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Consultation content: Can a person who decided to get married soon after meeting obtain a residence status?
A Japanese man, Mr. A (30 years old), and a Thai woman, Ms. B (25 years old) got married. Mr. A met Ms. B while traveling in Thailand, and they 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. 60 days later, Mr. A visited Thailand again, completed the marriage procedures there, and after returning to Japan, submitted the marriage registration at the city hall in Japan. Mr. A has worked as a company employee for 20 years and has no problems with his income, but he came to consult about obtaining a residence status because he was worried about deciding to get married soon after meeting.
Checkpoint: Notes on applying for a spouse visa for marriages shortly after meeting
One standard is that a marriage within 90 days of meeting is called a speed marriage. In the case of a speed marriage, there is a possibility that the marriage may be suspected of fraud such as a sham marriage, and the Immigration Bureau will conduct a strict review.
When applying, pay particular attention to the proof of the substance of this marriage and the financial foundation.
1. Documents that objectively prove the length of the relationship
Prepare objective documents to promote the substance of the relationship and how well you get along.
2. Are there any problems with the language used to communicate between the couple?
An important point is whether the couple can communicate smoothly.
3. Approval and support from parents, friends, and acquaintances
Preparing documents that objectively show the approval of both parents and friends and acquaintances will give you an advantage in the review process.
A solution from an administrative scrivener: Obtaining a spouse visa for a marriage with an age difference
In this consultation, we talked to the couple about many things other than the speedy marriage (within 90 days), and they were people who I felt I wanted to support to the fullest so that they could live a very happy married life in Japan. Since there were no particular issues other than the speedy marriage this time, the focus of the documents etc. at the time of application was on why they had a speedy marriage, whether their married life has substance, whether they have the consent of a third party in their married life, whether there are any economic obstacles, etc., and we applied to the Immigration Bureau to appeal to them that their married life is substantial and will continue.
In order for couples who decided to get married on the first day of meeting to obtain a spouse visa smoothly, it is important to keep the following points in mind and proceed with preparations.
1.Avoid speedy marriages as much as possible
In conclusion, it may seem blunt, but avoid speedy marriages as much as possible. It is very understandable that you want to get married and start your married life as soon as possible, but in the case of a speedy marriage, the Immigration Bureau may suspect it to be a sham marriage and may take disadvantageous measures in the examination. Specifically, it is recommended that there should be at least 90 days between dating and getting married. In this case, we applied by asking in detail why the couple decided to get married quickly and enclosing a statement of reasons.
2.Obtain approval from parents, friends, and acquaintances. Submit as objective evidence.
Prepare photos of both families meeting, or photos of dining or traveling with friends and acquaintances. Proving that this marriage is one that has been approved and blessed by many people, and that it is a real marriage, will give you an advantage in the review process. More than 10 photos are required, and we had them prepare photos of them meeting various people, such as parents, acquaintances, and friends.
3.Holding a wedding ceremony
The couple in this case said they wanted to start their married life soon, and they were unable to hold a wedding ceremony due to time constraints, but they took their wedding photos at a photo studio in Tokyo. These photos may also be effective because they show that the couple really want to get married.
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 successful spouse visa acquisition even in a speedy marriage
Careful preparation is essential to get married and obtain a spouse visa within a day of meeting. In particular, it is important to prepare documents to prove the authenticity of your marriage and to 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 granted smoothly without any additional document requests. Even if you decide to get married within a day of meeting, aim for a successful visa application with thorough preparation.
