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Consultation content: The impact of age difference and short-term marriage on spouse visa application
We will explain the case of a Japanese man, Mr. A (40 years old), and a Thai woman, Ms. B (25 years old), who got married. Mr. A met Ms. B while traveling in Thailand, became close on the same day, and decided to get married in just one day. After that, they continued to contact each other through social media, and Mr. A proposed marriage on social media. Three months later, Mr. A visited Thailand again, completed the marriage procedures there, and after returning to Japan, submitted a marriage registration at a Japanese city hall. Mr. A has worked as a company employee for 20 years and has no problems with his income, but he is concerned about applying for a spouse visa due to concerns about the age difference and the fact that they decided to get married in just one day after meeting.
Checkpoint: Precautions for spouse visa applications regarding age difference and short-term marriage
When applying for a spouse visa, marriages with an age difference of 15 years or more or speedy marriages may be suspected of fraud, such as being a sham marriage. Be especially careful when applying for this marriage, such as providing proof of the actual marriage and financial foundation.
1. Credibility of a marriage with an age difference
If there is a large age difference, the credibility of the marriage may be questioned. It is important to briefly explain how you got married.
2. Reasons for the decision to get married in a short time
You will be asked to explain why you decided to get married in a short time after meeting. In particular, briefly explain why your relationship developed so quickly.
3. Evidence of communication
Evidence showing the communication leading up to the marriage is important. Organize your SNS and message exchanges.
4. Parental consent and support
Evidence showing the consent of both parents will also be advantageous in the review. Prepare the necessary documents.
5. Financial stability
It is important to prepare documents that prove that your income and living base are stable.
A solution from an administrative scrivener: Obtaining a spouse visa for a marriage with an age difference
In order for a couple with an age difference who decided to get married on the first day of meeting to smoothly obtain a spouse visa, it is important to prepare by keeping the following points firmly in mind.
1. Creating a detailed questionnaire
f there is an age difference or they met in a short period of time, it is very important to prepare a document that explains in detail the history of the relationship. In particular, “how they got married,” “whether they had an introduction,” and “whether they had a wedding ceremony.”
Ask each of A and B about their actions on the day they met and the changes in their emotions at that time, and create an explanation from both their perspectives. In particular, by specifically explaining the background to why they decided to get married just one day after meeting, you can increase the credibility of the marriage. This explanation is required to include in detail the history of the meeting, the changes in each other’s emotions, and the reasons why they got married in such a short period of time.
2. Organizing and submitting SNS exchanges
The communication on SNS from the time they met until they got married is important evidence that the two people actually built an intimate relationship. In order to appeal to the examiner’s credibility, organize the exchanges and submit them in an easy-to-read format. It is effective to organize a timeline of important messages and exchanges from the first meeting to the wedding, highlighting the key points.
3. Submit evidence of parental consent
To show that both parents agree to the marriage, attach screenshots of social media exchanges between the parents and a statement written by A’s parents. Such evidence shows support within the family and is very advantageous for visa applications. It is especially important to show that both families have a strong understanding and support for the marriage.
4. Prepare to prove financial stability
The applicant’s income and living base are stable, which is an important factor in visa screening. Prepare pay slips, tax certificates, bank balance certificates, etc. to show that you have a stable income. This will reassure the examiner and increase the chances of your application going smoothly.
Applicable status of residence: Spouse or Child of a Japanese National (commonly known as Spouse Visa)
The applicable status of residence in this case is “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”. This visa is necessary for foreigners married to Japanese nationals to live in Japan. When applying for a spouse visa, you must prove the authenticity of your marriage.
Summary: Key points for successfully obtaining a spouse visa even if there is an age difference
If there is an age difference and you decided to get married on the first day of meeting, careful preparation is essential to obtain a spouse visa. In particular, it is important to prepare documents to prove the authenticity of your marriage and submit evidence of your parents’ consent. By consulting with an administrative scrivener, you can prepare with these points in mind and apply for a visa with peace of mind. In the case of Mr. A and Mr. B, by submitting appropriate evidence and explanations, the spouse visa was smoothly granted without any additional document submission requests. Even if there is an age difference and you decided to get married on the first day of meeting, you should aim for a successful visa application with thorough preparation.
