japan serious about acquiring highly skilled personnels

new residency status "Future Creation Talent Scheme (J-Find)” has been introduced

In April 2023, the Japanese government introduced two new residency statuses in an effort to bring highly skilled personnels to the country. One of them is the "Future Creation Talent Scheme (J-Find)”.
 
Previously, in order for foreigners to enter Japan for mid-to-long-term stays whether to work, they needed to already fulfill a residency status criterion prior to applying for a visa. For example, a person already holds a job offer in their hands or has incorporated a company in Japan being in a position to have kicked off an entrepreneurship. If a foreigner wishes to engage in a job hunting after arriving in Japan or establish a company as a preparation for an entrepreneurship, they had to enter Japan on a temporary visitor’s visa and then return to their home country to apply for a work visa, which is a waste of time and money.
 
With the newly established "J-Find" scheme, individuals can obtain a mid-to-long-term residency status for a maximum of two years specifically for the purposes of job hunting or preparing for entrepreneurship. Furthermore, they are allowed to work for their livelihood while engaging in these activities, and they can even bring their spouse and/or children with them. This is considered a groundbreaking residency status.

There are only three requirements that need to be met:

There are only three requirement to be eligible for  this residency status. 
- Graduated from a university listed as one of the top 100 schools in two of the following three world university rankings.
(1) QS World University Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds
(2) THE World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
(3) Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy
 
- The graduation or completion mentioned above must have occurred within five years from the time of application.
- The applicant must have a deposit of 200,000 yen as living expenses.
 
However, considering that only two universities, namely the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, are eligible universities within Japan, it is evident that the requirement of is quite challenging. Nonetheless, opening up the opportunities for highly skilled foreign personnel is a significant move for Japan, and it is hoped that it will bring new vitality to the Japanese economy. Despite the high hurdle, there is anticipation that this will contribute to the growth and development of Japan. By attracting internationally outstanding individuals and fostering the exchange of technology and knowledge, it is expected to enhance Japan's competitiveness and spur innovation. We look forward to this new residency status system making a positive impact on Japan's progress.

How to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility?

Usually, a foreigner wishing to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility has to have a sponsor in Japan who submit the application of behalf of the applicant. With J-Find scheme, there is no sponsor meaning there is no way of obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, therehore, the application for a VISA should be made directly at the embassy of Japan in their residential area. It is strongly advised to contact the embassy prior to making an application as staff at the embassy may not be used to VISA application without Certificate of Eligibility for mid-to-long term residency status.