jp-j-find — Designated Activities (J-Find)
JapanJapan•Asia
Open

jp-j-find — Designated Activities (J-Find)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

JPY ¥15,000

Stay Duration

1 to 2 years

1 yr initial · extendable to 2 · Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Japan

Cost of Living
32% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary¥3,240,000
Quality of Life
181/200

Overview

For recent graduates of top global universities to engage in job-hunting or business preparation in Japan.

The J-Find (Designated Activities) visa lets recent graduates of top-100 global universities spend up to 2 years in Japan searching for a job or preparing to launch a business. No job offer is needed for entry. Applicants must have graduated within the past 5 years and hold at least ¥200,000 in savings.

Work is not permitted under this status — holders must transition to a standard work visa once employment is secured. Spouses and children can accompany and may work up to 28 hours per week with separate work permission. The visa is non-renewable beyond the 2-year ceiling.

This visa is ideal for internationally educated graduates who want to explore the Japanese job market or test a startup idea without needing a pre-arranged employer.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year
Extendable up to2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

経営・管理 — Business Manager Visa
Japan flagJapan
Permanent Resident (永住者)
Japan flagJapan

Permanent Resident (永住者)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing4-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Graduated within last 5 years from a top 100 global university

Savings of at least ¥200,000

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Savings

200,000 JPY

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Certificate of qualification (COE)

Proof of graduation from top 100 university

Proof of savings

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No job offer required for entry
  • Allows time to secure employment

Worth Knowing

  • No work authorization
  • Must switch visa status once job is secured
  • Graduation outside 5-year window
  • University not in top 100 list
  • Insufficient savings

Application Process

1

Obtain COE

2

Apply for visa

3

Job hunt in Japan

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