how long to obtain spouse visa?

iam getting married to my japanese partner of 4yrs and would like to settle down in japan but i dont know how long the Japanese immigration takes to issue a spouse visa?

if you fill in all the required forms and hand in all the needed docs they require (the first time), the process is not long at all. it may take up to 4 weeks, sometimes quicker depending on # of applications. they will post you a postcard to let you know that the visa is ready and that you can go pick it up.

remember, there is a long list of troublesome documents to provide. eg. your husbands koseki (family registry)..

the immigration officers usually speak some english too so that maybe helpful.

congrats to you and good luck.

:-)