Thank you for visiting Aeternia Legal Associates.

This is Aeternia Legal Associates.

Companies already utilizing the Technical Intern Training Program may be aware that, from April 2027, some foreign nationals may no longer be able to transition to Technical Intern Training (iii).

Foreign nationals planning to move to Technical Intern Training (iii) must meet certain requirements as of April 1, 2026 in order to make the transition.

• First, the new Training and Employment (Ikusei Shuro) system will begin operation on April 1, 2027.

• Under this system, Technical Intern Training that is already in progress as of April 1, 2027, as well as training based on applications for certification of Technical Intern Training plans submitted by March 31, 2027 (limited to those with a start date for training on or before June 30, 2027), may continue even after April 1, 2027.

• However, after the new system begins, technical interns residing under Technical Intern Training (ii) must have engaged in Technical Intern Training (ii) activities for at least one year as of April 1, 2027 in order to transition to Technical Intern Training (iii).

• Whether the one-year requirement is met is determined based on whether one year or more of Technical Intern Training (ii) has been conducted from the date permission was granted to change to that status.

• Therefore, to transition to Technical Intern Training (iii), it is necessary to have started Technical Intern Training (ii) activities no later than April 1, 2026.

Have you received an explanation about this from your employer or supervising organization?
If not, we recommend confirming your schedule as soon as possible.

If Technical Intern Training (ii) is scheduled to begin on or after April 1, 2026, transitioning to Technical Intern Training (iii) may not be possible. 

In such cases, it may be necessary for the foreign national to return to their home country after completing the training, or to consider changing to another residence status.

One possible alternative is the “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” status, which is closely related to the new system.
If certain requirements are met, it may be possible to obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status for up to five years.

As labor shortages are expected to continue, early consideration is important in order to retain and utilize trained personnel.

Our office assists with procedures related to residence status applications.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.