Certificate of Eligibility

Hi there,

We're finally emigrating to Japan in January (8 years and 3 kids later!) and I need to get a spousal visa. I've been preparing a list of everything that must be done beforehand and have only just learnt of the certificate of eligibility.

Due to how long it can take, I'd rather submit the application way ahead of time so that we don't need to worry about it. My question is; how long is the certificate valid for after successfully obtaining it?

Also, I had heard the certificate was 8 pages long, and was a way of smoking out sham marriages, but the form I downloaded is only 4 pages long, and is quite generic. Has the format changed?

Kind regards,

Karl

Note that depending on your country of residence it may be possible to apply for a spouse visa without a CoE. It won't necessarily make the process shorter, but it will probably make it simpler since you will only be talking with your local Japanese embassy, as opposed to with the immigration bureau in Japan.

A CoE is valid for three months after it is issued.

Those 4 pages are just the basic appkication form without all the supporting documents that can and will be requested.

I'm from, and live in the U.K.

I'm seeing two conflicted bits of information on the matter - one states that a COE is a requirement (http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/index_000076.html)

The other states that a COE can be submitted as an alternative, and will require no further documentation, but that a Visa application can just be made outright. (http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/index_000074.html)

I'm guessing this will be dependant upon whether I have a job waiting for me, or large cash reserves to dip into?

The first page you linked is very general, it just describes the "standard" workflow to get any type of visa: first get a CoE for your desired status of residence, then apply for the corresponding visa.

There are exceptions, however, when it is possible to apply directly for a visa.

I need to get a spousal visa

It will be much more easy if you ask some help from your Japanese wife.

It will be much more easy if you ask some help from your Japanese wife.

Why? Japanese people for obvious reasons are not usually familiar with japanese visa procedures.

I said SOME help. I did not say let her do all the paperwork.

My wife had been looking, but it didn't clear it up much - just added more questions. I will give the Japanese embassy a call.

Thanks for the help!

here it is.
Japanese understand it.
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/ZAIRYU_NINTEI/zairyu_nintei1.h...
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-1-1.html

problems are that you, both, don't have income certificates (in Japan).
最寄りの地方入国管理官署にお問い合わせ下さい。
I think that your wife's parents support is necessary to process it. they can call immigration office in Japan.
here is some information.
http://hide0110.com/2016/0115/224806/

an example how to write.
http://work-visa.jp/how-to-write/certificate-of-eligibility-of-spouse-...

Thanks Ken!

I'll have my wife look over it just in case.

I went to the consulate today and enquired, and they said I don't need a COE, and gave me a list of what I need in support of my visa application.

Thanks all!