JapanCan I work while refugee application is pending?
Yes, you may work in Japan while your refugee application is pending — but only after receiving a 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted' from the Immigration Services Agency, and only if you have held valid residence status continuously for at least 3 months.
What the Law Says
Japanese immigration law allows certain foreign nationals awaiting refugee status determination to apply for permission to work — but only under strict conditions set by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Under Japanese law, a foreign national who has applied for refugee status does not automatically receive the right to work. You must first hold a valid residence status (e.g., 'Temporary Visitor', 'Student', or 'Dependent') and maintain it continuously for at least 3 months before applying for work permission.
The Immigration Services Agency may grant a 'Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted' — commonly called a 'shikaku-gai katsudō kyoka'. This permission is required even for unpaid internships or volunteer roles involving responsibility.
The initial permission is typically granted for up to 90 days and may be extended for up to 1 year at a time, depending on the progress of your refugee application and your compliance with immigration requirements.
Statutory TextA foreign national who has applied for recognition as a refugee … may be granted permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted, provided that the foreign national has maintained a status of residence continuously for a period of not less than three months.
— Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, s. 22-4 — Permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted
Statutory TextThe Minister of Justice may grant permission … if the foreign national satisfies such requirements as prescribed by the Ministry of Justice Ordinance.
— Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, s. 22-4(2)
What to Do
Ensure you have held a valid residence status (e.g., Student, Dependent, or Designated Activities) continuously for at least 3 months.
Submit Form No. 26 ('Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted') to your local Immigration Services Agency office.
Include supporting documents: passport, residence card, refugee application receipt, proof of residence status history, and explanation of intended work.
Wait for approval — processing usually takes 1–2 weeks; no fee applies.
Once approved, carry both your residence card and the permission notice when working — employers must verify both.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.