This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Who this article is forAn enquiry about a couple whose relationship becomes strained while they are preparing an application for a Japanese spouse visa.
It is not unusual for a couple to argue more while an application is pending. The burden of gathering documents, the pressure of proving that the marriage is real, the worry of not knowing the result, and the barriers of language and culture all come at once. Deciding who does what, and setting aside time to talk, can ease much of it.
An enquiry about a couple whose relationship becomes strained while they are preparing an application for a Japanese spouse visa.
Because stresses that are particular to the application period, and that you do not meet in ordinary married life, come all at once.
Screening is carried out strictly, in order to confirm that this is not a sham marriage. Showing your relationship through "evidence" can feel like a mental burden.
Not knowing whether permission will be granted, or when, puts stress on both of you. For a partner of foreign nationality who wants to keep living in Japan in particular, there is the great pressure of having their own future depend on the result.
It takes time to understand the Japanese documents and explanations about the procedure, and the misunderstandings and gaps in communication that arise there can also be a cause.
They sort into 3 kinds: a gap in understanding, irritation coming from worry, and a lack of cooperation. There is a way to handle each.
The Japanese side wants to finish the procedure quickly, while the foreign-national side dislikes being asked about private matters, or the other way round.
When you are told to send extra documents, or screening drags on, worry and impatience can make you take it out on your partner.
One of you handles most of the preparation, and feels that the other is not cooperating.
Treat gathering evidence as a chance to reaffirm your love, talk about the future, and use support from other people.
Worry about the procedure itself can become lighter when a specialist sorts it out for you. Please do get in touch from the preparation stage.
It is not unusual. There are stresses particular to this period: the burden of gathering documents, the pressure of proving that the marriage is real, worry about the future, and the barriers of language and culture.
It helps to decide concretely who does what, such as "which of us gathers this document" and "which of us handles the translation", and to put your thanks for your partner's help into words. Taking breaks between tasks matters too.
Share the situation as a couple, without hiding anything. Look into anything unclear together, or ask a specialist, so that a vague worry becomes something concrete and easier to plan for.
Set aside time to talk about what is causing the stress and why it feels that way, until you are both satisfied. Start from the premise that it is only natural to feel differently when you grew up in different cultures, and try to understand in the light of your partner's culture and customs.
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Get a free consultationThis article provides general information. Immigration rules change, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency website or consult a qualified specialist.
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Because it is a translation, the meaning may differ from the original in places. Where something affects a decision you are making, please check the Japanese version or ask us. The supervision by a 行政書士 is of the Japanese version.