Permission to work

In order to study at Tohoku University you all have been given the residence status of “College Student” (hereafter, “Student”). Under this status you are not permitted by Japanese law to undertake paid employment. However, you may take on part-time work (up to 28 hours per week, or up to 8 hours per day during extended holiday periods; working in adult entertainment and amusement businesses is not permitted) in order to supplement school or living expenses. If you need to work, you must complete an “Application for Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” form at the Sendai Immigration Office before you commence employment. In the case of those employed by Tohoku University as a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA), it is not necessary to apply for permission to work. Foreigners living in Japan under “Student” status do not require permission to engage in compensated activities that further their education or research and are performed under contract with the university at which they are enrolled.

Those residing in Japan under “Student” status who enter Japan through one of the airports that issues Residence Cards (i.e. Narita, Haneda, Chubu, or Kansai), can apply for “Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted” when first entering the country.
Those who do not apply at the airport when entering Japan can apply at the Sendai Immigration Office.