Working In Japan: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time, but they must adhere to certain rules and regulations. Students can work up to 28 hours per week and a maximum of 8 hours per day during long school breaks. To work legally in Japan, international students must obtain permission from the regional immigration bureau and receive a work permit, which is separate from their student visa. The type of work available to international students is limited, with jobs in entertainment services and adult industries being prohibited.

Part-time work permits

International students in Japan can work part-time and earn money, but they must follow certain conditions and rules regarding working hours. Students can apply for a Japanese part-time work permit at any of the country's main airports if they have just arrived with a student visa. Students can also fill out a form before arriving in Japan to work right away, as it can take up to a month to receive a work permit once in the country. Students will receive a Zairyū Card and a stamp on their passport, which will allow them to work part-time.

Students with a part-time work permit can work up to 28 hours per week while studying at university. This is a combination of all the places of work, so if a student works two jobs, they can only work 14 hours at each. During long school breaks, such as summer and winter vacations, students can work up to eight hours per day. However, students must not exceed 40 hours per week as per the Labor Standards Law. Students must also ensure their work hours do not conflict with study hours. If students want to work more than 28 hours per week during the school term, they must get separate authorization.

The types of jobs students can do with a part-time work permit include wait staff in restaurants, shop assistants, office jobs, teaching, and translating. Native English speakers can find jobs teaching or tutoring English, and those who speak other languages can work in translation. Students can also try to work in the talent industry as a model or audience on TV shows. However, there are certain jobs that students are not allowed to do, including jobs in the adult entertainment industry, such as nightclubs, bars, and pachinko parlors. Jobs in nightlife and serving alcohol are also prohibited for international students.

Work hour limits

International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time under certain conditions. To be able to work, international students must first obtain permission from the Regional Immigration Services Bureau. This can be done by downloading the request for exemption document from the immigration website, filling it out, and returning it to the Immigration Office. Students can also apply for a Japanese part-time work permit at any of the main airports in Japan upon arrival.

Once permission is obtained, international students can work up to 28 hours per week during their school term. This limit is not for one part-time job; if a student is working multiple jobs, the total hours worked across all jobs cannot exceed 28 hours per week. During long school holidays, such as summer and winter vacations, international students are allowed to work up to 8 hours per day, but they must not exceed 40 hours per week as per the Labor Standards Law. It is important to note that international students must not exceed these prescribed work limits, as they may face deportation or fines if they do so.

While working part-time, international students in Japan typically take on jobs such as wait staff in restaurants, shop assistants, office jobs, teaching, or translating. These opportunities allow students to earn extra money, gain work experience, and practice their Japanese language skills. However, it is important to be cautious of scams and only work with reputable companies. Additionally, certain jobs are prohibited for international students, such as those in the adult entertainment industry, serving alcohol, or specific nightlife jobs.

Work permit application process

International students in Japan can work part-time while on a student visa. However, working is not permitted under the "Student (ryugaku)" status of residence. Students must apply for and obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under their status of residence. This is also known as a work permit or "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted in Status of Residence Previously Granted".

The work permit application process for international students in Japan is as follows:

• Download the request for exemption document from the immigration website.
• Fill out the document.
• Gather the required documents, which typically include your passport and foreign resident card.
• Submit the completed document and supporting documents to the Immigration Office.
• It is recommended to arrive at the Immigration Office before opening to avoid long wait times.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive a stamp in your passport and on your Japanese residence ("zairyu") card.
• With your work permit, you can now legally work part-time in Japan.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and the type of visa you hold. Additionally, there are certain jobs that are prohibited for foreigners, such as those in the adult entertainment industry, nightlife, and serving alcohol.

Jobs international students can do

International students in Japan can work part-time and make some extra money, but there are certain conditions and rules regarding working hours that must be followed. Firstly, students must obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by their student visa. This can be done by downloading the request for exemption document from the immigration website, filling it out, and submitting it to the Immigration Office, or applying for "permission for non-qualified activities" at the Immigration Bureau. Students can also apply for a part-time work permit at any of the main airports in Japan if they have just arrived in the country with a student visa.

Once permission is obtained, international students can work up to 28 hours per week during their studies, and up to 8 hours per day during long school breaks such as summer and winter vacations. It is important to note that the 28-hour limit is the total for all jobs, so if a student has two part-time jobs, they can only work 14 hours at each one. Additionally, students must ensure that their work hours do not conflict with their study hours.

There are some jobs that international students are prohibited from doing, such as those related to adult entertainment and nightlife, including bars, nightclubs, and hostess or host roles. However, there are still plenty of job opportunities available for international students in Japan. These include:

• Wait staff in restaurants
• Shop assistants in shops or convenience stores
• Office jobs
• Teaching or tutoring (especially teaching English or other languages)
• Translating
• Modelling or audience roles on TV shows
• Hotel staff
• Video game publishers

Jobs international students can't do

International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time, up to 28 hours a week, once they have received their work permit from the Immigration Department. This can be applied for at any of the main airports in Japan for those who have just arrived in the country with a student visa. Alternatively, students can go to the immigration website, download and fill out the request for exemption document, and return the file to the Immigration Office.

However, even with a work permit, some jobs are still prohibited for international students. These include jobs in the adult entertainment industry, such as working in nightclubs, girls bars, or pachinko parlors. This also includes working as a janitor, kitchen staff, or server in the same venue as inappropriate acts are taking place. Other prohibited jobs include those that involve serving alcohol, such as working in bars, host or hostess jobs, and staff at game centers, massage salons, or love hotels.

Additionally, criminal activity is heavily punished in Japan, and international students should be aware of scams that may target them. For example, there has been an increase in scams where people will give money to "borrow" personal documents, which are then used for illegal activities.

Frequently asked questions