Is It Possible to Change from Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training to “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”?

In recent years, the number of foreign technical intern trainees and Specified Skilled Workers, particularly from countries such as Vietnam, has increased rapidly. As a result, it is no longer uncommon for them to meet Japanese nationals through daily life in Japan, develop relationships, and eventually get married. One of the most common questions we receive in such cases is: “Can I change my current status of residence to Spouse or Child of Japanese National?”

To begin with the conclusion, changing from Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training to Spouse or Child of Japanese National is not institutionally ‘impossible’. However, it is important to understand that the level of scrutiny is clearly higher compared to changes from student visas or ordinary work visas.

1. Basic Concept of the Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker Systems

The Technical Intern Training Program is designed to allow foreign nationals to acquire skills and knowledge in Japan and then bring them back to their home countries to contribute to their development. Therefore, once the period of stay expires, the system is premised on returning to one’s home country in principle.

The Specified Skilled Worker system also permits employment in sectors facing labor shortages, but in terms of the nature of the status of residence, it is classified as an “activity-based” status rather than a “status-based” one. In other words, simply marrying a Japanese national does not automatically entitle the foreign national to continue residing in Japan.

2. Why the Difficulty Level of Change Applications Is High

When applying to change from Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker to Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Immigration carefully examines the following points.

• Whether the change contradicts the original purpose of the system (principle of return)
• Whether the marriage is solely for residence purposes (suspicion of a sham marriage)
• Whether there are any unnatural aspects in the history of the relationship or marriage
• Whether there are any problems with the current residence status

As a result, compared to cases involving marriage to international students or ordinary workers, a stronger explanation is required as to “why it is necessary to change status while remaining in Japan”.

3. Precautions When Changing Directly from Technical Intern Training

For technical intern trainees, the relationship with the host company and the supervising organization (such as a business cooperative) is also important. Whether the training has been conducted properly, and whether there are any circumstances that could be viewed as a contract violation or disappearance, can significantly affect the impression of the application.

In particular, if the trainee has left the workplace without permission or has issues related to their status of residence, an extremely strict assessment of the change application can be expected.

4. Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) After Returning Home

In practice, the method considered to offer the highest level of certainty is to first return to one’s home country, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) as the spouse of a Japanese national, and then re-enter Japan after being invited under that status.

This approach aligns well with the principle of the Technical Intern Training system, which is based on the concept of “returning home in principle,” and is therefore easier for Immigration to assess. Although it takes more time, it is a strong option for those who prioritize stability and predictability of the outcome.

5. Choosing the Appropriate Method Depends on the Individual Case

That said, it cannot be categorically stated that “one must always return home and apply for a COE” in every case. Depending on individual circumstances—such as the timing of the marriage, the remaining period of stay, living conditions, and relationships with the accepting organization or employer— applying for a change of status within Japan may also be considered.

For example, if the period of stay is about to expire, or if returning home would cause significant disruption to one’s livelihood, it may be necessary to design an application strategy that assumes an in-Japan change of status.

What is important is not a simplistic binary choice of “possible or impossible,” but rather, determining which procedure is the most reasonable and carries the lowest risk in light of the applicant’s current circumstances.

6. For Those Struggling with a Spouse Visa After Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training

Transitioning from Technical Intern Training or Specified Skilled Worker to Spouse or Child of Japanese National is an area where understanding the制度 and designing the application strategy can significantly affect the outcome. Proceeding based on one’s own assumptions without expert advice can often result in unnecessary delays or complications.

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we comprehensively review your current status of residence, marital situation, remaining period of stay, and other relevant factors, and provide practical recommendations, including whether a change of status or a COE application is more appropriate. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to consult a professional at an early stage.

8. Support System of ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

A spouse visa application is not only about collecting documents. It is essential to proactively align the entire set of materials by anticipating the points Immigration is likely to check.
From the initial planning stage, our office identifies potential risk factors and provides end-to-end support—covering submission order, supporting documents, and the overall strategy for the Statement of Reasons.

Nationwide support: Managed mainly via email and online. Clients outside the area receive the same quality of support.

Multilingual support: Consultations available in English and Chinese.

Clear progress tracking: Check application status and required documents through an online system.

Support for difficult cases: Extensive experience with cases likely to face closer scrutiny, including re-applications after denial.

Transparent fees: Clear fee structure designed to minimize unexpected additional charges.

Support even after a denial: If denied, we provide a free re-application and thorough support until approval.

Information security: We properly manage personal information under operations based on ISO27001.

Pages Often Read Together When Applying for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa) Application Guide

An administrative scrivener explains the requirements for obtaining a spouse visa (marriage), working under a spouse visa, applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa, what happens in the event of divorce under a spouse visa, required documents, and more.

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National Renewal Procedures Guide

Renewal procedures for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa). An administrative scrivener explains the required document checklist, how to avoid denial cases, and key points to prove eligibility for obtaining a 3-year or 5-year period of stay.

Applying for Permanent Residency from a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

At ACROSEED, we have a proven track record not only with first-time spouse visa applications, but also with cases that were denied multiple times when filed by the applicant alone, as well as procedures for those with past legal violations or a history of overstaying—across a wide variety of situations.

For More Detailed Questions About the Spouse Visa System

Please explain the requirements for obtaining a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National in detail
Periods of stay for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Differences between 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years
Required documents & Statement of Reasons for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Key examination points and preparation tips (Latest Edition)
How to invite a foreign spouse living overseas to Japan with a COE
Can we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility while both spouses remain overseas?
Changing from a short-term visa to a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: General rules and exceptions
How to change from a student/work visa to a spouse visa
My spouse visa application was denied (COE not issued). Can I re-apply?