The Trainee Visa in Japan is part of the Technical Intern Training Program aimed at teaching practical skills to workers from other countries. It helps develop their expertise while also addressing Japan’s labor needs in fields like manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services.

Key Points About the Trainee Visa

Purpose

• • The visa is for learning and gaining hands-on experience in specific industries.
  • It’s a temporary visa focused on skill-building, not long-term employment.

Training Duration

• • • The program was traditionally split into two phases: 
      
      • Phase 1: 3 years of training in Japan.
      • Phase 2: After returning home, trainees could re-enter Japan for 2 more years of advanced training.
    • A proposed new system may allow trainees to stay in Japan continuously for up to 5 years without returning home.

Eligibility

• • • • Applicants must be sponsored by a Japanese company or organization approved for the program.
      • Training must relate to the applicant’s previous education or work experience.

Visa Validity

• • • • • Typically issued for up to 5 years, covering initial and advanced training.
        • The new system would simplify the process by removing the need to leave Japan between training phases.

The Trainee Visa offers valuable opportunities for learning and career development, but it is designed to be a temporary program focused on skill transfer.