Dependent VISA question

I know that the JET program will allow you to get a dependents visa for your spouse to come with you, but does that still apply to same sex marriages since they are not yet legal in Japan? I know they have a domestic partnership status for same sex couples but would they recognize a same sex marriage from overseas?

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  1. So there have been cases where a same sex spouse can get a dependent visa. It’s not exactly standard operating procedures. Not yet at least. And in the context of JET specifically it’s unlikely to be granted since Japan effectively doesn’t recognize your spouse as a dependent. The cases I’ve heard of are high level corporate transfers to Japan likely with the legal resources to navigate around the lack of recognition.

    Certain municipalities in Japan have some limited recognition of domestic partnerships but in general it’s best to assume that same sex relationships are not recognized in Japan at all.

    I’m not aware of any cases where JETS were able to bring a same sex spouse over on a dependent visa. Thus may change going forward so would be happy to hear if anyone has had a different experience recently, but for now it seems the answer is no.

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