1. Pre-Application:
• Applicants must be recruited by a company or intermediary organization in their home
country.
2. Training Plan:
• A detailed training plan must be submitted to Japan’s Immigration Bureau.
• The training must provide skills that are not easily acquired in the trainee’s home
country.
4. Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
• The sponsoring organization in Japan applies for a COE on behalf of the trainee.
5. Visa Application:
• Once the COE is issued, the trainee applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy or
consulate in their home country.
6. Arrival in Japan:
• After obtaining the visa, the trainee can travel to Japan to begin their program.
Limitations
• Work Restrictions:
• Trainees are not considered regular employees. They can only perform tasks outlined in
their training plan.
• Job Change:
• Trainees cannot switch employers unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Dependents:
• The trainee visa does not allow family members to accompany the trainee.
Transition to Work Visa
After completing the initial phase of the trainee program, eligible individuals can transition to a Specified
Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa Type 1 if they pass the required skills and language tests. This allows them to
work as skilled employees in Japan for up to 5 additional years.
Benefits
• Skill Development:
• Trainees acquire practical skills that enhance their career prospects in their home
countries.
• International Exposure:
• Participants gain experience working in a structured and developed work environment.
The Trainee Visa plays a significant role in Japan’s efforts to transfer skills internationally while
addressing domestic labor shortages in critical industries.