Spouse Visas
If you wish to bring your family to Japan, you will be legally responsible for the entire immigration procedure on behalf of your spouse and family members. IUJ cannot be involved with your private affairs regarding your family in principle. IUJ can only give you basic information on this matter. Please consult directly with your embassy in Japan for further instructions.
- The student must establish residency in housing appropriate for their spouse and children. This is an off-campus residence if children are involved.
- You must have enough money in your back account to provide for the spouse.
- Spouses can work in Japan with a work permit. However, their purpose for coming here should be to support you, the student, and not for any kind of employment.
- The recommended timing would be to apply for the Depedent’s Visa in December, wait for it to be processed during winter term (it usually takes 3-4 months), and have families arrive in late March or early April.
| Document | Attachments | Obtainable from |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | From the immigration website | |
| 1 photo of the applicant(s) | You | |
| Proof of relationship | Family registration | You |
| Copy of your passport | You | |
| Copy of applicant’s passport | You | |
| Copy of Resident Record (Juumin hyou) | City Office | |
| Guarantee Letter | You | |
| Explanation Letter | You | |
| Certificate of enrollment at IUJ | OAA | |
| An Official Transcript | OAA | |
| Scholarship Award | OSS or Scholarship provider | |
| Bank Statement and Copies of Bank Book | ||
| Return envelop and stamp (470 yen) |
Notes:
- One photo of the applicant(s) (4cm x 3cm), taken within the past 6 months and the background is white or light blue. There can be no shadows or decorations in the photo, and it should be professionally printed (not printed on home equipment). Attach the photo on the application form; write the applicant name on the back of the photo.
- You must prepare the following documents assuming you are applying for the Certificate of Eligibility for your family. Required documents vary from each condition.
- Proof of relationship:
- Family registration “Koseki-Tohon”, marriage license or marriage receipt certificate, child`s birth certificate.
- Copy of the guarantor’s (your) passport.
- Guarantor’s (your) Certificate of Residents Card. You can obtain it at the City Office for 250 yen per sheet.
- Copy of applicant’s passport.
- Guarantee Letter by the guarantor (you):
The guarantor is you and you need to indicate this on a form (available at the OSS). You have to state in a guarantee letter that you will cover all of your spouses or family`s expenditure while living in Japan, and transportation fees from Japan to your home country, and that you are responsible for ensuring that the applicant will obey Japanese law. - Explanation letter:
Explain why and for how long your spouse or family will stay with you, and describe your living conditions. - In case your relatives agree to provide your living expenses, you need the following:
- Oath of financial support signed by the remitter (your relatives).
- Employment and income certificate of the remitter.
- Bank statement of the remitter.
- Documentary evidence of remitter’s relationship with guarantor (you).
- Evidence of remittance (copy of remittance notice, check, bankbook).
- All documents in foreign languages should be translated into Japanese. Other documents may be required by the officer in charge for precise screening. Application must be submitted in person or by a designated proxy. A proxy must be a relative of the applicant and ID must be shown.
The procedures takes a minimum 3 months and maximum 4 months. Calling to the officials will not help speed up the process.
We recommend you confirm these procedures with your embassy!