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Thorough explanation of how to apply for a marriage visa with a Korean national, with actual examples by an administrative scrivener. Also covers cases of change from student visa, application from overseas, and after returning to Japan.
Table of Contents
- Introduction｜Applying for a visa after international marriage, which one should I choose?
- Three key points of this article
- Case 1: Changing status of residence in Japan
- Case 2: Applying for a marriage visa from abroad
- Case 3: Couple who lived abroad and moved to Japan to apply
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- summary
- Free Consultation and Support
Introduction｜Applying for a visa after international marriage, which one should I choose?
I married a Japanese, but I don't understand the visa process..."
I want to invite my spouse from abroad or move to Japan with me."
To obtain status of residence after international marriage,Multiple routes depending on application timing and circumstancesThere are
In this blog, based on actual cases that I have handled as an administrative scrivener, I will divide them into the following three typical cases:
- Cases in which a foreigner residing in Japan (such as a foreign student) applies for a change of status after marriage
- Application case for Certificate of Authorization to invite a spouse abroad to Japan
- Cases in which a couple who lived abroad moves to Japan and applies for a visa
Three key points of this article
- Covers the three acquisition patterns for a marriage visa (spouse of Japanese national, etc.)
- Required documents and key points for screening with specific examples.
- Advice available to avoid disapproval from an administrative scrivener's practical perspective.
Case 1: Change of status of residence in Japan (foreign student → spouse visa)
Subject: Cases in which a foreigner (Korean student, etc.) who is currently residing in Japan marries a Japanese national and changes his/her status to "Spouse or Child of Japanese National".
Actual case
- Korean woman (foreign student) and Japanese man get married.
- Apply for change of status from student visa to "Spouse or Child of Japanese National".
- No economic activity
- Submit school attendance and transcripts, etc.
- Explain that she will live on her Japanese husband's income
- → Permission was granted in about 2 months after the application was filed at our office!
Administrative Comments:
In such cases, "stability of living" and "truthfulness of marriage" will be the key points for examination. Make sure to prepare proof of income and photographs on the Japanese side.
Main required documents
| Dossier Name | proposer | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Change of Status of Residence | the person himself | Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act |
| written inquiry | the person himself | Detail the history of the relationship. |
| official copy of the family register | Japanese people | Marriage listed |
| Marriage certificate (Korea) | Korean person | Japanese translation included |
| Proof of income and tax payment | Japanese people | Proof of financial strength |
| Attendance and grade certificates | the person himself | Proof of Student Achievement |
| Photographs, line, etc. | the two | Proof of Relationship |
*The above application documents are only some examples. Please confirm the application documents with the Immigration Bureau before applying.
Case 2: Applying for a marriage visa from abroad (application for issuance of a certificate of recognition)
Subject: When inviting a spouse residing in a foreign country to Japan. Japanese spouse applies to the Immigration Bureau.
Application Process
- Japanese spouse applies to the regional immigration office
- Examination period: 1.5 months for our application to be approved
- Upon approval, a "Certificate of Eligibility (COE)" is issued.
- Send COE to applicant via email
- Obtain visa at local Japanese embassy → Enter Japan
Main required documents
| Dossier Name | proposer | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Certificate of Eligibility | Japanese people | Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act |
| written inquiry | Japanese people | Details of dating history, etc. |
| official copy of the family register | Japanese people | marital status stated |
| marriage certificate | foreigner | with a translated text |
| Proof of income and proof of residence | Japanese people | Proof of Basis of Living |
| Snapshots, etc. | the two | Truthfulness of Relationships |
Administrative Comments:
This method is common for bringing in spouses from abroad. The certificate is valid for 3 months, so it is important to apply for it counting backward from the expected date of entry into Japan.
Case 3: Couple who lived abroad and moved to Japan to apply
Subject: Cases of Japanese and non-Japanese couples living together overseas who return to Japan and apply for a visa.
Features and Flow
- Married and lived abroad → Moved to Japan
- Foreign spouses enter the country for a short stay
- Certificate issued by a foreign embassy in Japan
- Application for change of status of residence with Japanese translation
Administrative Comments:
In this case, the "truthfulness of the marriage" is easier to prove because of the track record of living together abroad.
In many cases, the applicant was able to smoothly complete the application documents by obtaining marriage certificates and birth certificates from foreign embassies in Japan.
Caution: The application must be completed before the expiration date of the stay. In particular, switching from a short-term stay requires careful handling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for a visa right after marriage?
→ Yes, it is possible, but make sure you have proof of the relationship (photos, LINE history, etc.).
Q2: Is it a disadvantage if I am an international student and have no income?
→ No problem. It is no problem if you can prove the income of your Japanese spouse. It is important to explain your plans after marriage.
Q3. i would like to invite my spouse who lives abroad.
→You can apply for the COE Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Prior application to the Immigration Bureau is required.
Q4. can I get my documents at the Embassy of Japan?
→Yes, basically, a marriage certificate obtained from an embassy or consulate in Japan can also be used as an official proof of marriage.
(However, this may vary depending on the country of nationality. We recommend that you check with your embassy or consulate in Japan in advance.)
Q5. what happens if the application is not approved?
→It is possible to reapply based on the reasons. It is safe to consult a specialist.
summary
- There are three main patterns of marriage visas
- It is important to choose the right procedure for your situation.
- Preparation of evidentiary materials and documents is the key to success.
- If you are unsure, consult a specialist.
The marriage visa process requires more detail than one might imagine, including the preparation of documents and explanation of the circumstances.
However, in all cases, if you can "accurately convey the facts" and "carefully prepare", you will be able to obtain a firm permit.
As in the cases introduced here, there are many cases in which the application was actually approved smoothly, whether the applicant switched from a foreign student, applied from abroad, or after immigrating to Japan.
Let's make sure we take it one step at a time, in a way that is best suited to your situation.
Will it work in our case?" Please feel free to use kakaoTalk and online consultation.
Inquiry / Access
Horiuchi Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Office (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Attn: Administrative Scrivener Yukiko Horiuchi
Affiliation: Tokyo Gyoseishoshi Lawyers Association, Shinjuku Branch
Tokyo Immigration and Residency Management Bureau, Application Agency Gyoseishoshi Scrivener
Member of Foreign Employment Support Organization (FESO)
Access:
5-minute walk from Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
8-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line
12-minute walk from Okubo Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
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