another spousal visa question.

[FP]

Hi

Im in Japan currently on a tourist visa, while my fiance is Japanese. We are planning to get married this week. The thing is, were having a bit of trouble finding info on what steps we need to take for me to switch to a spousal visa.

Ive searched this site and a few others and have found seemingly contradictory info. My fiance called the japanese embassy today and they basically wanted to know how we are surviving ("how are you paying for food" direct quote) if we are both not working. wtf? She tried explaining that she will start working just as soon as this is all taken care of because once she accepts a job it wont be easy to take days off so we can run errands all over Tokyo.

I found one site that said I need to prove MY source of income ( bit of a catch 22 no? tourist visa/work?? ).

anyways, would you agree that what Mr Bildermann says in the quotes below is still accurate? Anything missing from his list?

Thanks in advance



Steve Bildermann quoth:

"Here are the documents you need from your wife.

All up to date (generally within the past six months)

Tax Certificate - Gensen choushu
Work Certificate - Zaishoku shomei
Family Register - Koseki touhon
Residence Certificate - Jyuminhyo
Letter of Guarantee - Mimotohoshousho

Plus

Filled in Application
Your Passport
Your Gajin registration

They may ask for photos of you both together at the wedding.

If you have the above then there should be no problems."

[Greji]

[quote/]Im in Japan currently on a tourist visa, while my fiance is Japanese. We are planning to get married this week. The thing is, were having a bit of trouble finding info on what steps we need to take for me to switch to a spousal visa.[/quote]

What is your Nationality? This is a different problem for each country. As you will find out, getting married legally in Japan is only a matter of going to the the city or ward office and having your name added to your wife's family register.

However, the administrative problems start with your own country. You really need to check with your own embassy. Each embassy has its own requiremeents which are basically set in place to satisfy what is needed for your wife's immigration to your country. Some steps can seem like a pain in the arse, but they are actually put there to help your wife get a visa and/or apply for citizenship in your country when you return home.

Here is the US Embassy requirements [url]http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7114.html

After you have satisfied these requirements you're are legally married in both countries. Then you must go to the immigrations office and apply for a change of visa status.

This change of visa status will require you to present paperwork similar to what has been recommended by Steve, but it is best to have your girl friend call immigrations to get the current requirements in case there has been any changes. The spouse of a Japanese type visa will take 2-3 months to process and should be good for three years, extendable for three more. If you were to be still residing in Japan after the six years, you could then apply for permanent residence without difficulty in being accepted. Be sure that after you apply for your visa change you notify your city or ward office. You need to keep them up to date on everything you do as they will be the issuing agency for the famous Alien Registration Card that once issued, you will then be required to keep stapled to your undies till you die.

Here is a marriage check-list that fukui Prefecture puts out that might help a bit [url]http://info.pref.fukui.jp/kokusai/tagengo1/html_e/konnatoki/5kekkon/a_koseki/konin.html

I hope this helps and good luck[/url for good luck and happiness deleted by server]

[6810]

Hey,

This topic was covered in detail over at gaijinpot. Check it out.

http://www.gaijinpot.com/bb/showthread.php?t=10925

[FP]

much appreciated

[amdg]

This change of visa status will require you to present paperwork similar to what has been recommended by Steve, but it is best to have your girl friend call immigrations to get the current requirements in case there has been any changes.

I don't know what the wife is going to say about the girlfriend getting involved. Sounds like trouble to me...