I know it sounds like I just haven't done my research but I have done a ton. According to the Embassy of Japan's website you can apply for a spouse visa without a CoE if you have a reason why you can't obtain one. In my case my spouse doesn't have family in Japan any longer and it would be (in our opinion) an unreasonable burden for her to return on her own to try and get my CoE. We are moving to Japan early 2024.
Has anyone applied through their consulate to get a spouse visa without a CoE? How did it go? We would use a friend as our guarantor as it says on the site. I am going to call my consulate to ask but want to do some research here first.
Our other option we are considering is just moving from the US and changing my status once we are there but I'm not sure which option would be easier and less risky.
by anpanmanjapan