What changes
The 2024 amendment to the Immigration Control Act and the Technical Intern Training Act (Act No. 60 of 2024, promulgated 21 June 2024) abolishes the technical intern residence status. A cabinet order of September 2025 fixed 1 April 2027 as the start date for the new Employment for Skill Development system.
Its stated aim is to develop and keep workers, not to transfer skills abroad. Each worker has a certified plan of up to three years, with skill and Japanese targets, aimed at the level needed for Specified Skilled Worker type 1. Before starting work, the worker must pass a Japanese test at around CEFR A1 (for example JLPT N5) or complete an equivalent course.
The big change is mobility. A worker may move to another employer in the same job category at their own wish after one or two years, depending on the field, provided they have passed a basic skills test and a Japanese test set by field between A1 and A2. Supervising organisations are replaced by licensed supervision and support organisations with external auditors. As of July 2026, 17 of the 19 Specified Skilled Worker fields are covered.
Who it applies to
Any employer in Japan taking on foreign workers in these fields, including group manufacturers and logistics operations. Interns already training on 1 April 2027 continue under the old rules and can move up one stage, but cannot switch to the new system.
Action for employers
- Decide your route now. Applications for plan certification under the new system have been accepted since 1 September 2026, so programmes for April 2027 need plans filed this autumn.
- Check your supervising organisation's licence. It must hold a new supervision and support licence; applications opened on 15 April 2026.
- Budget for retention. Once the minimum period passes, workers can leave for better pay. Review wages, housing and progression against local competitors.
- Audit broker fees. The system limits what workers may pay sending organisations. Ask your intermediaries how they are paid.
Sources
- Act Partially Amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Technical Intern Training Act (Act No. 60 of 2024); Cabinet Order No. 340 of 2025 setting the effective date.
- Immigration Services Agency, overview of the Employment for Skill Development system (July 2026 revision) and pages on applications before the effective date.