2025-11-29

When inviting a foreign national to Japan, a “Certificate of Eligibility” is required. The “Statement of Reasons” submitted with the application is a crucial document affecting the review outcome. This article clearly explains the purpose of the Statement of Reasons and how to write it effectively.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility?

A “Certificate of Eligibility” is a document issued to a foreign national by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) before they enter Japan. This certificate indicates the purpose for which the applicant intends to enter Japan and is reviewed based on the specific status of residence applied for, such as employment, study, or family stay.

For instance, obtaining this certificate before entry facilitates smoother procedures when bringing a foreign spouse married to a Japanese national to Japan or hiring a foreign national as an employee.

Since the certification process takes several weeks to months, the accuracy of the application details is crucial, and consistency across all documents is also highly emphasized. Particularly, the “Statement of Reasons,” submitted to supplement the application rationale, serves as a crucial document to convey the credibility of the application to immigration officers.

What is a Statement of Reasons?

A “Statement of Reasons” is a voluntary document submitted when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility. This document explains the background, purpose, and relationship between the applicant and the person being invited (the individual being brought to Japan). Specifically, it should address questions like “Why is it necessary to live or work in Japan?” and “How was the relationship with the inviting party established?”

This Statement of Reasons is not merely a formal document. Rather, it is crucial for immigration officers to assess the authenticity of the application.

Particularly for statuses like Family Stay or Japanese Spouse, explaining the couple’s relationship history and the family’s living situation becomes a key point of review. A well-written, persuasive statement creates a favorable impression during review and ultimately increases the likelihood of approval.

How to Write an Effective Statement

Two key elements are essential for an effective statement: “fact-based, concrete explanations” and “logical structure.”

First, concisely state the purpose of the application at the beginning of the document. For example, “to build a stable family life as a Japanese spouse.” Next, explain the circumstances leading to the application and the nature of your relationship to date in a concrete, chronological manner. Objectively detailing the duration of your relationship, how you met, and communication frequency enhances credibility.

Additionally, outline your life plans in Japan and financial foundation to demonstrate the ability to maintain a stable life. Finally, clearly state your “future prospects” and “sincere intention to live honestly in Japan.”

Above all, writing sincerely in your own words, rather than using formulaic expressions, will leave a positive impression on the immigration officer.

Summary

The Statement of Reasons submitted when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility is a crucial document for gaining the trust of the immigration officer. Prioritizing sincerity and specificity over formality, organizing the facts clearly, and conveying them understandably to the officer should result in a Statement of Reasons that leads to approval.