Japan J-Find and J-Skip Work Visa for Foreign Professionals: Complete Guide

A Japan work visa is a legal authorization that allows foreign individuals to work and reside in Japan for a designated period. The main types of work visas include the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/S) visa, Technical Intern Training visa, and Specified Skilled Worker visa. Eligibility criteria typically include a job offer from a sponsoring employer, relevant qualifications or work experience, and adherence to specific requirements of the visa category. Work visas have varying validity periods and allow for extensions and job changes. Family members often accompany visa holders, and permanent residency may be attainable after meeting specific criteria.

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The Japan J-Find visa is a specialized visa category introduced by the Japanese government to attract highly skilled foreign professionals to work in Japan. It aims to simplify the visa application process and provide opportunities for individuals with expertise in specific fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies. The J-Find visa offers streamlined procedures for visa issuance and provides additional benefits to visa holders, including extended periods of stay, simplified re-entry procedures, and flexibility in changing jobs or engaging in multiple activities. It is part of Japan’s efforts to promote international talent acquisition and foster economic growth by integrating global expertise.

• An individual at 18 years or older who satisfies the following conditions and wishes to participate in job hunting, entrepreneurial activity, or other remunerative activity for two years in Japan.
  • Individuals must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university (PDF), and the qualification must be at the same level as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD (or doctorate).
  • Individuals must have been awarded the qualification above in the last five years.
  • Individuals must prove enough personal savings, approximately 200,000 yen (1,13,691 INR), to support themselves in Japan.
• Spouse or child of future creation individual
  • Dependent spouse or child of future creation individual

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• 1 year
• 6 months 
• A term individually designated by the Minister of Justice (up to 1 year)

However, a maximum of 2 years will be granted if eligible individuals apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Regional Immigration Service Bureau before the permitted period expires.

• You must apply online through the online portal
• Documents required
  • Individuals Applying
    • Passport
    • Visa Application Form (with a photo)
    • Certificate of Eligibility – the original or one copy (If you have an electronic Certificate of Eligibility, please present it at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy)
    • Documents to prove the awarded qualification
    • Documents to prove that the applicant has enough personal savings
    • Description of intended activities (Word)
    • Curriculum vitae (Word)
    • Pledge to the necessary procedures for joining the Health Insurance (Word)
  • Spouse or Child of Future
    • Passport
    • Visa Application Form (with a photo)
    • Certificate of Eligibility – the original or one copy (If you have an electronic Certificate of Eligibility, please present it at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy)
    • Documents to prove kinship (Marriage Certificate or Birth certificate)
    • A copy of the residence card or passport of future creation individual

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In April 2023, the Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) was unveiled. In addition to the current Highly Skilled Professional Point System, applicants will be given the “Highly Skilled Professional” visa status if their academic (or professional) background and annual salary are above a specific threshold. 

A Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) visa must be sought for and acquired to work while visiting Japan. The applicant must have an activity organisation (a firm, etc., that runs and administers the business) or a contracting organisation (a place of employment) in Japan. Additionally, the estimated yearly income received by the company where the foreigner intends to work or conduct operations in Japan must meet the annual income criterion for the application.

1. Advanced academic research activities
2. Advanced specialized/technical activities
3. Advanced business management activities

Those in (a) and (b) must meet one of the following requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher and annual income of at least 20 million yen (1,13,74,746 INR)
• At least 10 years of work experience and an annual income of at least 20 million yen (1,13,74,746 INR)

Those who meet the following criteria for (c) must have the following:

• At least 5 years of experience in business management or administration and annual income of at least 40 million yen (2,27,49,494 INR)

• Highly skilled professional: 5 years
• Special highly skilled professional (J-Skip): 5 years
• Dependent Spouse and children of highly skilled foreign professional (Note): 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year
• Spouse of “Highly skilled foreign professional” who intends to work in Japan: 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year
• Parents of a highly skilled foreign professional or his/her spouse who intend to take care of a grandchild/grandchildren (a child/children of a highly skilled foreign professional) under the age of seven or take care of a pregnant highly skilled foreign professional or their spouse: 1 year or 6 months
• House servants of highly skilled foreign professionals: 1 year

• You must apply online through the online portal
• Documents required
  • Passport
  • One visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)
  • One photograph (nationals of Russia or CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two photographs)
  • Certificate of Eligibility – original or a copy 

Note: If you have an electronic Certificate of Eligibility, please present it at the visa application counter or submit a printed copy

The work visa system in Japan provides opportunities for foreign individuals to work and contribute to the country’s economy legally. Various visa categories exist, such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (E/S) visa, the Technical Intern Training visa, and the newly introduced Specified Skilled Worker visa. These visas have specific requirements and durations to attract skilled workers in different fields. It is crucial for applicants to meet the eligibility criteria, have a sponsoring employer, and follow the necessary procedures for obtaining a work visa. The Japanese work visa system facilitates international talent mobility and promotes economic growth.

• https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html 
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa16.html 
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_001037.html