Employment for Skill Development Visa (育成就労)

Japan•Asia

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Employment for Skill Development Visa (育成就労)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1-3 months

Application Fee

3,000 JPY

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Japan

Cost of Living

25% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary¥4,800,000

Quality of Life

161/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Ikusei Shuro (Employment for Skill Development) replaces Japan's Technical Intern Training Program, launching April 2027. It places foreign nationals in 17 designated sectors — nursing, construction, agriculture, food manufacturing, and others — under a certified employer for structured on-the-job training.

The visa runs for 3 years. Workers must pass JLPT N5 (CEFR A1) before entry and reach JLPT N4 by completion. No dependents or spouse work rights are permitted; completing the program opens a direct pathway to Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) and ultimately to permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for foreign workers aged 18 or over seeking employer-sponsored training in Japan's labor-shortage industries with a clear route to long-term residency.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract with a certified host organization in Japan in a designated sector.

Passing of a basic Japanese language proficiency exam (such as JLPT N5, JFT-Basic, or equivalent) or completion of a designated preparatory course.

Sponsor company must be certified by the government and have an approved skill development plan.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) original and copy

Visa application form with a recent photograph

Employment contract and skill development plan

Proof of basic Japanese language proficiency

Company registry and financial documents (provided by the host organization)

Application Process

Secure a job offer from a certified Japanese employer / host organization.

Pass the required basic Japanese language proficiency test.

The employer submits an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Receive the issued CoE.

Apply for the visa at the local Japanese Embassy or Consulate with the CoE, passport, and required documents.

Pay the visa fee of ¥3,000 JPY upon visa issuance.

Verified Claims (16)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure a job offer from a certified Japanese employer / host organization.; Pass the required basic …	moj.go.jp
Dependent Visa	none	lo-pal.app
Fee Breakdown	Visa Application Fee (Single Entry): 3000 JPY	detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Fees	¥3,000	detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Job Offer Required	true	lo-pal.app
Official Info	https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/index_00005.html	moj.go.jp
Max Stay	3 years	lo-pal.app
Min Age	18	lo-pal.app

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Check Eligibility

Overview

This visa is ideal for foreign workers aged 18 or over seeking employer-sponsored training in Japan's labor-shortage industries with a clear route to long-term residency.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract with a certified host organization in Japan in a designated sector.

Passing of a basic Japanese language proficiency exam (such as JLPT N5, JFT-Basic, or equivalent) or completion of a designated preparatory course.

Sponsor company must be certified by the government and have an approved skill development plan.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) original and copy

Visa application form with a recent photograph

Employment contract and skill development plan

Proof of basic Japanese language proficiency

Company registry and financial documents (provided by the host organization)

Application Process