The Discrepancy Between the “Skilled Workers” and “Specified Skilled Workers” Systems: Explaining Common Misconceptions from a Practical Perspective

Introduction

This article is intended for companies considering hiring foreign workers (for on-site labor) who:

• Do not understand the difference between the “Technical, Humanistic Knowledge, and International Business” (Gijinkokku) visa and the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa

• Have received proposals from recruitment agencies

• Are unsure which program to choose

This content is aimed at such companies.

 

Conclusion

The Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program are not alternative systems.

The two programs have different objectives, and the types of work they allow are clearly distinguished.

Recruiting workers based on a misunderstanding of the differences between these programs carries the risk of having visa applications or renewal requests denied.

 

Differences Between the Skilled Worker Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program

Skilled Professionals Category

Purpose: Work that utilizes specialized knowledge and skills

Job Description: White-collar work

On-site Labor: Generally not permitted

Educational Requirements: Generally required

Nature of the System: Professional Occupation System

 

Specified Skilled Worker

Purpose: To address labor shortages

Job Description: On-site work

On-site Work: Permitted

Educational Requirements: None (skills must be demonstrated through a skills test, etc.)

Nature of the Program: Work-based program

 

Common Misconceptions

Misconception #1: Technical Intern Training Program participants can be assigned to work on-site

The Technical Intern Training Program is intended for work requiring specialized knowledge; simple tasks and on-site labor are not eligible.

 

Misconception #2: The “Technical, Human Resources, and International” program can be used as an alternative to the Specified Skilled Worker program

Because the objectives of the two programs differ, the “Technical, Human Resources, and International” program cannot be used as an alternative.

 

Misconception #3: Changing Your Job Title Will Solve the Problem

Immigration authorities review the actual nature of your work, not your job title.

 

Examples of Common Discrepancies in Real-World Practice

Case 1: Construction Industry

Incorrect: Assigning on-site work to holders of the Technical Specialist (National) visa

Correct: Utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker (Construction) visa

 

Case 2: Manufacturing Industry

Incorrect: Assigning workers to assembly line work under the Technical Intern Training Program

Correct: Utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker Program (Industrial Product Manufacturing)

 

Case 3: Food Service Industry

Incorrect: Assigning cooking assistance and customer service duties to holders of the Technical Intern Training Visa

Correct: Utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker (Food Service Industry) visa

 

Why does this discrepancy occur?

・Lack of understanding of the system

・Misleading explanations from competitors or recruitment agencies

・Overreliance on other companies’ examples (“Company X obtained the Technical Expert, International Specialist certification using this method, so it should work for us too”)

・Decisions prioritizing cost or procedural convenience

 

Factors Considered by Immigration Authorities

・Actual duties performed

・Main duties

・Consistency with the status of residence

・Details in the employment contract and job description

 

The Immigration Bureau makes its determination based on the actual circumstances, not on job titles.

 

Criteria for Selecting a System

[Cases Where the Skilled Professional Visa Is Appropriate]

・Engaging in international business transactions or interpretation and translation work

・Engaging in specialized work such as planning, design, and development

・Applying specialized knowledge acquired at universities or other institutions

 

[Cases Where the Specified Skilled Worker Visa Is Appropriate]

・To assign the worker to on-site tasks

・To hire someone who can contribute immediately

・To address labor shortages

 

Key Perspectives

The Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program should be used appropriately based on their different purposes, rather than on which system is superior.

When hiring foreign workers, the process doesn’t end with recruitment; “operational planning” is crucial.

 

Summary

・The Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker Program are systems with different purposes.

・As a general rule, performing on-site labor under the Technical Intern Training Program is not permitted.

・Misunderstandings regarding these systems can lead to the risk of having an application denied or renewal denied.

・The status of residence must be selected based on the nature of the work.

 

If you are unsure about what to do, we recommend consulting an expert in advance.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us.