Japan’s New Ikusei Shuro Program: Complete Guide to the Post-Technical-Intern System [2026]

📅 最終更新日：2026年6月10日　公開日：2026年6月8日

What Is the Ikusei Shuro (Skilled Training Employment) Program?

The Ikusei Shuro (Skilled Training Employment) Program is a new immigration framework established by Japan’s 2024 immigration law reform. It will completely replace the Technical Intern Training (Gino Jisshu) Program by 2027.

The old Technical Intern Training system was nominally for “international contribution,” but in practice it functioned as a labor supply mechanism — leading to widespread human rights violations and disappearances. The Ikusei Shuro program is designed to address these problems fundamentally.

Key Differences from the Technical Intern Training Program

Timeline

• June 2024: Revised law enacted
• 2025–2026: Implementation preparation
• 2027 (planned): Ikusei Shuro program launches; Technical Intern Training abolished
• Current interns may continue under the old system for up to 5 more years (transitional provisions)

Eligible Industries

Ikusei Shuro covers the same 12 sectors as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Type 1, including: nursing care, construction, manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and more.

Career Pathway: Ikusei Shuro → Specified Skilled Worker

One of the biggest features is a clear career path: Ikusei Shuro (up to 3 years) → SSW Type 1 (up to 5 years) → SSW Type 2 (no limit; family included). This opens a genuine long-term residency route for foreign workers.

For Employers: What You Need to Prepare

• Understand the new Kanri Shien Kikan (Supervisory Support Organization) requirements — stricter than the old monitoring body system
• Prepare for intra-company job transfers after 1–2 years (within the same occupation)
• Support Japanese language training: workers need N5 before entry, N4 during employment

For Foreign Nationals: Key Steps

• Before entry: Attain JLPT N5 level; apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy
• After arrival: Receive Residence Card; register as a resident
• Status renewal: Renew residence status as needed
• Transition to SSW1: Pass skills and language tests (N4) → apply for status change

Summary

The Ikusei Shuro program is set for full implementation in 2027. Both employers and foreign workers should start preparing now to navigate the transition smoothly.

Inui Administrative Scrivener Office supports all immigration procedures including Ikusei Shuro, Specified Skilled Worker, and status changes — nationwide from Osaka. Please feel free to contact us.