Introduction

For foreign nationals working in Japan as technical interns, changing their residence status to Specified Skilled Worker is a significant concern. Many may wonder if they can transition to Specified Skilled Worker status even with a Japanese language proficiency level of N4. This article will explain in detail the conditions under which it is possible to change from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status, even with an N4 level of Japanese proficiency.

Relationship Between Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker

The Technical Intern Training Program is designed for international cooperation with developing countries, while the Specified Skilled Worker system aims to address labor shortages. Although the purposes of these two systems differ, it is possible to transition from technical intern training to Specified Skilled Worker status.

Requirements for Transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker

To obtain Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 residence status, the following requirements typically need to be met:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Skills Test: Pass a skills test.
• Japanese Language Test: Pass a Japanese language test.
• Residence Period: Not have resided in Japan for more than five years under Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status.
• Guarantee Deposit: Not have a guarantee deposit collected.
• Penalty Clause: Not have a contract with a penalty clause.

Special Provisions for Technical Intern Training No. 2 Graduates

Foreign nationals who have completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 with good results are eligible for special provisions:

• Exemption from Skills Test: The skills test is waived.
• Exemption from Japanese Language Test: The Japanese language test is waived.

Thus, individuals who have completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 with good results can transition to Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status without additional tests, even if their Japanese proficiency is at the N4 level.

N4 Japanese Proficiency Level

The N4 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) indicates the ability to understand basic Japanese. Specifically:

• Understanding Everyday Japanese: Can understand Japanese used in everyday situations to some extent.
• Reading and Writing Basic Kanji: Can read and write basic kanji.
• Simple Conversations: Can engage in simple conversations.

Procedure for Transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker

The procedure for transitioning from Technical Intern Training No. 2 to Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 involves the following steps:

• Submission of Application for Change of Status of Residence: Submit the application form.
• Submission of Specified Skilled Worker Employment Contract: Submit a copy of the employment contract.
• Submission of Evaluation Report for Completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2: Submit the evaluation report.

These documents must be submitted to the regional immigration bureau for review.

Characteristics of Specified Skilled Worker No. 1

The main characteristics of Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 status are:

• Residence Period: One year, six months, or four months, renewable (up to a maximum of five years).
• Family Accompaniment: Generally not permitted.
• Support: Mandatory support from the accepting organization or registered support organization.

Fields Eligible for Specified Skilled Worker

Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 allows work in the following 12 specific industries:

• Nursing Care
• Building Cleaning
• Raw Material Industry
• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
• Electric and Electronic Information Industry
• Construction
• Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Industry
• Automotive Maintenance
• Aviation
• Accommodation
• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Food Service

Important Points

• Good Completion of Technical Intern Training No. 2: It is crucial to have completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 with good results.
• Relevance Between Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker Occupations: There must be a connection between the occupations in technical intern training and Specified Skilled Worker.
• Employment Contract: An employment contract is necessary for transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker status.

Conclusion

Transitioning from Technical Intern Training No. 2 to Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 is possible even with a Japanese language proficiency level of N4, provided that Technical Intern Training No. 2 was completed with good results. It is important to prepare early and gather necessary documents for those who wish to make this transition. The Specified Skilled Worker system is an important measure to address Japan’s labor shortages and offers foreign workers new career opportunities. Technical interns may consider utilizing this system to advance their careers in Japan.