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Employment for Skill Development Visa (育成就労)
JapanJapan•Asia
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Employment for Skill Development Visa (育成就労)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

3 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Japan flag

Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Three-year employer-sponsored training visa for foreign workers aged 18 or over in 17 labor-shortage sectors, leading toward permanent residency.

The Ikusei Shuro (Employment for Skill Development) replaces Japan's Technical Intern Training Program, launching April 2027. It places foreign nationals in 17 designated sectors — nursing, construction, agriculture, food manufacturing, and others — under a certified employer for structured on-the-job training.

The visa runs for 3 years. Workers must pass JLPT N5 (CEFR A1) before entry and reach JLPT N4 by completion. No dependents or spouse work rights are permitted; completing the program opens a direct pathway to Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) and ultimately to permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers aged 18 or over seeking employer-sponsored training in Japan's labor-shortage industries with a clear route to long-term residency.

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract with a certified host organization in Japan in a designated sector.

Passing of a basic Japanese language proficiency exam (such as JLPT N5, JFT-Basic, or equivalent) or completion of a designated preparatory course.

Sponsor company must be certified by the government and have an approved skill development plan.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Certificate of qualification (CoE) original and copy

Visa application form with a recent photograph

Employment contract and skill development plan

Proof of basic Japanese language proficiency

Company registry and financial documents (provided by the host organization)

Application Process

1

Secure a job offer from a certified Japanese employer / host organization.

2

Pass the required basic Japanese language proficiency test.

3

The employer submits an application for a Certificate of qualification (CoE) to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

4

Receive the issued CoE.

5

Apply for the visa at the local Japanese Embassy or Consulate with the CoE, passport, and required documents.

6

Pay the visa fee of ¥3,000 JPY upon visa issuance.

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