field, a skills test must be taken and passed.

Step-by-Step Process for the Status Change Application

• ① Secure a receiving organization
  Confirm the company that will employ you as an SSW. The TIT intern training company may be the same, or you may move to a different employer — movement between employers is generally permitted after TIT.
• ② Execute the SSW employment contract
  The contract must specify compensation at least equivalent to that of Japanese workers doing the same work.
• ③ Establish the support plan or engage a registered support organization
  SSW Category 1 requires the receiving organization to implement a support plan. Most companies delegate this to a registered support organization.
• ④ Submit the application for change of residence status
  File all required documents at the regional immigration bureau. An authorized filing agent (申請取次行政書士) may file on your behalf.
• ⑤ Receive the new residence card
  Standard processing time is 1–3 months. Once approved, a new residence card with SSW Category 1 status is issued.

Key Documents Required

• Application for change of residence status
• Passport and residence card
• Photograph (4cm × 3cm)
• TIT Category 2 certificate of completion
• SSW employment contract
• Support plan (or delegation contract with registered support organization)
• Overview of the receiving organization (company brochure, corporate registration, financial statements, etc.)
• Oath/pledge by the receiving organization
• Tax and social insurance documents (residence tax certificate, payment certificate, etc.)
• Skills test / Japanese language test certificates (or TIT certificate of completion as a substitute for waived tests)

Common Mistakes and What to Watch Out For

• Failing to apply before the TIT residence status expires
  The status change application must be submitted while your current residence status is still valid. If it expires, you fall into unlawful residency. Start the process as soon as your TIT completion is confirmed.
• Not verifying the occupation-field correspondence
  If the TIT occupation and SSW field do not correspond, the test waiver does not apply and a skills test must be taken separately.
• Inadequate support plan
  If the receiving organization prepares its own support plan without delegating to a registered support organization, the plan may not meet the required standards and will be flagged during review.
• Compensation below the Japanese-worker equivalent
  An employment contract with compensation below what equivalent Japanese workers receive is grounds for denial.

Consult Sakura Central Legal Office

We prepare and file status-change applications from TIT Category 2 to SSW Category 1, verify occupation-field correspondence, and assist with support plan setup — for both foreign nationals and receiving companies. If you want to continue working in Japan after completing TIT, or need documents reviewed, please contact us for a free initial consultation.