Part-Time Job Salary in Japan for International Students

Wondering about the part-time job salary in Japan for international students? Finding part-time employment in Japan may be high on your priorities list. Even though part-time work won't be able to fully support your living and tuition costs, it does provide you with some breathing room.

You don't have the opportunity to live and study in Japan every day, after all! Besides, it's always a benefit to have some extra cash on hand to fully enjoy the experience. In addition to basics like regular food expenses and utility bills, Japan offers valuable experiences that you can only have there.

To make the most of these experiences, you will want to understand part-time job salaries in Japan for international students. After all, attending a movie or concert, buying a new outfit or food, learning to climb and surf, and hanging out with friends is just as much a part of college life as studying. So, let's get right into the nuts and bolts of finding part-time work in Japan!

Can International Students Work Part-time in Japan?

Students from other countries who are currently in Japan on a "student" visa don’t have automatic permission to work. However, they have the right to apply to work part-time so long as the job does not interfere with their university studies.

There are some limitations on what you can and cannot do with part-time work and your part-time job salary in Japan as an international student.

For starters, there are some limitations of the kinds of jobs you can perform. You can only work 28 hours a week as a student in Japan too. And finally, if you plan to work and study in Japan, you should restrict spending your earnings to cover the costs of your education and your living expenses in Japan. It is prohibited to invest money in a foreign business or send it abroad as a transfer.

Students need to get authorization from the Minister of Justice in Japan before they are allowed to work in the country. Your prospective employer, on the other hand, must inform the Government Employment Service Center for Foreigners of their intention to hire international students if they wish to do so.

If you work part-time without permission, you could face serious consequences, including deportation. This includes both criminal and civil penalties. Students may be subject to deportation if they engage in banned labor or work more than the number of hours permissible by law.

Applying for a Work Permit

When applying for a student visa, some international students have their applications sponsored by their university in Japan. In this particular scenario, the university sometimes takes on the role of locating part-time employment opportunities for international students. If they do not, however, you can still look into your options as long as you stick to the requirements and guidelines before applying for part-time employment.

Documents Required for Work Permit

• “Application for Permission to Engage in Activities Other than those Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted”- you can either download the form from the Bureau of Immigration Office website or pick one up in person
• A document that validates the activities things the student can do outside class. For instance, you could show a letter from your employer saying that they want to hire you
• A copy of your student visa
• Your passport
• Copy of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Student ID card
• Residence card
• Health card

What is the CoE?

Students in Japan get this document from the Ministry of Justice. This is the reason you should apply for a visa through your program as you can obtain one through your university. Obtaining a visa will be significantly simpler and quicker with a Certificate of Eligibility.

What is a Health Card?

National Health Insurance (NHI) is available to non-Japanese residents having residency cards (Zairyu Cards) who will be staying for more than three months. Hospitals and clinics in Japan do not accept foreign insurance. We advise getting NHI even if you have insurance through your own country.

Restrictions & Conditions to Work in Japan

With some restrictions, international students with student visas are permitted to work part-time. It's crucial to be aware that the Japanese government may punish you harshly, up to and including deportation, if you work a part-time job without a license. Even with a work permit, students are still subject to the following limitations and requirements:

• There is a weekly maximum of 28 hours that students may work.
• During school breaks, students may work 8 hours per day.
• Students cannot work in game parlors, gambling venues like Pachinko, or adult entertainment services like hostess bars or "Omise" in Japan.
• Your part-time salary in Japan as an international student can only be used to pay for your education and daily expenses in Japan; they cannot be set aside or sent overseas.
• Working part-time should not negatively impact your studies.
  
  

If you violate the terms of your visa, you will face difficulties in renewing it and, in the worst case scenario, will face deportation.

The combination of part-time work and a lack of focus on their education has led to a low rate of school attendance for some students. These students are unable to extend their stay in Japan and therefore need to leave the country.

So, even if you’re considering part-time jobs as an international student, remember not to let it poorly affect your academic commitments.

Steps You Should Take to Apply for Part-time Jobs in Japan

It is best to prepare yourself with the necessities before you start looking for part-time jobs nearby so that you won't run into any problems finding employment. Part-time job salary in Japan for international students sometimes depends on how the students are approaching the jobs and preparing themselves for certain fields. So here are a few guidelines to prepare for a part-time job in Japan:

1. Understand When You Can Begin Working

In Japan, you can't start working before your session starts! Therefore, if you arrive in Japan a few weeks before the start of your semester, you cannot work during this period. You also cannot work part-time as an international student until you have a work permit. Unlike other study abroad destinations like the UK and Australia, the student visa does not automatically give you work rights. You need to apply for this permit separately.

2. Create a Strong Resume

You may have already written resumes for college applications. But a resume seeking a job has a very different objective. The items on this document that you must highlight as a result are also different.

You must create a Japanese resume to apply for jobs in Japan. Unlike English resumes, which can be formatted in a variety of ways depending on the position, Japanese resumes, also known as Rirekisho, do not give many options and must be created using a particular structure.

Besides, some knowledge of Japanese is necessary for resumes. You should ask for help from a native speaker or use one of the ready-made templates on Google.

Employers are interested in your academic accomplishments, but they also want to see if your abilities and outlook on work align with the positions they are hiring for. If you have any prior or relevant employment experience, be sure to include it.

Do you possess any skill sets that an employer would find appealing as a result of your interests, extracurricular activities, or academic achievements? Highlight your abilities and experience that demonstrate these qualities.

Which of your high school accomplishments best exemplifies your desire and motivation? What activities or experiences best showcase your capacity for communication or creativity?

You may also come across certain businesses during your hunt for part-time employment that don't require a resume and just conduct interviews; these businesses typically offer more relaxed working environments. However, it is always advisable to use a resume for part-time work as it will make a good first impression.

We strongly advise seeking assistance from your university's career counseling office as well. They can assist you in coming up with creative ways to organize and frame your professional expertise and skills. They can also direct you towards work opportunities suitable for international students!

3. Cover Letter

It doesn't hurt to write a cover letter if you wish to go above and beyond. Compared to the more constrained structure of a résumé, this enables you to go into greater depth and detail regarding your suitability as an applicant. If you lack work experience, a cover letter allows you to highlight the abilities and drive you do possess to be a valuable employee.

Yet again, be sure to seek professional guidance as you create the greatest possible cover letter. We advise researching each employer you intend to apply to and tailoring your cover letter to their requirements. It's simple to customize a common cover letter template for several applications. Employers take note of and value the time spent writing a cover letter expressly for their company.

4. Japanese Contact & Security Number

Getting a Japanese contact number as early as possible is strongly advised, as the majority of organizations and businesses prefer to call directly and in an old-fashioned manner.

The Japanese government has a unique system that uses a little plastic card called ‘My Number’ to track a person's working hours, income, and tax returns. It contains a 12-digit number that represents a person's social security or tax number.

You will get a letter addressed to you with the subject "Individual Number Notice" if you intend to live in Japan for an extended time, such as while on a student visa. The My Number card combines data from various authorities into a single system. As a result, the government has access to information about your earnings, working hours, and taxes.

5. Bank Passbook

Since most salaries in Japan are transferred directly to bank accounts, you should open a Japanese bank account as quickly as you can. A few employers may pay you in cash, but it's best to get a Japanese bank account as soon as possible.

6. Learn How to Ace the Interview

In most cases, getting the job you want involves doing well in the interview. An employer can only learn so much about you from your CV and cover letter. You want to show the best possible version of yourself during an interview.

Come dressed for the occasion; shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are not appropriate. Be courteous and kind to one another. Companies hiring students for part-time positions understand that you probably aren't up to speed on all the protocols for acting in a business setting.

However, people will see the value of your efforts because of how they portray your work ethic. Some of the things we recommend doing to get yourself interview-ready are:

• Check out the business

It would be ideal if you had a connection to someone already employed there. Tips on how to respond to the kinds of questions you might get at various corporations and organizations can also be found frequently in online forums and social media posts.

It's not uncommon for businesses to test your familiarity with their industry. For example, if you’re trying to get a job at a cafe or restaurant, they may ask you to describe your favorite item from their menu to test your knowledge of the business.

• Practice answering interview questions
  

Interview practice can help whether you're applying to one or many places. Knowing what to expect helps you stay cool and communicate correctly. It also prepares you for future interviews when you work full-time.

There are plenty of online interview tips.. Again, use your university's career counseling services since nothing beats one-on-one training. Your university may offer interview sessions and other support. Sign up for them all—they help you be calm, composed, and professional in interviews. This is especially helpful because the Japanese work and career culture is unique and the pointers can help you boost your chances of getting the job.

• Speak confidently 
  

Interviewers will notice your communication skills. Practice typical interview questions to answer confidently. English speakers and competent communicators are sought for many part-time jobs. For the jobs that need you to be conversationally capable in Japanese, start brushing up on your language skills - especially if you are in a Japanese language school. Check out your university's career counseling services for interview coaching to improve your chances of success.

How to Find a Part-Time Job?

There are a variety of legitimate jobs available to those with a valid student visa and work authorization in Japan. Several websites and online publications regularly feature part-time employment opportunities for foreigners and international students. Here are only a few examples:

• Work Japan
• Hello Work
• Gaijinpot Jobs
• Daijob.com
• Indeed
• Townwork
• Department of student affairs in a university or college
• Magazines and newspaper ads
• Referrals from acquaintances and friends
• Job placement services
• Billboards at a university, a college, or a residence hall
  
  

Part-Time Job Salary in Japan for International Students

The minimum wage in Japan is 1000 Yen or USD 7 per hour, though this can vary a little depending on the city or area you live in. Also, keep in mind that the minimum average pay rises following increased living expenses in cities.

The hourly minimum salary in Tokyo is 1,041 Yen or USD 8 per hour for students. You could be able to earn more money if you can find teaching positions. Even students who barely know Japanese can find plenty of part-time work in Japan. You only need to be aware of the opportunities where you are capable of performing.

Hourly Salaries of Part-Time Jobs in Japan

What Part-time Jobs to Avoid

Always remember that you have several employment limitations because of your student status. Before you apply, it's crucial to be aware of the employment that students in Japan cannot take part in. Even though you are a student, you are not permitted to participate in job postings that are associated with adult entertainment. These positions would consist of the following:

• Bars
• Host clubs or hostess bars
• Video game arcades
• Pachinko parlors or Gambling venues
• Love hotels
• Video stores or adult products
• Massage clinics
• Everything pertaining to the sex industry

You see what we mean - working at these places is prohibited even if your role is otherwise acceptable in other industries. This involves working as a server, cook, or janitor at any of the above establishments! Your right to stay and study in Japan will be put in danger if you accept employment in these fields! Contact your school if you have any concerns about your work, and they can tell you whether it is permitted or not.

Things to Avoid While Looking for a Job

There are various factors to take into account when searching for a job. There are frequently a ton of job advertisements accessible when you are looking for a career in Japan. So here are some of the things that a student should avoid while looking for a part-time job in Japan-

• Job posting guaranteeing interviews for all applicants regardless of their application materials
• A job posting where academic performance is irrelevant
• Urgent hiring - In the majority of situations, it is a good idea to consider why an employer needs to recruit someone right away in the first place.
• Be wary of scams and frauds. Whilst studying in Japan, several study-abroad agents have been disseminating false information about enticing positions with big salaries
• Never lend or sell your possessions or ID to anyone
• Lending anyone your documents or bankbooks
• Don’t meddle with a crime. Foreign students are a frequent target of organized crime schemes. They will pay you for small jobs.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is it the right time to look for a job in Japan?

The ideal time to switch careers is contextual, meaning that it varies depending on factors including the sector, position, and environment of employment. March, September, and December are consistently the three months of the year with the biggest number of jobs openings.

What is the minimum wage in Japan for a part-time job?

Working part-time, you can make 3,000 yen (approximately USD 27) per hour. The average hourly income is roughly 1,000 yen (about USD 7).

Can Bangladeshi students work part-time in Japan?

The short answer is yes, you can! Bangladeshi students, just like all international students, may be eligible to work part-time in Japan as long as they adhere to the terms and requirements we outlined above.

Our Concluding Thoughts

The ability to prove financial support for your time spent in Japan's educational institutions is a requirement for obtaining a student visa. However, a part-time job's extra cash flow might do wonders for your budget. It's a terrific way to gain valuable job experience while also helping you pay the bills and have some spending money left over to make the most of your time in Japan.

Employers are always interested in seeing a candidate's work history on a resume. It's a good financial move that also helps you get ready for the real world. You learn the kinds of hard and soft skills that are in demand from the workforce, and you expand your horizons in the process. Plus, working in one of the world's most advanced economies is an opportunity you shouldn't pass up. The part-time job salary in Japan for international students is a nice bonus.