The government in Japan is planning to launch a new visa for international graduates for budding entrepreneurs interested in setting up shop in the country.
“Immigration Services Agency is currently preparing for a new start-up visa which allows graduate students from Japanese universities to stay in Japan for up to two years in order to set up new business,” a Ministry of Justice officer told The PIE News.
“Although when to start new system is still under consideration, it will get started in 2020FY”
“Although when to start new system is still under consideration, it will get started in 2020FY.”
Earlier this year, Japan announced it wanted to create more opportunities for students to work in the country after graduation.
Over the last few years, the Ministry of Justice has loosened formerly strict requirements for graduates. Currently, international graduates can work in any role as long as they earn over 3 million yen (around US$28,700) annually, although the average salary for graduates is only 2.3 million yen.
In 2018, 25,942 international students were granted work visas after graduation, up from 22,419 the year before. Students from other Asian nations accounted for 95.3% of those switching to work visas.
Students in Japan can work up to 28 hours a week alongside studying but need to apply for an additional permit alongside their student visa.
