Japan’s Urgent Need for Foreign Workers: J-Find & J-Skip Visas Explained

Japan had just over 1.82 million foreign workers last year and over the last 10 years, foreign workers have nearly doubled in the country. However due to aging population and declining birthrate, they currently need 4 times more foreign workers, which is almost 6.74 million workers by 2040 to sustain their average annual economic growth. To achieve that and make Japan an attractive and accessible country for foreign workers, it’s currently offering ease on visa requirements to attract foreign workers on its shores via J-Find and J-Skip visas. Let us understand them in details.

J-Find or the Future Creation Individual Visa

The J-Find Visa is essentially a job search visa for highly qualified graduates from overseas to come and find work in Japan. The visa is granted for up to 2 years for both applicants as well as spouses and children.

The basic eligibility criteria are requires one to be 18 years or older with a Bachelor’s Master’s or PhD degree gained in last 5 years along with 200,000 Japanese Yen in savings. 

Documents required for the application include Passport, visa Application Form with photograph, Education documents, Financial documents, CV, statement describing what one intends to do in Japan and pledge to get a Health Insurance. Some documents can be waived off if one submits a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. In case one is applying with spouse or children, relationship proof will be required.

J-Skip or Highly Skilled Professional Visa

This visa allows three categories of people—academic researchers, engineers, and high-level managers seeking jobs in Japan to apply for a 5-year visa. One can also apply for spouses and children and in some instances apply for visas for parents and house help. Do note that for this visa one should have a Master's Degree, 5 to 10 years of experience, and a job in Japan that pays 20 million Yen annually.

To apply for this visa one will need, Passport, Visa application form, Photograph and Certificate of eligibility. A certificate of eligibility required for this visa can be applied by going to www.moj.go.jp. 

Japan needs foreign workers more than ever and with J-Find and J-Skip visas on offer, there is no better time to explore Japan as your next destination to study or work.