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Technical Intern Training (技能実習)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

Technical Intern Training (技能実習)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–4 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000–¥30,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 to 5 years

1 yr initial · extendable to 5 · Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

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

A program designed to transfer skills, technologies, or knowledge from Japan to developing regions by allowing foreign nationals to work as interns in Japanese host organizations.

The Japan Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) allows foreign nationals employed by an overseas organization to gain hands-on experience at a Japanese host company. Participants follow a structured training plan in specific job categories; work must constitute a genuine skill transfer, not simple labor.

Stay is divided into stages (i), (ii), and (iii) totaling up to 5 years, with renewals at each stage. Dependents are not permitted throughout. Trainees may convert to Specified Skilled Worker status (SSW1 or SSW2) on completion. Note: TITP will be replaced by the Employment for Skill Development system in April 2027.

This visa is ideal for workers aged 18 or older from developing countries whose employers have an established sending relationship with a Japanese host organization.

Japan

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Issuance Fee (Single-entry)JPY ¥15,000
Visa Issuance Fee (Double/Multiple-entry)JPY ¥30,000
TotalJPY ¥15,000–¥30,000

Processing Time

Track 12–4 months
Track 21–3 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year
Extendable up to5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)
Japan flagJapan

Specified Skilled Worker 1 (Tokutei Ginou 1)

Validity5 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)
Japan flagJapan

jp-ssw2 — Specified Skilled Worker 2 (SSW2)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be a regular employee of an overseas organization being transferred to a Japanese host organization.

Skills to be acquired must be difficult to learn in the applicant's home country.

Skills must not constitute 'simple labor'.

Must have a clear plan to utilize acquired skills upon returning to the home country.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid Passport

Visa Application Form

Photograph

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Acquisition of specialized technical skills.
  • Opportunity to work in Japan for up to 5 years.
  • Pathway to transition to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa.

Worth Knowing

  • Program is being phased out by April 2027.
  • Dependents are not permitted.
  • Strictly tied to a single host organization.
  • No direct pathway to permanent residency.
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Involvement in 'simple labor' roles
  • Lack of a host organization in Japan

Application Process

1

Secure a host organization in Japan.

2

Host organization applies for Certificate of qualification (COE) with the Immigration Services Agency.

3

Receive COE from host organization.

4

Apply for visa at the Japanese embassy/consulate in home country.

5

Receive visa and enter Japan.

Application Forms

Visa Application Form
Visa Application Form to Enter Japan
Fill online

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