Introduction: The Future of Care Across Borders

Japan is facing a rapidly aging society. According to estimates by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of care workers, which was approximately 2.15 million in 2022, will need to reach approximately 2.40 million by 2026 and approximately 2.72 million by 2040. Securing care personnel has become an important social issue.

Recently, eight students studying nursing and care welfare in Taiwan completed an internship at a care facility in Otaru, Hokkaido. Over the course of about one month, they gained hands-on experience in home-visit nursing and caregiving while learning about Japan’s welfare systems and facility management.

This article uses this news as a starting point to provide a detailed explanation of the types of residence statuses (visas) available for foreigners working in Japan’s care sector and the step-by-step career advancement opportunities. This information is designed for business owners and HR managers considering hiring foreign staff, as well as foreigners who wish to work in Japan.

1. Insights from the Taiwanese Internship: The Appeal and Challenges of Japanese Care

1-1. Heart-to-Heart Care Beyond Language Barriers

Most of the students from Meiho University in Pingtung, southern Taiwan, arrived in Japan with little to no Japanese language ability. However, through singing, games, and dancing the Hanagasa Ondo, they connected with elderly residents and communicated through smiles.

One student remarked, “At first, I felt the language barrier, but I studied the necessary vocabulary in advance. I was so happy when a quiet elderly person started smiling in response to my words.” This experience embodies the essence of care: connection through the heart, not just words.

1-2. Differences Between Japanese and Taiwanese Care Systems

Taiwan, like Japan, faces challenges related to an aging population and a shortage of care workers. However, Taiwan has seen an increase in large-scale elderly care facilities, whereas Japan emphasizes small-scale, community-based facilities such as group homes.

Japan’s system is centered on the Long-Term Care Insurance System (Kaigo Hoken), under which users receive services after undergoing care needs certification. Meanwhile, Taiwan has developed its care and support services for the elderly under the “Long-Term Care” policy, with differences in funding sources, certification processes, and service delivery structures compared to Japan.

By learning about these differences, the students are broadening their perspective as future care professionals.

2. What Residence Status Do Taiwanese Students Use for Care Internships?

While the specific residence status used by the students in this news report cannot be determined from the news content alone, the required residence status for foreign university students engaging in internships in Japan varies depending on the nature of activities, whether remuneration is involved, and the length of stay.

Main Residence Statuses Used for Internships

Designated Activities (Internship / Public Notice No. 9)

  • Used when remuneration is received
  • Must be part of the educational curriculum of a foreign university
  • Based on a contract between the foreign university and the Japanese host organization

Cultural Activities

  • For unpaid internships lasting more than 90 days
  • Applicable to academic, artistic activities, or research on Japanese culture

Temporary Visitor

  • For unpaid stays of 90 days or less
  • In cases where visa exemption applies, it may not be necessary to obtain a visa for temporary visits

In the case of Taiwanese students staying for about one month for hands-on training at care facilities, “Temporary Visitor” status may be applicable if unpaid, or “Designated Activities (Internship)” if remuneration is involved.

After gaining such internship experience, many foreigners consider working in Japan as care professionals. In such cases, they must obtain residence statuses discussed in the following sections.

3. What Are the Residence Statuses for Foreigners Working in Japan’s Care Sector?

To work legally as a care worker in Japan, foreigners must obtain an appropriate residence status (visa). The main residence statuses currently available for the care field are as follows:

3-1. Technical Intern Training (Care Occupation)

The Technical Intern Training Program was established to transfer skills to developing countries, and the care occupation was added in 2017.

  • Target: Foreigners coming to Japan through overseas sending organizations
  • Period of Stay: Up to 5 years (Technical Intern Training No. 1: 1 year, No. 2: 2 years, No. 3: 2 years)
  • Features: Trainees acquire care skills through practical work, with the expectation that they will return home and contribute to their home countries
  • Requirements: Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 level or higher, completion of pre-entry training, etc.

After completing the training, eligible individuals can transition to the “Specified Skilled Worker” status.

【Transition to the Training and Employment System from April 2027】

The Training and Employment System will be launched on April 1, 2027, with a gradual transition from the Technical Intern Training Program.

Unlike the Technical Intern Training Program, which primarily focused on skill transfer, the Training and Employment System aims to cultivate human resources and secure personnel within Japan. Through approximately three years of employment, it trains workers to reach the Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) level. The care field is also included in the Training and Employment System.

Main features of the Training and Employment System:

  • Training period: Approximately 3 years
  • Purpose: Training to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) level
  • Transfer: Compared to the Technical Intern Training Program, transfers within the same industry are permitted under certain conditions based on individual intentions
  • Transition to Specified Skilled Worker: The system explicitly aims to cultivate human resources for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1)

Transitional measures apply to existing technical intern trainees, so the Technical Intern Training Program will not end abruptly on April 1, 2027. The transition to the new system will be gradual.

3-2. Specified Skilled Worker (Care Field)

The Specified Skilled Worker system was established in 2019 to accept foreign workers who can immediately contribute to the workforce.

  • Target: Foreigners with certain skills and Japanese language proficiency
  • Period of Stay: The total period of stay for Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) is generally up to 5 years. Each individual period of stay is designated by the Minister of Justice within a range not exceeding 3 years
  • How to Obtain:
    ① Pass the Care Skills Evaluation Test, Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test, and JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher
    ② Those who have successfully completed Technical Intern Training No. 2 in the care occupation may be exempt from certain examinations
  • Benefits: Job changes are allowed within the same industry, offering greater career flexibility

Meanwhile, under the Training and Employment System starting in April 2027, passing designated skill tests and Japanese language tests will generally be required for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1). The Training and Employment System aims to cultivate and secure human resources at the Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) level through three years of employment in fields facing labor shortages.

【Why Isn’t There a Specified Skilled Worker (No. 2) for the Care Field?】

Specified Skilled Worker (No. 2) is a residence status for foreigners with highly skilled expertise. In 2023, the scope of eligible fields was significantly expanded, but the care field remains excluded.

This is because the care field already has a long-term employment route through the “Care” residence status. The Immigration Services Agency has clearly stated that the care field is excluded from Specified Skilled Worker (No. 2) because the “Care” residence status already exists as a professional/technical field residence status.

In other words, foreigners who wish to work long-term in the care field should aim for the career path: Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) → Obtain Certified Care Worker qualification → Change to “Care” residence status.

3-3. Care (Residence Status)

The “Care” residence status is granted to foreigners who have obtained the Japanese Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi) national qualification.

  • Target: Holders of the Certified Care Worker qualification
  • Period of Stay: 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months. There is no limit on the number of renewals, and long-term residence is possible as long as one continues to work as a Certified Care Worker
  • How to Obtain:
    ① Graduate from a Certified Care Worker training institution in Japan and obtain/register as a Certified Care Worker
    ② Enter Japan under an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), gain practical experience, and pass the national exam
    ③ Gain practical experience while working under Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker status, complete practical training courses, and pass the national exam
  • Benefits: No limit on the number of residence period renewals; family accompaniment is possible under certain conditions; permanent residence application may be considered if requirements are met in the future

3-4. EPA-Based Certified Care Worker Candidates

The EPA is a system based on Economic Partnership Agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam (Taiwan is not included).

  • Target: Nursing school graduates or holders of care-related qualifications from partner countries
  • Period of Stay: Up to 4 years
  • Features: Candidates enter Japan under the EPA, work and train at care facilities while aiming to pass the Certified Care Worker national exam. After obtaining the qualification, long-term employment as a Certified Care Worker becomes possible through certain procedures

4. Career Steps for Foreign Care Workers: A Step-by-Step Growth Process

For foreigners to succeed long-term in Japan’s care sector, step-by-step career advancement is essential.

【Important】The following is one example of a typical career path. Not all foreigners start with Technical Intern Training or the Training and Employment System. There are also routes through Japanese Certified Care Worker training institutions leading to the “Care” residence status, as well as EPA routes.

STEP 1: Entry Level (Technical Intern Training / Training and Employment)

  • Gain foundational practical experience in care settings
  • Improve Japanese language proficiency (N4 → N3 level)
  • Master basic care techniques

STEP 2: Intermediate Level (Specified Skilled Worker No. 1)

  • Acquire advanced care techniques and Japanese language skills
  • Build practical experience (aiming for eligibility to take the Certified Care Worker exam)
  • Complete practical training courses

STEP 3: Advanced Level (Obtaining Certified Care Worker Qualification → “Care” Residence Status)

  • Generally, fulfill requirements such as approximately 3 years or more of practical care experience, complete practical training courses, and gain eligibility to take the Certified Care Worker national exam
  • Pass the Certified Care Worker national exam
  • Establish a professional career
  • Permanent residence application may be considered if requirements are met

Through this progression, foreign care workers grow into professionals who contribute meaningfully to Japanese society.

5. Key Points for Employers: Residence Status Application Requirements

5-1. Requirements by Residence Status

Technical Intern Training (Some cases may continue after April 2027 under transitional measures)

  • Development of training plans, coordination with supervising organizations, and establishment of living support systems are required

Training and Employment (From April 2027)

  • Prepare a training and employment plan and obtain certification
  • For supervised training and employment, receive supervision and support from a licensed supervisory support organization
  • Ensure appropriate working conditions and living environments
  • Meet care-field-specific acceptance requirements

Specified Skilled Worker

  • Preparation of support plans; delegation to registered support organizations is possible

Care (Residence Status)

  • Employment of Certified Care Worker qualification holders and establishment of employment conditions

5-2. Application Documents and Procedures

Applying for a residence status requires submitting documents to the Immigration Bureau. Required documents vary by residence status, but generally include:

  • Certificate of Eligibility application form (when inviting from overseas)
  • Application for Change of Status of Residence (when changing status within Japan)
  • Employment contract and labor conditions notification
  • Documents describing the business establishment
  • Documents proving the foreigner’s educational and employment history

5-3. Consulting Experts Can Be Helpful

Residence status applications are complex, and cases of denial due to incomplete documentation or misunderstanding of requirements are not uncommon. When hiring foreign care workers for the first time or when residence status selection or changes are involved, consulting an expert in residence status procedures, such as an administrative scrivener, can be helpful.

Benefits of consulting an expert include:

  • Advance confirmation of residence status requirements and necessary documents
  • Accurate preparation support for application documents
  • Response to legal revisions and system changes
  • Saving time and effort

6. Success Stories and Benefits of Accepting Foreign Care Workers

6-1. Revitalizing the Workplace and Promoting Diversity

Accepting foreign staff brings fresh perspectives to the workplace. The exchange of different cultures and values stimulates Japanese staff and improves service quality.

6-2. Contributing to Residents’ Sense of Purpose

The vice-chairperson of the facility that accepted the Taiwanese interns stated, “Elderly residents look forward to welcoming students. Contributing to the education of young people gives them a sense of purpose.”

6-3. Skill Development for Staff

Training foreign staff provides Japanese employees with an opportunity to review their own work and improve their skills.

7. What Foreign Workers Should Know: Preparing to Work in Japan

7-1. Improving Japanese Language Proficiency

Communication with elderly residents is essential in care settings. Aim for at least JLPT N4 level, preferably N3 or higher.

7-2. Aiming to Obtain the Certified Care Worker Qualification

By obtaining and registering as a Certified Care Worker, it becomes possible to change to the “Care” residence status if requirements are met, making it easier to build a long-term career in Japan.

The Certified Care Worker national exam covers a wide range of knowledge necessary for care practice, including the basics of care, understanding of society, the mind and body, and medical care.

7-3. Understanding Life and Culture

Acquiring a broad range of knowledge—including Japanese lifestyle habits, workplace culture, and the Long-Term Care Insurance System—facilitates smooth employment.

Conclusion: Creating the Future of Care Together

The image of Taiwanese students completing an internship in Otaru is a wonderful example of cross-border learning and cooperation. Japan’s care sector has entered an era where it cannot function without foreign workers.

The career path that begins with Technical Intern Training or the Training and Employment System, progresses through Specified Skilled Worker status, and culminates in obtaining the Certified Care Worker qualification represents a significant opportunity for both foreign workers and receiving companies.

When hiring foreign care workers for the first time or when residence status selection or changes are involved, consulting an expert in residence status procedures, such as an administrative scrivener, can be helpful.

Together, let’s create a sustainable future for care.

[Article URL]
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d81424aa0296dc8b9884d40302ad2950a3dba1f8

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