Hello! If you are a Myanmar national interested in working in Japan, there are several types of visas (Status of Residence) available. The best one for you depends on your skills, educational background, the type of job you want to do, and your long-term goals in Japan.
⚠️ Important Note Regarding Travel Restrictions from Myanmar (As of April 2025):
Please be aware that as of April 2025, the Myanmar authorities has reportedly imposed restrictions preventing men aged 18 to 35 from leaving the country for employment purposes. This includes traveling to Japan for work. This measure significantly impacts the ability of Myanmar men within this age group to pursue work opportunities in Japan that require departing from Myanmar. For women, it is possible to leave the country for employment purposes regardless of age. This situation is subject to change based on political developments and policy updates. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for individuals potentially affected by this restriction to verify the current exit regulations directly with the relevant Myanmar authorities and the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar before making any plans or applications.
1. Technical Intern Training Program (技能実習 - Ginou Jisshuu)
- Purpose: Officially, this program is designed to transfer technical skills, techniques, and knowledge acquired in Japan back to Myanmar to contribute to its economic development. In practice, it often helps fill labor needs in certain sectors.
- Who it's for: Individuals seeking practical, on-the-job training in specific industries like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, food processing, etc.
- Key Features:
- Duration: Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on the job type and progression.
- Job Changes: Very difficult. You are generally tied to the company (Accepting Organization) that initially hired you.
- Family: You generally cannot bring your family members (spouse, children) to Japan under this visa.
- Focus: Primarily on training through work, following a specific training plan.
- How to Obtain: Crucially, due to regulations set by the Myanmar authorities, applying for the Technical Intern Training Program from Myanmar *requires* going through an officially licensed 'Sending Organization' (Okuridashi Kikan) in Myanmar. This organization is responsible for recruitment, pre-departure training, and coordination with an "Accepting Organization" or a supervising organization in Japan. The entire process from Myanmar is managed through these authorized Sending Organizations.
- Purpose: Created specifically to address serious labor shortages in particular Japanese industries. It's designed for workers ready to contribute immediately with specific skills.
- Who it's for: Individuals who possess a certain level of skill and Japanese language proficiency required in one of the 12 (as of now) designated industry fields (e.g., Nursing Care, Food Service Industry, Construction, Building Cleaning Management, Agriculture, Accommodation Industry, etc.).
- Key Features:
- Two Types:
- SSW (i): Allows work for up to 5 years in total. Requires passing specific skills and Japanese language tests (JLPT N4 level or equivalent JFT-Basic). Generally, you cannot bring family members. You *can* change employers within the *same* industry field if you follow the procedures. Many Technical Intern Trainees who complete their program successfully can switch to this status *while in Japan* without taking the tests (and without needing a Sending Organization for the status change itself).
- SSW (ii): Allows for long-term stay (visa is renewable indefinitely), offers the possibility of applying for Permanent Residency, and allows you to bring your family (spouse, children). Requires a higher level of skill (passing a more advanced test) and is currently only available in a few specific fields (e.g., Construction, Shipbuilding).
- Two Types:
- How to Obtain:
- For Myanmar nationals applying for SSW directly from Myanmar (i.e., not transitioning from TITP within Japan), it is also *mandatory* under Myanmar authorities regulations to go through a licensed 'Sending Organization' in Myanmar. This organization facilitates the process, including matching with a Japanese employer and handling necessary documentation and procedures before departure.
- Pass the required skills test and Japanese language proficiency test for your chosen industry field (tests can sometimes be taken in Myanmar or other countries).
- OR, successfully complete the Technical Intern Training (ii) program *in Japan* (this allows transition to SSW (i) without needing a Sending Organization for the status change application itself).
- Secure a job offer from a Japanese company (often facilitated by the Sending Organization if applying from Myanmar) willing to hire you under a Specified Skilled Worker contract and provide appropriate support.
3. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務 - Gijutsu/Jinbun Chishiki/Kokusai Gyomu, often called "Gijinkoku")
- Purpose: For professionals working in specialized fields requiring technical expertise, knowledge related to humanities, or skills related to international business.
- Who it's for: Typically requires a relevant university degree OR significant professional experience. Examples include IT engineers, accountants, translators, designers, etc.
- Key Features: Professional work, renewable visa, allows bringing family, allows job changes within the category, path to Permanent Residency.
- How to Obtain: Secure a job offer from a Japanese company. The company usually supports your application for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). Generally, applying for this status does *not* require going through a Myanmar Sending Organization. You typically deal directly with the potential employer or use recruitment agencies specializing in professional roles.
4. Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職 - Kodo Senmonshoku)
- Purpose: To attract top-level global talent.
- Who it's for: Highly qualified individuals evaluated via a points-based system (70+ points needed).
- Key Features: Points-based system, preferential treatment (faster PR track, wider activities permitted, family benefits).
- How to Obtain: Calculate points, secure a relevant job/position in Japan, apply for the status. Similar to Gijinkoku, this status generally does *not* require going through a Myanmar Sending Organization.
Summary of Key Differences (Including Sending Organization Requirement):
| Feature | Technical Intern Training (TITP) | Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) | Engineer/Humanities/Int'l (Gijinkoku) | Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar Sending Org? | Required (Mandatory) | Required (Mandatory) if applying from Myanmar¹ | Generally No | Generally No |
| Main Goal | Skill Transfer (official) | Fill Labor Shortages | Professional Work | Attract Top Talent |
| Typical User | Trainees | Skilled/Semi-Skilled Workers | University Graduates/Professionals | Top-Tier Professionals |
| Requirement | Program Acceptance via Sending Org | Skill/Lang Test + Sending Org¹ or TITP Completion² | Degree or Relevant Experience | Points System (70+) |
| Job Change | Very Restricted | Possible within same field (SSW i) | Possible within category | Possible within category |
| Bring Family? | Generally No | Generally No (SSW i), Yes (SSW ii) | Yes | Yes (with advantages) |
| Long-Term Stay? | Max 5 years | Up to 5 years (SSW i), Indefinite (SSW ii) | Yes (Renewable) | Yes (Renewable) |
| Path to PR? | No direct path | Only via SSW (ii) | Yes | Yes (Fast Track) |
The New 'Ikusei Shuro' (Training and Employment) System (育成労動)
(Planned to start around 2025, replacing TITP. Details are being finalized.)
- Purpose: To secure and develop human resources for Japan, focusing on training participants to transition to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW i) status.
- Who it's for: Individuals entering Japan for work and training in specific fields, aiming to reach SSW standards.
- Key Features (Planned): Up to 3 years of training, clear goal of reaching SSW (i) level, transition to SSW facilitated, more flexibility for job changes within the same field compared to TITP, enhanced support systems.
- How to Obtain: Similar to the current TITP and SSW procedures for Myanmar nationals, it is highly likely that applying for the Ikusei Shuro system from Myanmar will also *require* going through a licensed Sending Organization in Myanmar. The exact procedures will be confirmed closer to implementation, but expect coordination between Myanmar Sending Organizations and Japanese accepting companies/supervising organizations.
General Process Reminder:
For most work visas initiated from Myanmar (especially TITP, SSW, and likely Ikusei Shuro), the process involves:
- Contacting a licensed Sending Organization in Myanmar.
- Securing acceptance/matching with a Japanese employer/organization (facilitated by the Sending Org).
- The Japanese side applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
- With the CoE, you apply for the visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in Myanmar.
- Enter Japan and receive your Residence Card.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Status of Residence is vital. Remember that for Myanmar nationals applying for the Technical Intern Training Program or the Specified Skilled Worker program directly from Myanmar, using an official Sending Organization is mandatory due to Myanmar authorities regulations. This requirement is likely to continue under the new Ikusei Shuro system. For professional visas like Gijinkoku or Highly Skilled Professional, this requirement generally does not apply.
Always verify the latest information with the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, and officially licensed Sending Organizations in Myanmar. Good luck!
Final Reminder:
Choosing the right Status of Residence is vital. However, the current reported restrictions on men aged 18-35 leaving Myanmar for work present a significant barrier (as of April 2025). This restriction, along with the requirement to use Sending Organizations for TITP and SSW applications from Myanmar, must be carefully considered.