[2027 Japan Immigration Reform] Technical Intern Training Program Transforms into “Training and Employment System” – Complete Guide for Companies and Foreign Workers by Immigration Lawyer

On January 23, 2026, the Japanese government approved the operational guidelines for a new foreign worker acceptance system called “Training and Employment” (Ikusei Shuro) through a Cabinet decision. This system, set to begin in fiscal year 2027, represents a groundbreaking framework that will replace the existing Technical Intern Training Program.

This article provides crucial information directly relevant to the careers and human resource strategies of foreign residents in Japan, as well as business executives and HR managers who employ foreign workers.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Training and Employment System? Differences from the Previous System
2. The Meaning of the 1.23 Million Acceptance Cap
3. 17 Fields for Training and Employment and 19 Fields for Specified Skilled Workers
4. How to Step Up from Training and Employment to Specified Skilled Worker
5. What Companies Should Prepare Now
6. Key Points Foreign Workers Should Know
7. An Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective on the System Reform
8. Summary: Action Plan Toward 2027

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1. What is the Training and Employment System? Differences from the Previous System

📌 Challenges of the Technical Intern Training Program

The previous Technical Intern Training Program was ostensibly designed for “international contribution,” with the stated purpose of transferring skills to developing countries. However, in reality, it functioned as a system to supplement Japan’s labor shortage.

There were many challenges with this system:

• Job changes were essentially prohibited (workers had to endure poor working conditions)
• Mandatory return home after 3 or 5 years (trained personnel could not stay long-term)
• Gap between the “training” designation and actual labor reality
• Inappropriate working conditions at some accepting organizations

✨ Features of the Training and Employment System

The new “Training and Employment” system is designed to address these challenges:

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2. The Meaning of the 1.23 Million Acceptance Cap

Let’s organize the numbers presented in this Cabinet decision.

📊 Training and Employment: 426,200 People

This is the acceptance cap for the two-year period from fiscal year 2027 (2027-2028). Consider this as the quota for newly entering foreign workers.

📊 Specified Skilled Workers: 805,700 People

This is the cap for the existing Specified Skilled Worker system. It includes personnel transitioning from Training and Employment as well as those entering directly as Specified Skilled Workers.

📊 The Meaning of the Total 1,231,900 People

This is not the “maximum number who can reside” but rather the “quota” for each system. The Immigration Services Agency calculated this based on labor shortages in each industrial sector.

Under the new system, these numbers will expand significantly. This demonstrates how indispensable foreign workers have become in Japan’s labor market.

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3. 17 Fields for Training and Employment and 19 Fields for Specified Skilled Workers

🏢 17 Fields Covered by Training and Employment

The Training and Employment system covers the following sectors:

1. Agriculture
2. Fishery
3. Food and Beverage Manufacturing
4. Food Service Industry
5. Nursing Care
6. Construction
7. Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery
8. Automobile Maintenance
9. Aviation
10. Accommodation
11. Building Cleaning
12. Industrial Machinery, Electronics, and Information-related Manufacturing
13. Textiles and Apparel
14. Other Manufacturing Sectors

(※The precise details of the 17 fields will be specified in future ministerial ordinances)

🌐 19 Fields for Specified Skilled Workers

The Specified Skilled Worker system adds 2 more fields to the 17 fields of Training and Employment. This allows for the acceptance of foreign workers across a wider range of industries.

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4. How to Step Up from Training and Employment to Specified Skilled Worker

The most significant feature of the new system is its clear career path.

STEP 1: Training and Employment (Typically 3 Years)

Foreign workers first enter Japan with a “Training and Employment” residence status. During these three years, they develop their Japanese language ability and professional skills.

STEP 2: Pass Required Examinations

After the three-year Training and Employment period, workers must pass the following two examinations:

① Skills Test
An examination measuring skill levels determined for each field. For example, in the nursing care field, this would be the Care Skills Evaluation Test.

② Japanese Language Test
Generally, Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 level or higher is the standard (varies by field).

STEP 3: Transition to Specified Skilled Worker

Upon passing both examinations, workers can transition to “Specified Skilled Worker Type 1.” Under Specified Skilled Worker status:

• Residence is possible for up to 5 years (indefinite in some fields)
• Greater freedom to change jobs
• Family accompaniment may be permitted (in the case of Specified Skilled Worker Type 2)

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5. What Companies Should Prepare Now

There is approximately one year of preparation time until the fiscal year 2027 start. Here’s what should be done during this period.

① Understanding the System and Information Gathering

Start with an accurate understanding of the new system. Continuously monitor detailed information released by the Immigration Services Agency and industry associations.

② Establishing Acceptance Systems

Reviewing Labor Management

• Employment regulations easy for foreign workers to understand
• Creating multilingual manuals
• Establishing consultation services

Housing and Life Support

• Securing company housing or dormitories
• Conducting life orientation sessions
• Providing opportunities for community interaction

③ Enhancing Japanese Language Education Support

Passing the Japanese language test is essential for transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker status. The extent of company support will affect personnel retention rates.

④ Clarifying Career Paths

Clearly communicating the career trajectory – “after 3 years, you can continue working as a Specified Skilled Worker if you pass the exams” – enhances foreign workers’ motivation.

⑤ Collaboration with Registered Support Organizations

Support for Specified Skilled Worker foreigners can be outsourced to registered support organizations. If handling everything in-house is difficult, consider partnering with specialized organizations.

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6. Key Points Foreign Workers Should Know

For foreign residents in Japan and those considering working in Japan, here are the key points to understand about the new system.

① Long-term Career Possibilities

While the previous Technical Intern Training Program required return home after “3 or 5 years,” under the Training and Employment system, workers who pass exams can work long-term as Specified Skilled Workers.

② Passing Exams is Key

Transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker requires passing both the skills test and Japanese language test.

③ Job Change Possibilities

Under the new system, job changes will be permitted under certain conditions (details to be specified in future ministerial ordinances).

Important Points:

• Relief measures available when there are workplace issues
• However, frequent job changes are not recommended
• Working long-term with the same company is the shortest path to Specified Skilled Worker transition

④ Know Your Rights and Obligations

Foreign workers have the same labor rights as Japanese workers.

If problems arise, consult with supervisory organizations, labor standards inspection offices, immigration lawyers, or other specialists.

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7. An Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective on the System Reform

From the perspective of an immigration lawyer specializing in foreign national legal affairs, here is the essence of this system reform.

🔍 Alignment of Stated Purpose and Reality

Most importantly, the government has officially acknowledged the gap between the stated purpose of “skills transfer as international contribution” and the reality of “labor force procurement.”

This results in:

• System design that better reflects actual conditions
• Strengthened protection of foreign workers’ rights
• Companies can openly plan acceptance as “labor force”

🔄 From “Disposable” Personnel to “Development and Retention”

The previous Technical Intern Training Program operated on the premise of “return home after working 3 years.” However, companies’ true desire was “we want them to work longer if possible.” This contradiction is now resolved.

⚖️ Increased Importance of Compliance

Paradoxically, by openly acknowledging “labor force procurement,” stricter requirements for appropriate working conditions will be imposed.

Likely to be Strengthened:

• Stricter requirements for accepting companies
• Enhanced supervision of supervisory organizations and registered support organizations
• Improved consultation and reporting systems for foreign nationals

Only companies that accept workers appropriately will be able to secure excellent foreign talent.

🌏 Intensifying Global Talent Competition

Globally, competition to attract excellent foreign talent is intensifying. Not only Japan, but also South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia are actively accepting foreign workers.

The new system is also a step for Japan to succeed in international talent competition.

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8. Summary: Action Plan Toward 2027

There is approximately one year until the Training and Employment system starts in fiscal year 2027. How this period is used is important for both companies and foreign workers.

📋 Company Action Plan

📝 Foreign Worker Action Plan

💼 When to Consult Specialists

Consult with specialists such as immigration lawyers in these situations:

For Companies	For Foreign Workers
Uncertain if you meet acceptance requirements Don’t understand the procedural process Want to transition existing foreign workers to the new system Problems have occurred	Want to know about residence status changes Don’t understand exam requirements Having workplace issues Want to bring family members to Japan

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In Conclusion

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with specialists.
Together, let’s make the new era of foreign worker acceptance a success.