Program Guide
A simple guide to the differences and requirements of Specified Skilled Worker, Employment for Skill Development, and Technical Intern Training.
Required residence status ・ Japanese level
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
A residency status for crop farming (cultivation, shipping, sorting) or livestock farming (feeding, shipping, sorting). Requires passing the Skill Test No.1 for Agriculture and a Japanese test (N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic). Up to 5 years in total, and family cannot accompany you.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
A residency status one step above Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Requires passing the Skill Test No.2 for Agriculture and at least 2 years as a supervisor or 3 years of hands-on experience. Renewable without limit, and a spouse and children may accompany you.
Employment for Skill Development
A new program (from April 2027) replacing the Technical Intern Training program. After 3 years of training, workers aim to move on to Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Under certain conditions, workers can also change employers.
Applicants who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) are welcome
This job welcomes applicants who completed Technical Intern Training (ii) in good standing. Graduates are exempt from the skill test when moving to Specified Skilled Worker No.1.
N4 or higher
Roughly JLPT N4 level, or the passing level of the Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese (JFT-Basic). Able to understand basic Japanese.
N3 or higher
Roughly JLPT N3 level. Able to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to some extent.
Specified Skilled Worker (i): AgricultureSpecified Skilled Worker (i)
A residency status for crop farming (cultivation, shipping, sorting) or livestock farming (feeding, shipping, sorting). Requires passing the Skill Test No.1 for Agriculture and a Japanese test (N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic). Up to 5 years in total, and family cannot accompany you.
Specified Skilled Worker (i)
A residency status for crop farming (cultivation, shipping, sorting) or livestock farming (feeding, shipping, sorting). Requires passing the Skill Test No.1 for Agriculture and a Japanese test (N4 or higher, or JFT-Basic). Up to 5 years in total, and family cannot accompany you.
There are two categories: crop farming (growing crops, collecting and shipping produce, and sorting) and livestock farming (caring for livestock, collecting and shipping products, and sorting). Required tests: the Agriculture Skill Assessment Test for category (i) and a Japanese test (N4 or JFT-Basic). You can stay for up to 5 years in total. You cannot bring family members with you. Working through a staffing agency is also allowed in agriculture.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii): AgricultureSpecified Skilled Worker (ii)
A residency status one step above Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Requires passing the Skill Test No.2 for Agriculture and at least 2 years as a supervisor or 3 years of hands-on experience. Renewable without limit, and a spouse and children may accompany you.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii)
A residency status one step above Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Requires passing the Skill Test No.2 for Agriculture and at least 2 years as a supervisor or 3 years of hands-on experience. Renewable without limit, and a spouse and children may accompany you.
You must pass the category (ii) assessment test and have at least 2 years of experience as a manager or 3 years of practical work experience. There is no limit on how many times you can renew your stay. You can bring your spouse and children.
Employment for Skill Development (From April 2027)Employment for Skill Development
A new program (from April 2027) replacing the Technical Intern Training program. After 3 years of training, workers aim to move on to Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Under certain conditions, workers can also change employers.
Employment for Skill Development
A new program (from April 2027) replacing the Technical Intern Training program. After 3 years of training, workers aim to move on to Specified Skilled Worker No.1. Under certain conditions, workers can also change employers.
This new program replaces Technical Intern Training. Its purpose is to recruit and train workers. You can change workplaces under certain conditions. The goal is to move to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after 3 years of training. Technical Intern Training will continue alongside this program until around 2030.
Related Work
Related tasks include processing, transporting, and selling farm products, maintaining machinery, and clearing snow. These tasks should take up no more than about one-third of total working hours.