Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find)

You can apply for the J-Find visa in one of two ways: directly at a Japanese embassy or consulate if you're outside Japan, or by changing your status of residence if you're already in Japan. Both routes require the same eligibility proof, but the procedures and timelines differ.

Applying from Overseas (Embassy or Consulate Route)

This route is for you if you're currently living outside Japan.

Step 1: Verify your university eligibility

Check the official Ministry of Justice list of eligible universities (updated January 2026). Your university must be ranked in the top 100 in at least two of these three rankings:

• QS World University Rankings
• THE World University Rankings
• Shanghai Ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities)

If your university appears on the list, you meet the educational requirement. If it doesn't, you are not eligible for J-Find.

Step 2: Confirm you meet all other eligibility requirements

Before proceeding, verify that you meet all four requirements:

• Your degree is from an eligible university (confirmed in Step 1)
• You graduated within the last five years (measured from the date on your degree certificate)
• You have at least ¥200,000 in personal savings in your own name
• You are 18 years old or older

If any requirement is not met, you cannot apply.

Step 3: Gather required documents

Collect the following documents in the order listed:

• Passport (original, for visa issuance)
• University degree certificate or graduation certificate (copy; if the original is in a language other than English or Japanese, include an official Japanese or English translation)
• Bank statement or savings account documentation showing a balance of at least ¥200,000 in your name. The statement should be recent (within 1 month of application) and show your name clearly. If funds are in a foreign currency, include a note explaining the conversion rate used
• Curriculum vitae (CV/resume) — use the Word template available from the Ministry of Justice
• Description of Intended Activities — use the Word template available from the Ministry of Justice. This is critical: describe specifically what you will do in Japan (e.g., "I will apply to 5–10 fintech companies per week, focusing on risk management roles" or "I will develop a business plan for a SaaS platform, including market research, office location review, and consultation with a tax accountant"). Vague descriptions reduce approval chances
• One photograph meeting the specifications: 4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last 3 months, white background, head and shoulders only (not required if you are under 16)
• Return envelope — a standard envelope with your address and ¥404 in postage for registered mail (this is how the embassy will return your passport with the visa)

Step 4: Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country

Visit the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence. Each embassy has slightly different procedures and may require additional documents specific to your country. Common variations include:

• Some embassies require you to submit documents by mail; others require in-person submission
• Some embassies provide their own application forms in addition to the MOJ templates
• Some embassies require a health certificate or police clearance
• Processing fees vary (typically around ¥3,000)

Do not assume all embassies follow the same procedure. Contact your embassy directly via email or phone to confirm:

• Exact document requirements for your country
• Whether you submit in person or by mail
• Current processing time
• Payment method for the visa fee
• Whether you need to make an appointment

Step 5: Prepare your application package

Organize your documents in the order requested by your specific embassy. Include a cover letter (in English or Japanese) briefly stating:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your university and graduation date
• Your intended activities in Japan (job-hunting, startup preparation, or both)
• Your planned period of stay (typically 6 months to 1 year for the first application)

Step 6: Submit your application

Submit your complete application package to the embassy or consulate according to their instructions (by mail or in person). Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.

Step 7: Wait for processing

Processing typically takes approximately 1 month, though this varies by embassy and current workload. The embassy will contact you if additional documents are needed.

Step 8: Receive your visa

Once approved, the embassy will return your passport with the J-Find visa stamped inside. The visa is typically valid for 6 months to 1 year from the date of issuance.

Step 9: Enter Japan and complete registration

• Arrive in Japan before your visa expires
• Within 14 days of arrival, go to your local municipal office (ward office or city hall) and register your address
• Visit the immigration office to receive your residence card (在留カード), which you will need for opening bank accounts, enrolling in health insurance, and renting accommodation

Applying from Within Japan (Change of Status Route)

This route is for you if you are already in Japan on another visa (Student, Dependent, Research, or another Designated Activities status).

Step 1: Verify your eligibility

Confirm that you meet all four requirements:

• Your degree is from an eligible university (check the official MOJ list)
• You graduated within the last five years
• You have at least ¥200,000 in personal savings in your own name
• You are 18 years old or older

Step 2: Gather required documents

Collect the following documents:

• Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence — available in PDF or Excel format from the Ministry of Justice
• Passport (original, for presentation)
• Residence card (original, for presentation)
• University degree certificate or graduation certificate (copy; include official Japanese or English translation if the original is in another language)
• Bank statement or savings account documentation showing at least ¥200,000 in your name (recent, within 1 month)
• Curriculum vitae (CV/resume) — use the Word template from the MOJ
• Description of Intended Activities — use the Word template from the MOJ. Be specific and realistic
• One photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, white background, taken within 3 months)

Step 3: Decide whether to apply yourself or use an administrative scrivener

You have two options:

Option A: Apply yourself

• Go directly to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (入国管理局) that covers your area
• Submit your application in person
• No fee is charged for the application
• Processing typically takes 1–3 months

Option B: Use an administrative scrivener (行政書士)

• Hire a licensed administrative scrivener to represent you
• The scrivener will prepare and submit the application on your behalf
• Typical cost: ¥150,000–¥300,000
• Processing time is the same (1–3 months)
• This option is useful if you are uncertain about document preparation or want professional guidance

Step 4: Locate your Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Find the bureau that covers your area. Major bureaus are located in:

• Tokyo (Iidabashi)
• Osaka
• Nagoya
• Fukuoka
• Sapporo
• Sendai
• Hiroshima
• Takamatsu
• Naha

Visit the official immigration bureau website to find the bureau nearest you and confirm its address and hours.

Step 5: Submit your application

If applying yourself:

• Go to the immigration bureau during business hours
• Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents
• You will receive a receipt with an application number and estimated completion date
• Keep this receipt; you will need it to check status or pick up your result

If using an administrative scrivener:

• The scrivener will submit the application on your behalf
• You will receive a copy of the receipt

Step 6: Wait for processing

Processing typically takes 1–3 months. You can check the status of your application by:

• Visiting the immigration bureau in person with your receipt
• Calling the bureau (contact information on your receipt)
• Asking your administrative scrivener to check status on your behalf

Step 7: Receive approval and update your residence card

Once approved, you will be notified to pick up your new residence card with the J-Find status. Your residence card will show:

• Status: Designated Activities (Future Creation Individual)
• Period of stay: 6 months to 1 year (depending on the decision)
• Expiration date

Your new status becomes effective on the date you receive your residence card.

Renewing Your J-Find Status

If you are in Japan on J-Find and your visa is approaching expiration, you can renew it before it expires. The maximum total stay on J-Find and related designated activities is 2 years.

Step 1: Prepare renewal documentation

Before your current status expires, gather:

• Application for Extension of Period of Stay — available in PDF or Excel format from the MOJ
• Passport (original, for presentation)
• Residence card (original, for presentation)
• One photograph (4 cm × 3 cm, white background, taken within 3 months)
• Description of Intended Activities for the renewal period — use the MOJ template
• Documentation of your actual activities during the current period — this is critical and often determines renewal approval:
  • For job-hunting: Job application logs (dates, company names, positions applied for), interview schedules, rejection letters, job offer letters, email exchanges with recruiters, attendance at job fairs or information sessions
  • For startup preparation: Business plan documents (drafts and revisions), office location reviews or lease agreements, consultation records with tax accountants or administrative scriveners, market research notes, contract drafts
  • For both: A chronological summary of activities conducted, showing consistent effort over the period

Step 2: Submit your renewal application

Go to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that covers your area. Submit your application at least 1 month before your current status expires (do not wait until the last moment).

Step 3: Wait for processing

Processing typically takes several weeks to a few months. You can check status by visiting the bureau or calling with your application number.

Step 4: Receive your renewed residence card

Once approved, pick up your new residence card showing the extended period of stay. Your new status is effective immediately upon receipt.

Important note on renewal criteria: Immigration authorities examine not only what you claim to be doing but what you are actually doing. If your documented activities do not match your stated plan, or if you have not engaged in substantive activities, renewal may be denied. Keep detailed records throughout your stay.

Item	Cost
Certificate of Eligibility application	Free
Visa application fee (consular)	¥3,000
Residence card issuance	No additional fee
National Health Insurance (mandatory, monthly)	¥20,000–¥30,000

Total estimated cost for initial application and first month in Japan: Approximately ¥23,000–¥33,000 in government fees and mandatory insurance, plus living expenses.

Does not include: Airfare to Japan, accommodation, food, transportation, part-time work income, professional assistance (administrative scrivener or immigration lawyer), translation services, or any costs related to job-hunting or startup preparation activities (office space, business registration, etc.). Realistic monthly living expenses in Tokyo range from ¥150,000–¥200,000.

Overseas embassy/consulate application: Approximately 1 month from submission to visa issuance. This varies by embassy and current application volume. Some embassies may process faster; others may take longer during peak seasons.

Change of status application (in-Japan): Typically 1–3 months from submission to approval. Processing time depends on:

• Completeness of your application and supporting documents
• Clarity and specificity of your activity plan
• Workload of the specific Regional Immigration Services Bureau
• Whether immigration officers request additional documents

Renewal of period of stay: Processing time is not officially specified but typically follows standard immigration bureau timelines of several weeks to a few months. Submit your renewal application at least 1 month before expiration to avoid gaps in legal status.

Residence card issuance: Once your status change or renewal is approved, you can typically pick up your new residence card within 1–2 weeks.

Document validity: Bank statements and savings documentation must be dated within 1 month of application. University degree certificates and graduation certificates do not expire. Health insurance enrollment must occur within 14 days of arrival in Japan.