The range of activities in which foreign residents may be engaged while in Japan is determined by their given status of residence. To be employed and paid in Japan, the types of jobs you are allowed is limited according to your status of residence. If you wish to take a job that is not allowed within your residential status, you are required to obtain permission to engage in activity other than that permitted (shikakugai katsudo kyoka) from the immigration office.

If you wish to prove to your prospective employer your eligibility for a certain job under your states of residence, you may apply for a certificate of authorized employment (shuro shikaku shomeisho) at the immigration office.