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Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than Permitted

If your status of residence doesn't include work (e.g. Student or Dependent), get this permission before taking a part-time job. Students may then work up to 28 hours a week.

1 min readChecked against official sources 2026-06-14

Contents

  • Steps
  • What to bring
  • Official sources

If your status of residence doesn't include work (e.g. Student or Dependent), get this permission before taking a part-time job. Students may then work up to 28 hours a week.

Where: Immigration Services Agency (Regional Immigration Bureau) · When: Before you start working. You can apply at the airport on first arrival, or any time at the immigration bureau.

Steps

  1. 1Confirm your status can apply (e.g. Student, Dependent) and the work isn't an excluded type (e.g. adult entertainment).
  2. 2Submit the application at your regional immigration bureau, or together with another residence application online.
  3. 3Once granted, the permission is recorded on the back of your residence card.

What to bring

  • ▢Residence card
  • ▢Passport
  • ▢Application for permission to engage in activity other than permitted
  • ▢Documents describing the intended work (when individual permission is needed)

Official sources

  • Immigration Services Agency - Permission to engage in activity other than permitted↗ (opens in a new tab)
Working beyond what the permission allows (e.g. over 28 hours a week as a student) can jeopardise your status of residence and future renewals.

Information, not advice

This guide is general information only — not legal, administrative, tax or other professional advice, and not a filing service. Rules and procedures can change; always confirm with the official window or website. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or contact the relevant government office directly.

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2026
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