I decided to go to Japan as a technical intern from Vietnam to support my family. I chose Japan because I like anime and Japanese food, and I was interested in its culture. First, let's find out what Japan is like in the articles on JP-MIRAI.

Specified skilled worker is a status of residence for foreigners with a certain level of technical expertise and skills to work in industries where there are labor shortages in Japan. There are two categories: Specified skilled worker (i) and Specified skilled worker (ii), which is a higher level of skill. See the JP-MIRAI Portal for details about Specified skilled worker status. You can also find more information on specified skilled workers on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

To obtain Specified Skilled Worker (i) status of residence, you must take and pass a skill test in the industry you wish to work in and a Japanese language test. (Those who have completed the Technical intern training (ii) may exempted from the tests.) Use past exam questions to study the industry you will be working in before taking the exam. You may also find more information on the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website and the Specified Skilled Worker Guidebook.

Next, for those from countries that require a sending agency, look for one. The key to choosing a sending agency is to make sure they have a license, find them on the government website, and make sure they do not charge unnecessary fees (e.g., registration fees). The procedure differs for each country, so research the procedures necessary for your country.

Once you register with a sending agency, your job search begins. The sending agency or registered support organization will look for jobs based on your skills and abilities. Look into jobs in other industries as well. Ask about the type of work, location, name of the company, salary, etc.

When you pass the interview, you will sign a contract with the company. Before signing the contract, check the terms and conditions of employment thoroughly once. You can refer to the JP-MIRAI Portal article "What companies must not do".

Companies must provide various types of support for people working under the Specified skilled worker (i) status. One of them is advance guidance. From when you sign the employment contract until you go to Japan, you will be briefed on the work and procedures. The contents discussed in the advance guidance are very important. Listen carefully to the explanation, and keep all documents in a safe place.

When you come to Japan or visit your home country, someone from your company will pick you up at the airport and bring you home or to your office.

It's finally time to start your life and work in Japan! Foreigners with Specified skilled worker (i) can receive support for working and living in Japan from their company or a registered support organization. If you ever need help, talk to someone at your company or use JP-MIRAI Assist on the JP-MIRAI Portal app to ask for advice on any problems you may have.

Before you start living and working in Japan, someone from your company will give you an orientation on the rules and manners of living in Japan. You will also learn how to use financial and medical institutions, how to take trains and buses, about the climate and disasters in Japan, and about things that are illegal in Japan in the orientation. The things listed on this website are things that companies accepting specified skilled workers must do for them.　If you have not received these supports, they are not fulfilling their obligations, so please contact the Immigration Bureau or JP-MIRAI Assist for help.

Many people get sick or become homesick and start to miss food from their home country when they settle into life in Japan. When this happens, talk to someone at your company or a registered support organization and ask them to accompany you to the doctor's office. The JP-MIRAI Portal has an article on how to find a clinic, so refer to it or read it beforehand. On JP-MIRAI Friends, you can find information by posting questions and replying to other people's posts. Ask around about where to buy things from your home country!

Some people feel they do not fit in with the company and want to get a new job after a while. If you want to change jobs, go to a public employment office, like Hello Work, or other employment agencies. Also, do not forget to change your status of residence before you start working for another company. It will be illegal employment if you do not change your status of residence. You can also ask JP-MIRAI Assist for other lifestyle-related advice in 9 different languages. If you need assistance, contact them!