育成就労 replaces the Technical Intern Training Program

The law behind it was promulgated on 21 June 2024. A few of its provisions start on other dates.

It affects technical intern trainees, people planning to come to Japan as trainees, and the companies and supervising organisations that host them.

How it works

• Length: generally 3 years, with up to 1 more year if you fail the tests needed to move to Specified Skilled Worker (i).
• Changing employers by choice: allowed after 1 to 2 years with your current employer, depending on the field, and only within the same job category. You also need to meet the field’s skill and Japanese levels. Private recruitment agencies can’t be used.
• Moving to Specified Skilled Worker (i): you need to pass a skills test, plus a Japanese test at A2.2 or above, such as JFT-Basic A2.2 or JLPT N4.

If you’re a trainee now

• If you’re in Japan on 1 April 2027, you can continue under your approved plan.
• If your plan application was filed by 31 March 2027 and you start by 30 June 2027, you can also continue.
• Type 1 trainees covered by these rules can move up to Type 2.
• Type 2 trainees with at least 1 year at that stage on 1 April 2027 can move up to Type 3.

Otherwise, you can’t re-enter as a technical intern trainee, though you may be able to come back under 育成就労. Ask your supervising organisation how the switch applies to you.