Designated Activities J-Find (Graduates of Top Overseas Universities) - Required Documents
Designated Activities J-Find is a status of residence that allows foreign nationals who have graduated from top-ranked overseas universities to enter Japan and engage in job-seeking or business startup activities. Established in April 2023, it targets graduates of universities ranked in the top tiers of global university rankings.
| Applicable Activities | Activities of job seeking or business startup (preparation) by graduates of excellent overseas universities |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 6 months (up to 2 years, renewable) |
Required Documents by Application Type
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
- Application for Change of Status of Residence
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay
Important Notes Before Applying
- Applicants must have graduated from and obtained a degree from a university ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 out of 3 of the following world university rankings:
- QS World University Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds)
- THE World University Rankings (Times Higher Education)
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
- The rankings at the time of application (latest available) are used, not the rankings at the time of graduation.
- The applicant must have sufficient funds to cover living expenses during their stay in Japan. Specifically, the applicant must possess funds equivalent to at least 200,000 yen per month for the planned stay period.
- Under this status of residence, only job seeking and business startup activities (preparation) are permitted. Employment itself is not allowed; if a job is secured, the status must be changed to the appropriate work visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services).
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays in examination or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
This application is for those entering Japan from abroad to begin job-seeking or business startup activities.
1. Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image.
3. Return envelope - 1
Write the recipient’s address on a standard envelope and attach stamps for simplified registered mail.
4. Graduation certificate and degree certificate
Documents proving graduation from and obtainment of a degree from the target university. Must be able to confirm that the graduated university meets the world university ranking requirements.
5. Documents proving eligibility in university rankings
Documents proving that the graduated university is ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 out of the following 3 rankings (printouts of the relevant ranking pages, etc.):
- QS World University Rankings
- THE World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities
6. Activity plan in Japan
Documents specifically describing the following:
- Content of activities to be conducted in Japan (specific plans for job seeking or business startup)
- Planned activity period
- Planned place of residence
7. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses
Documents proving the ability to sufficiently cover living expenses during the stay in Japan. Specifically, submit the following:
- Bank balance certificate in the applicant’s name (showing funds equivalent to at least 200,000 yen per month for the planned stay period)
- If the expense bearer is someone other than the applicant, documents proving the expense bearer’s assets, documents expressing the intention to bear expenses (guarantee letter, etc.), and documents proving the relationship between the expense bearer and the applicant
8. Resume
With academic and employment history clearly stated.
9. Documents regarding housing during the stay in Japan
Documents to confirm the residence (planned) in Japan (copy of lease agreement if housing has been secured, etc.).
Application for Change of Status of Residence
This application is for those already residing in Japan with a different status of residence (e.g., Student) who wish to change to Designated Activities (J-Find).
1. Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Graduation certificate and degree certificate
Documents proving graduation from and obtainment of a degree from the target university.
5. Documents proving eligibility in university rankings
Documents proving that the graduated university is ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 out of the following 3 rankings (printouts of the relevant ranking pages, etc.):
- QS World University Rankings
- THE World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities
6. Activity plan in Japan
Documents specifically describing the following:
- Content of activities to be conducted in Japan (specific plans for job seeking or business startup)
- Planned activity period
- Planned place of residence
7. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses
Documents proving the ability to sufficiently cover living expenses during the stay in Japan.
- Bank balance certificate in the applicant’s name (showing funds equivalent to at least 200,000 yen per month for the planned stay period)
- If the expense bearer is someone other than the applicant, documents proving the expense bearer’s assets, documents expressing the intention to bear expenses (guarantee letter, etc.), and documents proving the relationship between the expense bearer and the applicant
8. Resume
With academic and employment history clearly stated.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This application is for those already residing in Japan with the Designated Activities (J-Find) status who wish to extend their period of stay to continue job-seeking or business startup activities. Stay of up to 2 years is possible.
1. Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy
2. Photograph - 1
4cm (H) x 3cm (W), taken within 6 months before the application, front-facing, without hat, plain background, clear image. Not required for those under 16 years old or for extensions of 3 months or less.
3. Passport and Residence Card
Present at the counter.
4. Activity report (report of activities during the previous period of stay)
Documents specifically describing the content of job-seeking or business startup activities conducted during the previous period of stay. Must include the following:
- For job seeking: Names of companies/organizations applied to, dates and results of interviews/examinations
- For business startup: Progress of startup preparations (advancement of business plan, status of securing office space, status of registration preparations, etc.)
- Future activity plans
5. Documents proving the ability to cover expenses
Documents proving the ability to sufficiently cover living expenses during the stay in Japan.
- Bank balance certificate in the applicant’s name (showing funds equivalent to at least 200,000 yen per month for the remaining planned stay period)
- If the expense bearer is someone other than the applicant, documents proving the expense bearer’s assets
6. Documents regarding housing during the stay in Japan
Documents confirming current residence in Japan (copy of lease agreement, certificate of residence, etc.).
Requirements for J-Find Eligible Universities
Universities ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 out of 3 of the following world university rankings are eligible:
| Ranking Name | Publishing Organization |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Quacquarelli Symonds (UK) |
| THE World University Rankings | Times Higher Education (UK) |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities | Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China) |
- The latest rankings at the time of application are used.
- The graduated university must be ranked as a whole university, not by individual departments.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher must have been obtained; a certificate of completion alone is not sufficient.
Reference Links
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