TTIP vs SSW in Japan: A Complete Guide for Nepali Workers in 2026
The information below is as of January 2026. Please check the websites of the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
— Differences Between Technical Intern Training (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) —
For Nepali nationals aiming to work in Japan in 2026, it is essential to clearly understand the differences and purposes of these two systems.
(From April 2027, the Technical Intern Training Program will be replaced by the new “Ikuseisyurou” system.)
Two of the main residence statuses for working in Japan currently are:
- Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
Differences
Overview of Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
The Technical Intern Training Program is designed to allow foreign nationals to work at Japanese companies while acquiring practical skills, techniques, and knowledge.
Its primary purpose is human resource development and skill transfer, rather than employment itself.
Key Features of TITP
- Purpose: Skill acquisition and human resource development
- Period of stay:
Technical Intern Training (i): 1 year
Technical Intern Training (ii): 2 years
Technical Intern Training (iii): 2 years (available only if certain requirements are met)
- Training under the supervision of a supervising organization
- Family accompaniment: Not permitted in principle
Main Occupation Categories
- Manufacturing and machining
- Construction
- Agriculture and livestock farming
- Food processing
- Caregiving, etc.
Benefits of TITP
- Easy to challenge even for those with limited Japanese language or skills
- Allows gradual adaptation to life and work in Japan
- Serves as a preparation period for future transition to SSW
- In many cases, starting with TITP and later changing to SSW allows for a longer total stay in Japan
What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Program?
The Specified Skilled Worker program was introduced by the Japanese government in 2019 to address serious labor shortages in specific industries.
Unlike TITP, Specified Skilled Worker SSW (i) is a work-oriented residence status based on employment.
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is a status of residence intended for foreign nationals who possess advanced and skilled expertise. It requires a higher level of skills than those required for Specified Skilled Worker (i).Foreign nationals do not automatically transition to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) simply by completing Specified Skilled Worker (i).On the other hand, if a foreign national already possesses a high level of skills and this can be verified through examinations or similar assessments, it is possible to obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) status without first holding Specified Skilled Worker (i).
Specified Skilled Worker (i) – SSW-i
- Period of stay: Up to 5 years in total
- Target fields: Caregiving, construction, agriculture, food service, manufacturing, etc.
- Japanese language level: Equivalent to JLPT N4 or higher
- Requirements: Passing both skill and Japanese language exams
- Family accompaniment: Not permitted
Specified Skilled Worker (ii) – SSW-ii
- Period of stay: Renewable with no upper limit
- Family accompaniment: Permitted
- Permanent residency: Possible if requirements are met
- Target fields:
Building cleaning, industrial manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and marine industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food manufacturing, and food service
Benefits of SSW
- Workers are treated the same as Japanese employees and can engage in practical work from the beginning
Wages equivalent to those of Japanese workers are guaranteed
Key Differences Between TITP and SSW
Item | TITP | SSW |
Purpose | Skill training and development | Employment as an immediate workforce |
Period of stay | Technical Intern Training (i): 1 year (1st year) Technical Intern Training (ii): 2 years (2nd year, 3rd year) Technical Intern Training (iii): 2 years (available only if certain requirements are met) | SSW-i: 5 years / SSW-ii: No limit |
Japanese level | Low to intermediate | N4 or higher required |
Salary | Training-level wages | Same as Japanese workers |
Benefit | ・After successfully completing Technical Intern Training Program (ii), it is possible to switch to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) status. In the long term, this allows for the possibility of staying and working in Japan for a longer period. ・You can adapt to work gradually, starting from basic tasks and building skills step by step. ・During your stay, you will be supported by a supervising organization. | ・You will receive wages equivalent to those of Japanese workers from the start of employment. ・You are expected to work as other Japanese from the beginning so if you are confident in your Japanese or work skill, you may feel more comfortable to work.
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Support by Meihoku Training
Meihoku Training provides comprehensive preparatory education to help Nepali candidates succeed in Japan under both TITP and SSW programs.
Our Support Includes
- Japanese language education (N5–N3 level)
- Job-specific Japanese and technical terminology
- Guidance on Japanese workplace culture and daily life
- Pre-departure orientation support
Start Your Journey Today
If your goal is to work in Japan, Meihoku Training offers structured Japanese language courses combined with career-focused preparation to help you meet language and workplace requirements.
Schedule a meeting today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can TTIP trainees transition to SSW later?
2. What is the minimum Japanese level required for SSW?
To qualify for SSW i, applicants must have at least JLPT N4 level Japanese proficiency or an equivalent language certification. This level ensures that workers can communicate effectively in the workplace and understand basic instructions and safety guidelines.
3. How long can Nepali workers stay in Japan under TTIP?
Under the TTIP program, Nepali workers can stay in Japan for 1 to 5 years depend on the situation. After completing 2 years of TITP successfully, it is able to switch to SSW i.
4. Which program offers a higher salary, TTIP or SSW?
The SSW program generally offers higher salaries compared to TTIP. SSW workers receive regular employee wages whereas TTIP participants receive a trainee level wages which is usually a bit lower.
5. Can I bring my family with SSW?
No/Yes. For SSW Type 1, family sponsorship is not available. However, it is available under SSW Type 2, allowing workers to bring their spouse and children to Japan. This makes SSW a more suitable option for Nepali workers seeking long-term stability and family life in Japan.
7. How does Meihoku Training help with visa applications?
You will be enrolled to our partnerd sending organization and they will do all the procedures. Meihoku Training will support your enrollment to sending organization.
8. Are there any age restrictions for Nepali applicants?
Yes, TITP and SSW can be applied from the age older than 18 year old.
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