I want to change from a work visa to spouse. My current work visa, that I got in March is 5yrs, I previously had a 3 yrs one. My husband and I have been together for almost a decade but only got married early this year. Our salaries are not high but above the requirement, also I work for a Japanese company and he’s self employed. My goal would be to at least get a 3 year visa. Would it be wise to put my father in law as a guarantor even though we don’t really need him? He has a nice pension and is very precise and never skipped payments. I’m Italian I don’t know if nationality has any influence in the duration’s decision. I also always registered my address changes and what not. Do I have a chance at getting at least 3 years?
7 comments
Of course you have a chance. I went from a student visa to a spouse one without having a job. At first they gave me only one year, then another one, and the third time I already had a permanent job and could obtain the permanent residence. So I guess if you’ve already a job for a JPN company a visa for more than a year should be very realistic.
About the guarantor, I’m not sure and don’t know if it really makes a difference or not, but maybe putting your father-in-law is an extra positive point.
How long have you been in Japan? If you’re eligible for PR anytime in the next 3 years I would just wait and apply for that if you just got a 5 year visa. If you ever want PR in the future you need at least a 3 year visa to apply so it would be such a waste to throw away your 5 year visa now.
You have pros and cons. Going on a spouse visa gets you on the fast track to permanent residency, which you can achieve after about three years. Once you have that, you have your very own status of residency and no longer have the need for guarantors and paperwork and visa renewals and all that jazz.
And you can change jobs and work almost whatever you please on a spouse visa.
OTOH, if you’re on a spouse visa, you become dependent on your husband, and if your marriage turns sour (hopefully not), so does your visa.
So all in all I would likely take the path that gets me PR and rids me of the bureaucratic hobbles of any other visa the fastest.
Your spouse should be the one signing the guarantor letter since they are the Japanese National taking responsibility for you (not monetarily necessarily). Also no matter what just always put 5 years for requested time. worst case, they put you down to 3 or 1. If you’re married, have proof of marriage and proof of a relationship there’s no reason for you to not get a visa.
Also be aware that you’ll be liable for Exit Tax under Spouse Visa. This is relevant if you have assets (in/outside Japan) and if you’re planning to leave Japan sometime in the future.
Assuming everything’s well at home, there’s not much to say other than go for it. I got one year applying from overseas then 5 at my first renewal and going for PR when I can be bothered. It takes out a lot of unnecessary stress of life so don’t overthink it
You husband would be your guarantor.
It’s mostly a guarantee of character, not financial.