International Marriage in Sendai & Miyagi｜Key Points for Spouse Visa Applications and How to Avoid Denial
For Those Considering International Marriage in Sendai and Miyagi
If you plan to marry a foreign partner in Sendai or Miyagi and start your life together in Japan,
you will need to apply for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” visa.
However, this visa is not automatically granted just because you are legally married.
The immigration office carefully examines whether the marriage is genuine.
What Immigration Looks for: Key Elements of a “Genuine Marriage”
1. The Story of Your Relationship
Immigration officers review in detail how the couple met, how the relationship developed,
and why they decided to marry.
Because fraudulent marriages arranged by brokers have existed for many years,
the immigration office must ensure your relationship is not a sham.
In your Relationship History Statement, explain clearly:
- Where, when, and how you met
- Why you began dating and how you felt at the time
- How often you met and how you maintained communication
- The key reason you decided to get married
2. Organizing Photos and Chat Records
The important point is not the quantity of evidence but the clarity and chronology.
- Arrange photos in chronological order with simple captions
- Include photos with family or friends when possible
- Submit only meaningful chat excerpts, adding short explanations if needed
3. The Couple’s Common Language
How the couple communicates in daily life is one of the most important factors in the examination.
- Provide documents proving language ability (Japanese, English, etc.)
- Show natural and consistent communication in chat records
Situations That Lead to Stricter Examination
1. Large Age Gap or Very Short Relationship Period
If there is an age gap of 15 years or more, or if the couple began dating recently,
immigration tends to examine the case more carefully.
In such cases, it is helpful to submit:
- Photos and explanations from family introductions or meetings
- Support letters from family members
- A clear explanation of why you chose to marry your partner
2. Either Partner Has a Previous Marriage
Previous marriages are always reviewed. Immigration pays particular attention to cases such as:
- A previous marriage that ended quickly
- Past marriage to another foreign spouse
- The foreign partner’s previous marriage lacking real cohabitation
If there is a divorce history, include a written explanation covering:
- The details and reason for the previous divorce
- Reflection on the previous marriage
- Why the current marriage is different and stable
3. The Foreign Partner’s Divorce Is Not Updated in Their Home Country
In some cases, although the foreign spouse is divorced in Japan,
their home country’s registry may still show them as “married.”
In such situations, you cannot proceed with a new marriage in Japan.
A valid certificate of single or divorced status from the home country is required.
Document Mistakes Can Lead to Visa Denial
Accuracy and consistency across all documents are extremely important. Be sure to check for:
- Incorrect spelling or inconsistent name formats
- Mismatched birthdates or addresses
- Missing information about past marriages or family members
Even small mistakes can raise suspicion of false statements,
so every document must be reviewed carefully.
Conclusion: Proper Preparation Greatly Improves Approval Chances
For international couples, obtaining a spouse visa depends heavily on the quality of the evidence submitted,
including the relationship history, photos, family involvement, and explanations of past marriages.
If you have concerns such as a large age difference, short relationship period, or divorce history,
consulting a professional early can significantly reduce the risk of denial.
If you are planning an international marriage in Sendai or Miyagi,
we can assist with preparing documents tailored to your situation and help guide you toward a successful application.
Please feel free to contact us via WeChat for a free initial consultation.
