Working under the students visa
Generally speaking, you are not allowed to work even as a part time worker with the student visa, however, if it is to help pay your tuition or to support your living, it is possible to get part time work while you are free. To make this possible, you need the permission issued by the immigration office called “Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.”
Once you get permission, you will not have to renew it even if you change work. However, there are conditions that you have to abide by in order to keep your work permit.
Procedures how to start working as a part-time
First of all, you have to apply for the foreign registration card.
You have to go to the immigration office and apply for the permit for activities beyond qualification (Schools can apply on behalf of students)
- Documents needed:
- passport
- the application form for the permit for activities beyond qualification
- foreign registration card
When the immigration office contacts us, we will then go and pick up the permit (appox 3 weeks after you applied)
How to look for jobs
- Introduction via friends, senior students, or somebody you know
- Notice boards at the school, or introduction by the school
- General Job wanting notice boards
- Magazines or website which advertise part time jobs
- It is necessary to show the permit to your employer- otherwise, be sure to keep it, do not loose it.
- Students who come here and study under the short-term intensive Japanese course are not allowed to take part-time work.
Duration of work time and its kinds
The condition to be able to work under “permission for activities beyond qualification” is limited to 4 hours a day (28 hours a week)
This work permit does not allow you to work in any kind of sexual related business.
In other words, bars, cabaret, and any other service which you have to sit with customers at a table, any other sexual related businesses or any kind which encourages customers to gamble (i.e. PACHINKO, mahjong etc)
Under no circumstances, are you allowed to work in the above businesses.
hourly rate
When you work as a part time worker in Tokyo, the average hourly rate for any kind of part time work ranges from 800-1000 yen an hour. IF you work early mornings or late nights, then the hourly salary may go up to more than 1000 yen.
