Technical Intern Training in Japan: How It Works & Guide for Interns [2026 — Transition to Ikusei Shuro]

Japan's Technical Intern Training system is a residence status designed to transfer skills learned in Japan back to the intern's home country. While it offers an opportunity to acquire skills while working, interns who are not familiar with the system or their rights may face disadvantages. This guide covers the basics every intern should know, through to the shift to the Employment for Skill Development (Ikusei Shuro) system decided by the 2024 legal reform.

① What is the Technical Intern Training system?

Technical Intern Training is a scheme aimed at international contribution through skills transfer to developing countries. Most placements follow the supervising-organisation model: a sending organisation in the home country → a Japanese supervising organisation → the accepting company (company, farm, etc.). A company-sponsored model where companies accept interns directly also exists.

② Residence period and three types (Type 1, 2 & 3)

Progressing from Type 1 through Type 3 allows a stay of up to five years (depending on occupation and individual circumstances).

③ Roles of the supervising organisation, accepting company and OTIT

• Supervising organisation: a non-profit body that oversees placements, guides accepting companies and handles consultations
• Accepting company: the company or business where the intern actually trains
• Organisation for Technical Intern Training (OTIT): an authorised legal entity that ensures the proper operation of the system. It approves training plans, protects interns and provides consultations in the intern's native language

④ Rights and protections of Technical Intern Trainees

Technical Intern Trainees are also workers. Japanese labour laws, including the Minimum Wage Act and the Labour Standards Act, apply to them.

• Wages below the minimum wage or unpaid overtime may constitute a violation of labour law
• Confiscating passports or residence cards, or forced savings, are prohibited
• Violence, harassment or being forced to work under conditions different from the contract are grounds for consultation

⑤ Can I change jobs (workplace transfer)?

In principle, Technical Intern Training must continue with the same accepting company in accordance with the training plan, so a voluntary job change of the intern's own choice is not possible in principle. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances such as bankruptcy of the accepting company, management reasons or human-rights violations, the supervising organisation or OTIT has a framework to support a transfer (change of accepting company). Please consult OTIT first.

⑥ Transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker status

Those who complete Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be able to transition to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in a related field with exemptions from the skills test and Japanese-language test in some cases. This may make it possible to work in Japan for a longer cumulative period.

• The available fields and conditions vary depending on the relationship between the training occupation and the Specified Skilled Worker field
• Consulting the accepting organisation or a registered support organisation for procedures and documents can make the process smoother

⑦ Transition to the Ikusei Shuro (Employment for Skill Development) system (planned around 2027)

The 2024 legal reform decided that the Technical Intern Training system will transition to the Employment for Skill Development (Ikusei Shuro) system. Implementation is planned around 2027, and the details are scheduled to be established through future cabinet and ministerial orders.

• The purpose will be clarified as "securing and developing human resources"
• The system is designed to develop workers to the level of Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in principle within three years
• Transfers at the worker's own request under certain conditions are planned to be permitted
• Accepted fields are planned to be aligned with Specified Skilled Worker fields

Transitional measures for those already staying in Japan as Technical Intern Trainees are expected to be announced by public authorities in line with the detailed rules of the new system. Check the latest information on the official websites of OTIT and the Immigration Services Agency.

⑧ Where to seek help

• OTIT Native-Language Consultation Service: consultations on Technical Intern Training (multiple languages available)
• Labour Standards Inspection Office: unpaid wages, excessive working hours and other labour issues
• Foreign Residents Support Centre (FRESC): consultations on residence status and daily life
• Japan Legal Support Centre (Houterasu): legal-problem consultation service

FAQ

Can I change jobs while on Technical Intern Training?A voluntary job change of your own choice is not possible in principle. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances such as the accepting company's bankruptcy or human-rights violations, the supervising organisation or OTIT has a framework to support a workplace transfer. Please consult OTIT's native-language consultation service first.

Can I transition from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker status?Those who complete Technical Intern Training Type 2 in good standing may be able to transition to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in a related field with test exemptions in some cases. Available fields and conditions vary by training occupation, so please check with your accepting organisation or a registered support organisation.

My wage is below the minimum wage — is that illegal?Technical Intern Trainees are covered by the Minimum Wage Act and the Labour Standards Act as workers. Wages below the minimum wage or unpaid overtime may constitute a violation of labour law. You can consult OTIT's native-language service or the Labour Standards Inspection Office.

What will change under the Ikusei Shuro system?The 2024 legal reform decided that Technical Intern Training will transition to Ikusei Shuro (Employment for Skill Development). The purpose will be clarified as securing and developing human resources, and revisions including allowing transfers at the worker's own request under certain conditions are planned. Implementation is planned around 2027, but the details are to be established through future cabinet and ministerial orders.