International students can take part-time jobs only if they have “the Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Permitted under the Status of Residence” (資格外活動許可).
But even with this permission, there are strict hour limits—and going over them can have serious consequences.
How many hours can you work?
- During the school term: up to 28 hours per week
- During long school vacations: up to 8 hours per day (as defined by your school)
Important: The “week” isn’t Monday–Sunday. It’s ANY 7 consecutive days.
If you work Wed–Tue, those 7 days must still total 28 hours or less.
If you have multiple jobs, the combined hours count.
What happens if you go over?
Exceeding the limit is a serious violation and can lead to:
- Refusal of residence renewal
- Deportation procedures
- You may be unable to remain enrolled (suspension or expulsion)
- Negative impact on future employment, re-entry, or permanent residency
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to add up hours across multiple jobs
- Continuing vacation-time shifts after the break ends
- Not watching the sliding 7-day total (e.g., Thu–Wed)
Tip: Keep a simple hours log or use a time-tracking app. Review your 7-day total before accepting extra shifts.
Need help?
If you’re unsure about the rules or paperwork, you can apply on your own or ask a registered specialist (administrative scrivener) to handle it.
We can help with “the Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Permitted under the Status of Residence” 資格外活動許可 applications and hour-management guidance. Feel free to contact us.
