Japan updates the J-Find list of eligible universities to the October 2026 rankings
Announced by Immigration Services Agency of JapanNov 4, 2026Checked on the official page Nov 7BLOOM ABROAD Editorial · Managing editor Yuki Sugimoto
NewJapanVisas and rules
In short
- What
- The J-Find list of eligible universities now reflects world university rankings as of October 2026.
- What to do
- Check that your university is on the new list and check the latest rankings.
Does this apply to you?
It applies to
- Graduates (including graduate program completers) of top overseas universities who received a degree
- People within 5 years of their degree who want to job-hunt or prepare a startup in Japan
Key terms
- J-Find (Future Creation Individual Visa)
- A scheme started in April 2023 that lets graduates of top overseas universities stay in Japan for up to 2 years to look for work or prepare a startup.
- Designated Activities
- A Japanese residence status for activities designated individually by the Minister of Justice. J-Find holders stay with this status.
What changed
The list of eligible universities has been replaced with a new list based on world university rankings as of October 2026. You must meet all 3 requirements.
First, you graduated from, or completed a graduate program at, a university ranked in the top 100 in at least 2 of 3 world university rankings (QS, THE and the ShanghaiRanking), and received a degree.
Second, no more than 5 years have passed since you received the degree. Third, you have savings of at least 200,000 yen in your own name when you apply.
When it applies
The Immigration Services Agency updated the list on November 4, 2026 (list based on rankings as of October 2026).
Exceptions
The list is based on rankings as of October 2026. Applicants are asked to also check the latest positions in the 3 world university rankings when they apply.
What to check or do
- Check the new list of eligible universities (PDF) on the Immigration Services Agency's official page.
- Before applying, also check the latest positions in the 3 world university rankings.
- Make sure no more than 5 years have passed since your degree and that you have savings of at least 200,000 yen.
- Check the required documents and how to apply on the Immigration Services Agency's official page.
Official sources
- Officially announced
- Nov 4, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Nov 7, 2026
Checked against official sources
moj.go.jp (external site)
