Questions About the Certificate of Eligibility: Why Does the Spouse Visa Take So Long?
The “Spouse Visa (Spouse of a Japanese National, etc.)” takes longer than other residence statuses from application to issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility. This article explains the basics of the spouse visa, why it takes time, and key points for shortening the review period.
What is a Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa is the visa required for a foreign spouse legally married to a Japanese national to live in Japan. Its official status is “Spouse or Child of Japanese National.” To bring a foreign spouse residing overseas to Japan, the spouse in Japan must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. After it is issued, the spouse must then obtain the visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.
A key feature of this visa is the absence of employment restrictions; holders can generally work in any occupation. While this offers high freedom in daily life, it also makes the visa susceptible to abuse through “sham marriages.”
Consequently, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) rigorously examines the validity of the marriage after application. This involves verifying not only that the marriage registration was accepted but also scrutinizing the relationship history, cohabitation plans, financial foundation, and other multifaceted aspects.
Reasons for Long Processing Times
Obtaining the “Certificate of Eligibility” for a spouse visa takes longer than for other visa types. The primary reason is the need for careful judgment regarding the “authenticity of the marriage.” Particularly detailed scrutiny tends to occur when the relationship duration is short or there is a significant age difference between spouses.
Furthermore, the large number of required documents is another factor contributing to the time required. Depending on individual circumstances, additional materials may be requested, such as questionnaires, statements of reasons, photographs, remittance records, and communication logs. Reviewing these documents requires considerable time.
Additionally, immigration office congestion depending on the application period and requests for corrections due to incomplete documents also contribute to the review time. Once a correction is requested, the review is delayed accordingly, often adding several months to the process.
How to Shorten the Time?
The best way to minimize the processing time for a spouse visa is to submit well-prepared documents at the application stage. Specifically, it is crucial to clearly explain the timeline of your relationship from dating to marriage and to appropriately attach objective evidence such as photographs and communication records.
Additionally, explaining income and living expenses is a key point. If the Japanese sponsor’s income is unstable, supplementing with savings or details of family support can alleviate the immigration office’s concerns.
Furthermore, consulting with a professional, such as an administrative scrivener, before applying can often help avoid points that frequently lead to rejection. This can prevent the need for corrections or re-applications, potentially shortening the overall processing time.
Summary
Spouse visas offer greater flexibility compared to other visa types, which tends to prolong the review period for the Certificate of Eligibility. However, meticulously proving the reality of the marriage and the established living foundation through documentation should prevent unnecessary delays. Qualified, accurate preparation and a professional perspective are the surest path to smooth approval.
