Work in Japan Visa Options

This document provides a detailed analysis of three primary residence statuses for foreign nationals in Japan: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku), Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), and Technical Intern Training (TIT). Each category is designed with a distinct objective, catering to different segments of the foreign workforce.
The Gijinkoku status is the representative category for white-collar professionals, intended to facilitate international talent exchange by attracting individuals with specialized knowledge and skills for long-term employment. In contrast, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, established in 2019, directly addresses domestic labor shortages in specific industries by recruiting foreign workers who can serve as an "immediate workforce." The Technical Intern Training (TIT) program is officially framed as a form of international contribution, designed to transfer Japanese skills and technology to developing countries.
A significant reform is underway: the Technical Intern Training program is scheduled to be abolished by June 2027. It will be replaced by a new "Training and Employment Program" (Ikusei Shuro Seido), which aims to clarify the program's employment purpose and ease restrictions on job changes, signaling a strategic shift in Japan's foreign labor policy.