Important Updates
Important Updates
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Japan: J-Skip and J-Find Visas Offer New Pathways for Highly-Skilled or Highly-Educated Foreign Nationals

October 26, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • JapanJapan

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • The Japanese government has adopted two new visa programs, called the Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) and the Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find) Visa as part of its strategy to stimulate the economy.
  • The J-Skip Visa offers benefits such as eligibility to apply for permanent residency after a one-year stay in Japan, eligibility to use the Priority Lanes at Japanese airports and the ability for the visa holder’s spouse to apply for a visa that would allow for full-time employment in Japan, among other benefits.
  • The J-Find Visa offers recent qualifying graduates benefits such as the ability to look for a job, start a business or engage in other remunerative activities in Japan (activities which were not previously allowed for this group of foreign nationals).

The situation

The Japanese government has adopted two new visa programs, called the Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) and the Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find) Visa as part of its strategy to stimulate the economy.

A closer look

NEW VISA DETAILS AND BENEFITS

J-Skip Visa. This is an extension of the existing Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa.

The J-Skip Visa offers additional benefits on top of those of the HSP visa, including:

  • Their spouse is eligible to apply for a visa that would allow for full-time employment in Japan;
  • Eligibility to apply for permanent residency after a one-year stay in Japan;
  • The ability to hire two domestic helpers;
  • The ability to sponsor their parents/parents-in-law to stay in Japan (subject to certain conditions);
  • Eligibility to use the Priority Lanes at Japanese airports; and
  • Priority processing of their visa application.

J-Find Visa. This is a new visa category.

The J-Find visa is intended for foreign nationals who have:

  • Graduated in the last five years from an eligible university with at least a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent;
  • Sufficient funds support themselves in Japan (approximately JPY 200,000); and
  • Are seeking to find a job, start a business or engage in other remunerative activities in Japan.

This group of foreign nationals was previously not eligible to conduct these activities in Japan.

The stay granted is up to two years (discretionary).

Background

Through these new visa programs, the government is seeking to attract more young, highly-skilled, experienced and knowledgeable foreign nationals to offset the rapidly aging population and decades-long low birthrates, which has created a severe workforce shortage.

With Japan’s immigration policies traditionally viewed as relatively insular and not necessarily conducive to the global market, these initiatives signal to the world that Japan is cognizant of the increasing need to open the country to overseas businesses and talents.

Looking ahead

Coupled with initiatives such as the recent digitization of the Certificate of Eligibility, and its intention to create a digital nomad visa, the overall immigration strategy by the Japan government is a welcome step in the right direction to making Japan a more attractive foreign population destination.

However, the efficacy of these initiatives remains to be seen, as the Highly Skilled Professional visa (introduced in 2012) did not see as high uptake rates as the Japan government hoped. Moreover, other factors aside from immigration policies, such as Japan’s working culture, language barrier and relatively high cost of living, are regarded as obstacles that the country faces in the race for talent.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • JapanJapan

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.