Spouse Visa Renewal: Job/Income Change.
The Status of Residence "Spouse or Child of Japanese National," commonly known as the Spouse Visa in Japan. When applying for or renewing this visa, the most crucial factor considered is financial stability. This is because the Immigration Services Agency (Immigration) checks whether the couple can independently maintain a stable livelihood for the foreign spouse to live in Japan.
What happens to the screening process if the Japanese spouse has changed jobs or taken a leave of absence at the time of the visa application or renewal? We will explain Immigration's perspective and concrete countermeasures regarding these situations, which often raise concerns about stability.
1. Basic Concept of "Stability" in Spouse Visa Screening
The financial stability sought by Immigration refers to having an economic foundation that allows the couple to continue living in Japan in the future.
The judgment is made comprehensively based on the overall household income trends, asset situation, and future outlook, not just temporary fluctuations in income. Therefore, the visa is not immediately denied solely because the Japanese spouse has changed jobs or taken a leave of absence. The key is to specifically prove that the livelihood can be maintained, even in an unstable situation.
2. Impact of "Job Change" on Screening and Countermeasures
If the Japanese spouse changes jobs, Immigration primarily checks the continuity of income and the stability of the occupation.
Points of Influence
| Application immediately after a job change |
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| If the person has recently changed jobs (especially if the length of service is less than a few months), the income from the new workplace may be considered unstable. |
| Significant decrease in income |
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| If the household income drops significantly due to the job change, concerns will arise about whether the standard of living can be maintained. |
Necessary Countermeasures
| Reliable proof of new employment |
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| Submit a certificate of employment and the employment contract from the new company to show that a stable job has already been secured. |
| Clear presentation of income status |
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| Submit recent pay slips, as well as a document detailing the projected income for the next year at the new workplace, to present a concrete income figure. |
| Explanation of a positive reason for the job change |
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| If the person has frequently changed jobs in a short period or if the income has decreased, attach a Letter of Reason (Explanation of Circumstances). It is important to carefully explain that the action was a positive step taken to build a stable life, such as for career advancement, improved work-life balance, or a change in work location. |
3. Impact of "Leave of Absence" on Screening and Specific Countermeasures
If the Japanese spouse takes a leave of absence due to illness, childcare, or nursing care, the income stops or significantly decreases. This becomes a major concern regarding "financial stability."
Points of Influence
| Cessation of income |
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| Since the salary will be zero or only an allowance from social insurance during the leave period, the source of living expenses is the biggest issue. |
| Outlook for the leave period |
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| If the leave of absence is expected to be prolonged, it tends to be judged that it is difficult to project the future maintenance of the livelihood. |
Necessary Countermeasures
| Proof of legitimacy of the leave and return to work |
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| Submit a doctor's certificate in case of illness, or a company's certificate of leave in case of childcare/nursing care, to prove that the leave is due to unavoidable circumstances. Furthermore, submit documents proving the scheduled return date and post-return conditions at the company to emphasize the prospect of stable income resuming in the future. |
| Proof to compensate for the income reduction is key |
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| Savings are the most persuasive proof in this situation. Submit a bank balance certificate and tax payment certificates for the past few years to specifically demonstrate that you can maintain your livelihood despite a temporary reduction in income, thanks to current savings and past income records. |
The Best Step to Alleviate Anxiety
Even if the Japanese spouse's employment situation changes, the visa will not be denied solely because of that. The important thing is to be honest about the change and not conceal it, and to provide evidence that the couple can maintain a livelihood even under unstable circumstances. Particularly for applications/renewals during a period of unstable income, the screening result can change significantly depending on how additional documents and the Letter of Reason are written.
If you feel even the slightest anxiety, consulting an Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) with specialized knowledge can help you take the best measures tailored to your specific situation.
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