I was preparing documents to change my current (non-working visa) to a spouse visa and got confused by the [official document change of status of residents](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/spouseorchildofjapanese01.html?hl=en) and was wondering if some of you remember what is necessary to fill in here. If no-one knows, I will call immigration office and ask and edit their answer in here so it remains useful for others in the future.
In particular, I am confused about:
* **Desired status of residence** \- Is it important to distinguish here between “Spouse Visa” or more specific data, such as “Spouse of Japanese National”?
* **Period of Stay** \- Can I just enter the maximum of 5 years or will this harm my application? As I read many times that the first application will always only be granted for max of 1 year. So maybe I should not enter 5 years?
* **Reason for change of status** \- Not sure what they mean here. Is just “Marriage” legit? Found the question somehow weird. I want to stay longer and my current visa doesnt allow me to so… Maybe just “want to live with my wife”? Or are those reasons not sufficient to grant the visa?
* **Intended Place of work / income** \- I am currently employed abroad but they allow me to stay in Japan. I am associated with a research institution here but not employed. I thought for that visa I do not need to be employed in Japan. Im on the cultural activities visa. I could provide contact details about my the institution I am at (but again, I am not employed there). In such case, what am I supposed to enter here, just leave it blank? I know I have to show a way to support myself while in Japan and I can proof my income from abroad but not sure if that works. We had the plan that my spouse will be my supporter/guaranter to simplify this for the immigration office.
Thank you everyone in advance.