Future Creation Human Resource System (J-Find)

Future Creation Human Resource System (J-Find): Global talent building careers and shaping the future

The Future Creation Human Resource System (J-Find) was introduced in April 2023. Graduates of highly ranked overseas universities who wish to engage in job-seeking activities or startup preparation activities in Japan may be granted the status of residence "Designated Activities (Future Creation Human Resource)," allowing them to stay in Japan for up to 2 years. Unlike the Startup Visa, no application to a designated organization is required — applications are submitted directly to the Immigration Services Agency.

For full details on this system, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency page "For Graduates of Excellent Overseas Universities Engaging in Startup or Job-Seeking Activities (J-Find)" and the J-Find Overview Document (PDF).

Three Requirements for J-Find (All Must Be Met)

To be eligible for the "Designated Activities (Future Creation Human Resource)" status of residence, you must satisfy all three of the following requirements.

Requirement	Details
① Eligible University	The applicant must have graduated from (or completed a graduate program at) a university that is ranked within the top 100 in at least 2 of the following 3 world university rankings, and must hold a bachelor's degree or higher (or a professional degree). · QS World University Rankings · Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings · Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings) ※ For the list of eligible universities, please refer to the Ministry of Justice "List of Eligible Universities under the J-Find System (PDF)" (as of January 2026). Please also check the latest rankings at the time of application.
② Time Since Graduation	The applicant must be within 5 years from the date on which the degree was conferred by the eligible university (including graduate programs).
③ Living Expenses	At the time of application, the applicant must have savings (bank deposits) equivalent to ¥200,000 or more in Japanese yen (to cover initial living expenses during their stay).

J-Find: Image of building a career through job-seeking or startup preparation in Japan

What You Can Do Under J-Find / Period of Stay

Job-Seeking Activities: Seeking employment at companies or organizations within Japan
Startup Preparation Activities: Preparatory activities for establishing a business in Japan
The period of stay is 1 year in principle, extendable to a maximum of 2 years upon renewal
Spouse and children may accompany the holder under the status "Designated Activities (Spouse, etc., of J-Find Holder)" (please refer to the Immigration Services Agency for requirements and procedures)

There are no regional restrictions — you may reside anywhere in Japan as long as you are engaged in job-seeking or startup preparation activities. In addition, if you obtain permission to engage in activities outside the permitted scope, work (such as part-time jobs or internships) may also be permitted in some cases. Please confirm with the Immigration Services Agency for details.

Types of Applications

Depending on your situation, you will need to submit one of the following applications.

Application for Certificate of Eligibility: For those entering Japan from abroad under this status of residence for the first time
Application for Change of Status of Residence: For those already residing in Japan under a different status who wish to switch to J-Find activities (please apply promptly if applicable)
Application for Extension of Period of Stay: For those already residing in Japan under "Designated Activities (Future Creation Human Resource)" who wish to continue their activities

Required documents and forms vary by application type. Common documents include a planned itinerary, curriculum vitae, degree certificate (graduation certificate, etc.), and proof of savings balance. For the latest list of required documents, please check the Immigration Services Agency J-Find page.

Comparison: J-Find / Startup Visa / Business Management Visa

Below is a summary of the key differences between the main programs available to those who wish to seek employment or prepare for a startup in Japan.

Comparison Item	J-Find (Future Creation Human Resource)	Startup Visa	Business Management Visa
Purpose	Job-seeking activities or startup preparation	Startup preparation (new business establishment)	Business management and administration
Main Target	Graduates ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 of 3 world rankings, within 5 years of graduation, with savings of ¥200,000 or more	Those preparing to start a business in a designated organization's region (no academic requirement)	Those meeting the criteria for business premises, full-time employees, capital, etc.
Period of Stay	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years (renewed every 6 months, etc.)	5 years, 3 years, 1 year, etc.
Regional Restrictions	None	Yes (limited to areas designated by the accredited organization)	None
Application Process	Apply directly to the Immigration Services Agency (no designated organization required)	Submit a business plan to a designated organization → obtain a certificate → apply to the Immigration Services Agency	Apply directly to the Immigration Services Agency

For a detailed comparison with the Startup Visa, please also visit the Startup Visa page.

Who Should Consider This Program

Graduates of universities ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 of the QS, THE, or Shanghai rankings (including graduate programs)
Those within 5 years of graduation who wish to seek employment in Japan
Those within 5 years of graduation who wish to prepare for a startup in Japan (especially those who prefer to avoid the regional restrictions of the Startup Visa)
Those who can demonstrate savings of ¥200,000 or more at the time of application