Can international students get part-time jobs? Learn about the visa requirements and things to keep in mind when working in Japan!
Many international students are thinking, "I want to work part-time in Japan while I'm studying abroad," or "I want to work in Japan after I graduate."
Can I work while studying abroad? Can I continue working after graduation?
Which visa do I need?
The reality is that many people have concerns and questions about visas, such as:
To start with,Even international students can work part-time in Japan if they obtain "permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence ...
There is a limit of 28 hours per week (up to 1 hours per day and 8 hours per week during long holidays), but as long as you follow the proper procedures you can work without any problems.
Furthermore, if you want to work full-time in Japan after graduation, you will need to switch to a "work visa." Depending on the type of work you want, you can choose from options such as an "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa" or a "Specified Skilled Worker Visa."
In this article, we will introduce theTypes of visas required to work in Japan, procedures, points to note, and preparations for employmentAfter reading this, you will be able to clearly understand what you need to do now and what you need to prepare for in the future.
International students need permission to engage in activities outside of their status of residence in order to work part-time.
but,``Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted.Once you obtain this license, you will be able to work part-time within the limits of the law.Source: Japanese government study abroad information site "Regarding residence status while studying in Japan"
This chapter provides detailed information about visa rules and procedures for international students working part-time in Japan, the maximum working hours, and points to note.
The visa required while enrolled is a "student visa," and part-time work is generally prohibited.
Currently, international students studying in Japan"Student visa"I am staying at.
However, the purpose of this visa is solely for study, and employment (including part-time work) is generally prohibited.If you are looking for full-time employment, you will need to change to a "work visa" will be important.
If you have permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your status of residence, you can work part-time
For international students to legally work part-time in Japan,You must obtain permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your status of residence from the Immigration Bureau.in XNUMX minutes by bus from Yonago Station.
By obtaining this permission,Can work with restrictions.
Permission to engage in activities outside of the scope of your status of residence can be obtained by applying for a letter of recommendation from your school (certificate of enrollment, attendance report, etc.).It can be obtained relatively easilyThere are many cases.
This permission isWorking under certain conditions while continuing to study" and there are clear rules and standards, so if the application details are correct, it is easy for immigration officials to make a decision.
In addition, many educational institutions are familiar with the procedures for accommodating part-time work for international students, and have systems in place to issue the necessary documents and provide support.
If the school cooperates, even first-time students can usually obtain the license without any major problems.
However, if your attendance rate is extremely low or you have a history of violations, your application may be denied, so it's important to also take care of your regular school life.
Work hours are limited to 28 hours per week
Please be aware that if you exceed this limit, you may be considered to be working illegally and may not be able to renew your visa.
The key points are as follows:
- Permission to engage in activities outside of the scope of your status of residence can be obtained relatively easily if you have a recommendation letter from your school.
- Working without permission carries serious risks, such as forced deportation.
- Stores that are open at night and adult entertainment businesses may be subject to the ban.
Switch to a work visa after graduation
Many international students want to continue working in Japan after graduating. However, they cannot find employment and work full-time while on a student visa, so they must switch to a work visa that suits their purpose.
If you want to get a job in Japan after graduating from university or vocational school,Change of residence status to "Work visa (residence status that allows employment)"will be required in addition to your identification documents.
In many cases,"Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (commonly known as the Engineer/Humanities Visa)"will be selected.
other than this,
- Office work such as clerical work and interpretation: "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa
- On-site jobs such as hotels and nursing care: "Specified Skilled Worker" visa
- Chefs, craftsmen, and other skilled workers: "Skilled Worker" visa
etc. apply.
As such, it is important to understand whether you can work with your current visa and what procedures are required.
Some visas require educational background, work experience, or Japanese language proficiency, so be sure to check carefully before proceeding with your preparations.
Obtaining a visa is not the end of the process; there may be procedures such as renewal or changes that need to be carried out. In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand introduction to these matters, including important points to bear in mind.
[Must-see for international students] Main types of work visas in Japan
In order to work in Japan after graduation, you will need to switch to a "work visa," but there are actually several types of work visas, and the appropriate visa will vary depending on the type of job and conditions.
Of particular relevance to international students are:
- Technology · Humanities · International business visa
- Specified Skilled Worker Visa
Below we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the characteristics of each visa, the conditions for obtaining it, and the types of work they are suitable for. Please use this as a reference when choosing a visa that suits your career.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (Technical Person Visa)
This visa is required for jobs that mainly involve office work, and many foreign nationals work on this visa. The following types of work are eligible:
- IT engineer
- Interpretation & Translation
- Designer
- Accounting, sales, and planning
BothJobs that require specialized knowledge and skillsThe condition is that.
To obtain this visa, you usually need toUniversity graduate or equivalent professional work experience (generally 10 years or more) is required.
In addition, the employment contract with the company you will be working for and whether the work content matches the type of visa will also be examined.
At Fine Staff, staff with this visa are active in the hotel's front desk, reservation management, and international relations departments.
▶For more information about the Skilled Worker VisaThis articlecheck!
Specified Skilled Worker Visa
This applies to jobs in areas such as accommodation, nursing care, food service, agriculture, and construction, and is particularly applicable to jobs that require immediate on-site ability.
This visa has"No. 1" and "No. 2"There,The first thing many foreign nationals acquire is "Specified Skills No. 1".
To obtain this qualification, you must pass a skills evaluation test for each field and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (approximately N4 level). It is also possible to transfer from technical intern training.
On this visaFull-time workThis allows for a relatively long period of stay, up to five years (depending on the field).
Furthermore, in some fields, stepping up to "No. 2" status will give you more freedom to bring family members along and to renew your visa.
At Fine Staff,Foreign staff with specific skills visas are actively involved in hotel work such as bed making, hall work, and cleaning.doing.
▶For more information about specific skills visasThis articlecheck!
How to choose the right visa for you? Points to check
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Japan must obtain a visa that matches the nature of the work they wish to do.
But,The job you want to do and the visa you can obtain don't matchThere are also some, see the table below.
| Job Category | Representative occupation | Visa Support | Educational Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Front desk / Sales / Interpreter / IT | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services | University graduate/vocational school graduate |
| Field/service | Room cleaning / serving food / food and beverage assistance | Specified Skilled Worker Visa | Not required (proficiency test, N4) |
| Skilled workers/craftsmen | Chef / Craftsman / Mechanic | Skill visa | Not required (work experience) |
| Part-time job (while studying) | Convenience store / Cafe / Cleaning | Allowance for activities outside your status | If you are an international student, |
in this way,Please note that the corresponding visa is determined depending on the occupation..
here,Important points to check when choosing the right visa for youWe will introduce this from three perspectives.
Check your education, work history and skills
First of all,Your past experience, education, and skillsLet's take a look back.
For example, the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa requires a university degree (or equivalent) and work experience related to your specialized knowledge.
On the other hand, for a "skilled worker" visa, practical experience as a craftsman is important.
For "Specified Skilled Worker" visas, it is necessary to confirm whether the applicant meets requirements such as exams, work experience, and Japanese language proficiency.
Check if your desired job is eligible for this visa
Visa types are classified according to the type of work and the level of education and skills required.Therefore, not all jobs can be done with the same visa.
For example, "office work/occupations that utilize specialized knowledge" such as hotel front desk staff, sales, clerical work, and interpreting are eligible for the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa (Technical Person Visa)."
These jobs require you to apply the knowledge you learned at university or vocational school to your work, so your academic background and expertise are the criteria for evaluation.
On the other hand, jobs that involve simple, hands-on work and do not require a high level of education or specialized knowledge, such as cleaning rooms, serving food, and assisting in the kitchen, are often eligible for the "Specified Skills Visa."
These jobs require work experience and passing a skills assessment test, but do not have any educational requirements.
- Jobs that require academic background or expertise ⇒ Skilled Worker Visa
- Jobs that emphasize practical skills (cleaning, nursing care, food service, etc.) ⇒ Specified Skilled Worker Visa
In this way, rather than "the job I want to do,"What visa will allow me to get this job?It is important to check the following points when choosing a visa.
Visa acquisition process and points to note
When you decide you want to work in Japan, the first thing you need to do is obtain or change your work visa.
There are several steps to obtaining a work visa:Accurate document preparation and cooperation with potential employersIs important.
The basic steps for obtaining a work visa are as follows:
Basic steps for obtaining a work visa
- Offer of employment and conclusion of employment contract
First of all, you must have already found employment in Japan. You must have signed a contract with the company and have a clear idea of the type of work you will be doing. - Application for Certificate of Eligibility
The employer will apply to the Immigration Bureau.Employment contract, company information, resume, educational certificate, etc. is required. - Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility and Applying for a Visa
Once you receive the certificate, take it to the Japanese embassy or consulate.Apply for a visa international success. - Issuance of entry and residence card
After entering Japan, you will be issued a "Residence Card" at the airport or other location, which will allow you to officially work.
Fine Staff supports international students who want to work in Japan
Even if you are interested in working in Japan, there are probably many international students who feel anxious about the language barrier, don't understand visas, or are worried about whether they will be able to continue working successfully.
We are here to resolve these concerns one by one and create an environment where you can work with peace of mind.A staffing agency specializing in the hotel and bridal industryFine Staff".
We can accommodate a variety of visas and have a long track record of employing foreign staff.
Fine Staff isA long track record of providing employment support for foreign nationalsWe have handled employment cases for various types of residence status, including Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, International Services visas, and Specified Skilled Worker visas.
Our specialized staff will also assist you in preparing the documents required for obtaining or renewing your visa!
You can feel free to consult with us so that you can easily obtain the visa that suits you.
If you are unsure about which visa is right for you, please feel free to consult with Fine Staff.
Practical and academic training system with continuous follow-up by a dedicated coordinator
At Fine Staff, we strive to ensure that each and every staff member can work confidently on-site.Training tailored to each hotel and job type before assignmentI am doing.
This training is a well-balanced combination of practical skills (demeanor, service etiquette, on-site work) and academic subjects (terminology, industry knowledge, Japanese language support), allowing even those with no experience to acquire a solid grasp of the basics.
Even if you're worried that this is your first job in Japan and you'll be able to do it properly, you can rest assured because you'll learn step by step during training.
Even after you start working, we continue to provide you with solid support.
At Fine Staff, we have a variety of hotel and workplace options."Dedicated Coordinator"This dedicated person will meet with employees regularly after their assignment and provide consultations, and will deal with any problems that arise immediately.
If you would like to know more about Fine Staff's training system,CLICK HERECheck out the article
No need to worry if you have no experience! What is the comprehensive training content for hotel and bridal dispatch?
"I'm interested in working in the hotel or bridal industry, but I'm worried because I don't have any experience..." If you feel this way, you can start with peace of mind with a staffing agency that specializes in hotel and bridal work.
High retention rate of foreign staff, making it easy to develop experienced staff
Because we have an environment where you can work for a long time with peace of mind,Fine Staff's foreign staff have a high retention rate and continue to improve their skills as experienced employees.There are many.
Coordinators also work closely with each employee's career plans, suggesting placements based on their wishes and offering advice on how to advance their careers.
Whether you are working in Japan for the first time or already have experience,An environment where you can feel safe working hereA major feature of Fine Staff is its well-organized system.
\We at Fine Staff will work with you to think about your future, including visas and work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We will explain some common points to be aware of when it comes to part-time work for international students and employment after graduation.
Q. What happens if I work part-time without permission while on a student visa?
→ Working without permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence permitted under the visa is illegal.で すIn the worst case scenario, your visa may be revoked and you may be deported.
Q. Can I do an internship with a student visa?
→ In principle, paid internships are treated the same as part-time jobs. Therefore, if you do not have permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence permitted under the visa, your internship may be considered illegal employment.
However, it is included in the university curriculum."Credit-accredited unpaid internship"In this case, you may not need permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence permitted by your visa.
Summary,
- Paid internships require permission to engage in activities outside of the scope of status of residence permitted
- Even for unpaid internships, you need to check the conditions individually (especially the work content and period)
Before applying, be sure to check with the school staff, immigration authorities, and the host company.
Q. I want to work for just six months after graduation. What visa can I use?
→ Yes, even for short-term employment contracts,If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a work visa such as a "Technical/Humanities Specialist/International Services (Technical Person) Visa"I can work.
It is common for a person to be granted a stay for only the period of the employment contract (e.g., a six-month contract with a six-month stay), or for a one-year stay.
However, you cannot work on a short-term stay visa. In principle, it is not possible to switch directly from a "short-term stay visa" to a "work visa" once you have entered Japan. The basic procedure is to return to your home country and then re-enter.
With a company or a staffing agencyemployment agreementThe visa status will be reviewed based on the job description, applicant's educational background and skills, etc.
- Even if you have a short-term contract, you can apply if the work meets the visa conditions.
- Prepare documents such as "Employment Contract" and "Notice of Working Conditions" Prepare documents for review in cooperation with the employer
- Need to collaborate with employers
If you'd like to work in Japan for a short period of time, or if you'd like to experience it for just six months, clarify your desired conditions early on and consult with experts, the company accepting you, or the dispatch company.
Summary | Working in Japan with peace of mind during and after your studies
So far, we have explained the visas required for international students to work part-time in Japan, how to work after graduation, and the important points to note about each.
While you are a student, you can work up to 28 hours a week if you have "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted," and after graduating, you can switch to a "Skilled Worker Visa" or "Specified Skilled Worker Visa."This opens up the possibility of working full-time.
"Visa procedures seem complicated..." "I'm not sure which visa applies to me..." Even if you have such worries, Fine Staff has a lot of experience in helping international students find part-time jobs and employment, so you can rely on us with confidence.
"I want to start by trying a part-time job" "I want to continue working in Japan after graduation" -- we are here to support international students, from choosing a visa to finding a job. Even if it's just a small thing, please feel free to contact us using the button below.
First, let me know how you feel about visas and jobs.!
We at Fine Staff will work with you to think about your future, including visa and work-related matters.
\Dream of working in Japan, Fine StaffでLet's make it happen together/
