Can someone go back from 特定技能 to 技能実習3号?

This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）

What is this enquiry about?

An enquiry about whether a person who worked on 「特定技能1号」 and then went home can be brought to Japan again as 技能実習3号.

Why is 技能実習3号 not an option?

Because, with the move to 育成就労制度, 技能実習 has entered the phase in which it comes to an end.

The 技能実習 system has entered the stage of winding down as it gives way to 育成就労制度. Please take it that bringing a foreign worker back as 技能実習3号 from now on is, in practice, out of the question.

If you follow the wording of the provisions alone, you can read a path in which a person who has completed 技能実習2号 satisfactorily moves on to 3号. But since the system itself is coming to an end, there is no point in spending time and money on it.

育成就労制度 comes into force on 1 April 2027 (令和9年4月1日). Applications for permission for a 監理支援機関 (supervising and supporting organisation) have been accepted since 15 April 2026 (令和8年4月15日), and applications for approval of a 育成就労計画 (skill development employment plan) since 1 September 2026 (令和8年9月1日).

What should we do if we want to give them more advanced work?

They can take it on while staying on 特定技能. There is no need to move them back to 技能実習.

More senior duties are possible on 特定技能 as well. There is no need to take the view that you must move the person back to 技能実習 so that they can learn further skills.

「特定技能1号」 has an upper limit of 5 years in total, but 「特定技能2号」 has no upper limit on the total period of stay. Preparing so that the person can meet the requirements for 2号 — passing the skills evaluation test for the field concerned, and so on — is a more realistic path both for them and for the company taking them on.

For 「特定技能2号」 in the construction field, both passing the skills evaluation test and the like and practical experience as a team leader are required. The number of years of practical experience needed differs by occupation.

What should the company check now?

The first step is to check the requirements and see whether the person can move on to 「特定技能2号」.

1. Check the field and the work category　Check whether 「特定技能2号」 has been set up for that field. The nursing care field has no 2号; above it is 在留資格「介護」 (Nursing Care)
2. Check when the skills evaluation test is held　The test dates are fixed for each field. Working back from the expiration date of the period of stay, check whether there is a chance to sit it
3. Check the practical experience requirement　In some fields, such as construction, practical experience as a team leader or similar is required in addition to the test
4. Check the expiration date of the period of stay　「特定技能1号」 is 5 years in total (6 years where there is good reason). See whether the requirements can be met in the time remaining

Frequently Asked Questions

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This article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.