Japan is now opening its doors wider than ever before.
In response to labor shortages and an aging population, Japan introduced two new streamlined visa routes in 2023: the J-Skip Visa and the J-Find Visa. These pathways offer a fast-track to living, working, and eventually settling in Japan—especially for skilled workers, top graduates, and researchers.
What Are J-Skip and J-Find Visas?
| Visa Type | Target Group | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| J-Skip | Highly-skilled professionals (researchers, engineers, business managers) | Fast-track residency and permanent residency |
| J-Find | Recent graduates from top universities worldwide | Job-seeking visa with work permission in Japan |
Both are designed to simplify and speed up the process of entering Japan, unlike older work or student visa systems.
PART 1: THE J-SKIP VISA (Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals)
What is the J-Skip Visa?
The J-Skip visa allows qualified foreign professionals to get Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status immediately—without needing to wait years to accumulate points or prove long-term experience.
Once approved, you get:
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A 5-year renewable visa
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Fast-track permanent residency in 1 year
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Permission for your spouse to work
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Access to tax benefits and simplified procedures
Who Is Eligible for the J-Skip Visa?
To qualify, you must meet one of the following conditions:
1. Researchers or Engineers
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Earn ¥20 million or more per year (~$130,000 USD)
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OR hold a master’s or PhD and earn at least ¥10 million (~$65,000 USD) annually
2. Business Managers
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Must manage a company with:
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A capital of ¥20 million+ (~$130,000)
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Annual salary of ¥40 million+ (~$260,000 USD)
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You also need a Japanese sponsoring company to support your visa application.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
How to Apply for the J-Skip Visa
STEP 1: Get a Job Offer in Japan
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Apply to Japanese companies that are willing to sponsor a J-Skip visa
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Emphasize your qualifications, income expectations, and leadership skills
STEP 2: Prepare Documents
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Valid passport
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Employment contract or letter of appointment
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Degree certificate (Master’s or PhD if applicable)
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Proof of salary (bank letter, contract, etc.)
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Company registration documents (if you’re a business manager)
STEP 3: Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
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Your employer submits this to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan
STEP 4: Apply for the Visa
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Once the CoE is approved, apply at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate
STEP 5: Enter Japan and Begin Work
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You receive a residence card at the airport and can live/work immediately
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
PART 2: THE J-FIND VISA (Job Seeker Track)
What is the J-Find Visa?
The J-Find visa is a one-year visa for job-hunting in Japan. It allows recent graduates of top universities around the world to:
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Live in Japan for 1 year
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Search for jobs
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Work part-time (up to 28 hours/week)
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Convert to a work visa after getting a job offer
Who Is Eligible for J-Find?
To apply, you must:
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Have graduated within the last 5 years
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a top 100 globally ranked university (QS, Times Higher Ed, or Shanghai rankings)
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Have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
How to Apply for the J-Find Visa
STEP 1: Check If Your University Qualifies
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Confirm if your school is in the Top 100 world university rankings
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Examples: Harvard, Oxford, Toronto, Tokyo, National University of Singapore, etc.
STEP 2: Prepare Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Proof of graduation (degree certificate)
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Proof of financial support (bank statement showing enough to support yourself for 6–12 months)
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Resume/CV and job search plan
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
STEP 3: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
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You may need a local host or contact in Japan, or an organization to assist
STEP 4: Submit Visa Application at the Japanese Embassy
STEP 5: Travel to Japan and Begin Job Search
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You can stay for 1 year
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If you get a job, switch to a regular work visa
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Some jobs may help you switch to J-Skip later, leading to fast-track PR
How to Transition to Permanent Residency
Both J-Skip and J-Find are pathways to long-term residency in Japan.
| Path | Time to Permanent Residency |
|---|---|
| J-Skip Visa | After 1 year of staying and working in Japan |
| J-Find Visa | Once you get a job and switch to a work visa, then typically after 5 years |
To apply for permanent residency, you must:
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Show stable income
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Have paid Japanese taxes
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Follow good conduct (no legal issues)
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Demonstrate contribution or integration to Japanese society
Why These Visas Matter
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You no longer need to rely on student visas to enter Japan
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You can bypass the traditional long-term work permit process
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Japan is actively welcoming global talent—especially in tech, engineering, and business
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These visas show that Japan is becoming more immigrant-friendly
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Summary: Your Roadmap to Japan via J-Skip & J-Find
| Step | J-Skip | J-Find |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Highly-skilled professionals | Top global university graduates |
| Income Requirement | ¥10M–¥40M/year | No income needed |
| Job Offer Needed? | Yes | No (search in Japan) |
| Benefits | 5-year visa, 1-year PR route, spouse work rights | 1-year visa, part-time work, convert to work visa |
| Goal | Fast-track PR, long-term residency | Enter Japan easily, then convert to skilled route |
Japan’s J-Skip and J-Find visas are a golden opportunity for global professionals and recent graduates to:
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Live legally in Japan
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Explore career options
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Eventually gain Permanent Residency
If you have a degree, experience, or are a top graduate — this is your chance. Start preparing your documents, target Japanese companies, or plan your job search now.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
