Spouse Visa Applications

There is no published minimum income, but whether the couple can live in Japan in a stable way is an important part of the review. Besides the Japanese spouse's income, we can also explain the foreign spouse's expected income, savings, and support from family members you live with. When income is low, how the documents are put together makes a real difference. See also this article.

Neither is a reason for denial by itself. However, immigration will look more carefully at whether the marriage is genuine. It is important to show concretely how you met and decided to marry, records of your day-to-day communication, photos together, and that both families know about the marriage, and to explain your relationship carefully.

As a rule, a change from Temporary Visitor status is not permitted. It may be allowed when there are unavoidable special circumstances, such as a marriage that has already been legally completed. Temporary Visitor status is short and decisions often have to be made quickly, so please contact us as early as possible. See also this article.

Yes, you can reapply. Submitting the same application again will not change the result, though. We first confirm the reason for the denial at the immigration office, then prepare documents and explanations that resolve the problem before reapplying. Our office handles everything from analyzing the denial to the reapplication. See also this article.

A Certificate of Eligibility is usually issued about one to three months after filing, although some cases take longer. After it is issued, your spouse obtains a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad and travels to Japan. Including the time needed to prepare documents, it is safe to allow three to six months in total. The full process for couples abroad is explained in this guide.

Because a certified immigration application agent files the application, the applicant generally does not need to visit the immigration office. Meetings are held on Google Meet or LINE and documents are exchanged by mail and email, so you can use our services from anywhere in Japan or from abroad.

Yes. The Spouse or Child of Japanese National status has no work restrictions, so you can work in any occupation without hour limits. Note that if you divorce or your spouse passes away, you must notify immigration within 14 days, and if you have not lived as a spouse for six months or more, your status may be revoked. In that case you should consider changing to another residence status early.

At the time of the agreement, we receive half of the fee as a retainer. Please feel free to ask about the timing of the remaining payment or installments during the free consultation. Immigration fees, translation costs, postage and travel expenses are charged separately.

Consultations are held in Japanese. Shizuka Wakabayashi holds a Japanese-language teaching qualification and explains things in plain, easy Japanese. A family member or friend who can interpret is welcome to join the meeting.