Explained in plain English! British spouse visa and its examination period
International marriages are increasing in Japan. When an international marriage takes place in Japan, a foreigner can obtain a “spouse visa. Here, we will explain about the spouse visa for British nationals and its examination period.
What is the process of international marriage with a British national?
There are two ways for a Japanese and a British national to get married: the “Japanese-style” marriage, in which the couple marries in Japan first, and the “British-style” marriage, in which the couple marries in the United Kingdom first.
In the Japanese method, first, the necessary documents for an international marriage are confirmed at both the Japanese and British public offices. Next, you will receive a “Declaration of Marriage Requirement” at the British Embassy or Consulate-General in Japan. Then, submit the “Marriage Certificate” to the local municipal office in Japan. The “Marriage Certificate” issued in Japan is considered valid under the laws of the United Kingdom, so there is no need to go through the marriage procedures again in the United Kingdom.
In the same way, the same documents required for an international marriage are to be confirmed at both the Japanese and British public offices. Next, the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in the UK will obtain a “Certificate of Legal capacity to contract marriage” for the Japanese national. Then, you will go through the marriage procedures at a church, registry office, etc. in the UK. The marriage will then be processed at the Japanese Embassy in the UK or at a Japanese municipal office.
Types of Spouse Visas and Examination Periods
When a married Japanese and British couple reside in Japan, the British husband or wife can obtain a “spouse visa” if they meet certain requirements.
There are two types of spouse visas.
The first is an application for a Certificate of Eligibility. This is to be applied for when the British husband or wife is still in their home country and will be living in Japan. In this case, the examination period from the application to the actual approval of the spouse visa is about 1 to 3 months.
The second is an application for a change of status of residence. This is an application for a change of status of residence to a spouse visa for a British national whose husband or wife is already living in Japan. In this case, the examination period from the application to the actual change of status to Spouse Visa is about 2 weeks to 1 month.
However, the above mentioned period is only the “standard period”. If there are any deficiencies in the documents, it will be necessary to make corrections, which will take more time. Also, if you do not meet the requirements for a spouse visa, you will have to withdraw your application and re-apply after you have met the requirements.
What are the criteria for obtaining a spouse visa?
The criteria for a British husband or wife to obtain a spouse visa is that they must first be married under the laws of both Japan and the UK.
In addition, the couple must be able to lead a stable and continuous life in Japan. To this end, the couple must have a stable job and the skills to do so, as well as a certain amount of assets.
Summary
The type of application and the “examination period” from application to approval for a spouse visa for British nationals differ depending on whether they are going to live in Japan now or have lived in Japan until now. In addition, whether the couple can lead a stable life in Japan in the future is a requirement for a spouse visa.
