So I'm a US citizen, 3rd gen through my grandmother (father's side). I go to Japan yearly to train (martial arts and stunt work) but as of late, I've been trying to stay longer to make the most of it. Because of that, I'm trying to get the Sansei Visa. My grandmother still has her Koseki-Tohon and her marriage certificate with my grandfather. I have plenty of evidence of proof of income and still have a few family members from my grandmother's side of the family still in Japan.
However, my PARENTS were never married, which is listed on the websites I've looked at (amie-visa.com and moi.go.jp) as a requirement. I emailed the Japanese Consulate General in the US and they said, quote, "One of the required documents for long-term visa as third-generation Japanese American is your parent’s marriage certificate. For this reason, we believe you are not qualified to apply for it unfortunately." I want to try going directly to the immigration office in Japan, but I'm not sure if it would make a difference anymore, if that's what the CG had to say about it…
Has ANYBODY had this issue? Can I not use a birth certificate, which lists my father's name as a parent, to prove I'm 3rd gen? I can't find anything about this anywhere, but I'd find it REALLY disheartening if I can't apply simply because my parents were never married 🙁
by Nargulmin