Hello. I’m Nakajima, in charge of applying for relationship-based VISA.
"What kind of foreigner working at a convenience store?" I am often asked this question. Recently, it's not uncommon to find a store where the staff working at convenience stores are all foreigners. Everyone is good at Japanese and they are working hard, so I'm really impressed. Now I introduce what kind of people they are!
Status of residence
・ Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of
Permanent Resident, Long Term Resident (no activity restrictions)
・ Persons staying in a status of Dependent who have obtained permission to engage
in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously
granted (working hours: within 28 hours per week)
・ International students who have obtained permission to engage in activity other
than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
(working hours: within 28 hours per week)
How to know your status of residence
You can check your status of residence on your residence card.
(* You cannot work at a convenience store with a status of residence other than those mentioned above, such as "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" or "Technical Intern Training".)
What is permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted?
To the extent that it does not interfere with the original activity status, you can engage in a activity that receives a reward that does not belong to that activity.
The reason why there is a time limit is that it does not interfere with the activity of the original status of residence.
If you would like to obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted, you should apply for immigration bureau.
What is their motivation to work at a convenience store?
It seems Customer service makes it easy to learn Japanese and they can manage time easily.
A new status of residence called "Designated Activities (Graduate from a university in Japan)" was also created. I think that more and more people will be able to play an active role in the convenience store industry in the future.
Along with this, it is important for Japanese people who employ foreigners to understand the system.
Please be careful not to violate the law and be careful not to take part in illegal work without your knowledge!
I think that the system is complicated and information is not widely spread.
If you have any concerns about status of residence, please consult us, a Certified Administrative Procedures Legal Specialists (Gyouseishoshi lawyer).
Thank you for reading.
