Hey guys, I came to Japan and got married in March. I then registered it with my country’s embassy in Tokyo. The plan was to then apply for a change to a spouse visa. From what I’ve read on various immigration lawyers’ websites, for such a change of status to be accepted, you must have an exceptional circumstance/reason.
I currently have all the documents for the application (including photos, texts, etc.) – I went with the status change application, not a COE, since that’s what the immigration lawyers seem to be going with.
I went to the immigration office yesterday to ask whether the financial documents I gathered were sufficient. Though, before that, the staff member was quick to point out that I’m on a tourist visa and changing status like this is not allowed, and hence, they could not take (受理) my application. After mentioning the clause regarding the “special circumstance”, I explained how me and my wife do not wish to separate so soon after marriage (which is true, and also what immigration lawyers have said in their past examples). She then asked me to wait whilst she went to the back with my documents. Once she returned, I was told that my application could now be taken in for processing, but that the chance of acceptance was low.
Perhaps I didn’t emphasise that we do not wish to separate so that we can start our life here in Japan. Would be grateful for any advice if you’ve gone through this recently.
If at all possible, I’d like to remain here without having to go back to my country and wait out months for an application.
I chose to not apply yesterday btw! We're going out of the country (not to my country of residence) for a honeymoon, and was advised to not apply until after I return as leaving the country while it's being processed would mean the application gets withdrawn.
by zenosn