Introduction

Many foreign nationals working in Japan wish to live with their spouses and children. For those with “Technical Intern Training” or “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” residence status, whether they can obtain a “Dependent” visa (Status of Residence: Dependent) is a major concern. This article explains the legal restrictions and exceptions based on the latest official information.

What is the Dependent Visa?

The “Dependent” status of residence allows spouses and children of foreign nationals working in Japan to live together in Japan. It mainly applies to families of those with statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)”.

Can Technical Intern Trainees Obtain a Dependent Visa?

In principle, those with “Technical Intern Training” status cannot obtain a Dependent visa. The Technical Intern Training Program is designed for skill acquisition and technology transfer, and does not anticipate family accompaniment. Therefore, spouses and children cannot be brought to Japan for long-term cohabitation.

Temporary Measures

If you wish to spend time with your family temporarily, it is possible to apply for a “Temporary Visitor” visa (up to 90 days). However, this is strictly for short-term stays and does not permit long-term cohabitation.

Can Specified Skilled Worker (i) Obtain a Dependent Visa?

The “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” status also does not allow for the acquisition of a Dependent visa in principle. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan clearly states in its official Q&A that family accompaniment is not permitted for this status.

Systemic Exceptions

However, there are exceptions where family members can continue living together in Japan:

• If family members had already obtained a Dependent visa under another status (e.g., Student or Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) and were living in Japan before the switch to Specified Skilled Worker (i)
  When the main applicant changes to Specified Skilled Worker (i), family members may switch to a “Designated Activities” visa and continue living in Japan under a special provision.
• If the spouse or children obtain their own status of residence (e.g., Student)
  Spouses or children may be able to stay in Japan by obtaining their own status, such as Student. However, for children, only admission to vocational schools or universities is permitted, not language schools.

Difference with Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

With “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” status, it is possible to obtain a Dependent visa. This status is available in specific fields such as construction and shipbuilding, and allows for family accompaniment.

Requirements for the Dependent Visa

To obtain a Dependent visa, the following requirements must be met:

• The sponsor must have stable income
• The spouse or child must be financially dependent on the sponsor
• The relationship must be legally recognized (common-law marriages are generally not accepted)
• Official documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) must be provided

Example Case (Names and Details Changed)

Example: Mr. A from Vietnam (2nd year Technical Intern Trainee) has a wife and a 5-year-old child in his home country. He wanted to live with his family in Japan, but could only bring them temporarily with a Temporary Visitor visa, as the Technical Intern Training status does not allow for a Dependent visa. If Mr. A could transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii), he would be able to live with his family in Japan with a Dependent visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I change from Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker (i) to a Spouse visa?

Direct change from Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker (i) to a Spouse visa (Status of Residence: Spouse or Child of Japanese National or Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident) is generally difficult, but possible if the spouse is Japanese or a permanent resident and other requirements are met.

Q. Can I work with a Dependent visa?

In principle, work is not permitted with a Dependent visa, but with “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted,” part-time work up to 28 hours per week is possible.

Conclusion

• Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i) statuses do not generally allow for a Dependent visa.
• With Specified Skilled Worker (ii) or Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, a Dependent visa is possible.
• In some exceptional cases, family members already residing in Japan may continue to stay with a Designated Activities visa.
• Procedures are complex, so consulting an administrative scrivener or other expert is recommended.