Switching from a Tourist / Short Term Visa to a Spouse Visa in Japan is generally not allowed. However, there are some exceptions. In this guide, we will cover the standard process, exceptions, potential risks, and why consulting an expert is recommended.
Basic Rule: Changing Directly is Not Allowed
In principle, you cannot change from a Tourist Visa to a Spouse Visa directly. The standard procedure requires you to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first and then visit a Japanese consulate in your home country to get a visa stamp. Only after that can you enter Japan as a spouse.
Reasons:
- Tourist Visas are intended for short stays with limited activities.
- The immigration authorities require proper documentation and processes to prevent misuse.
Exceptions: Cases When It May Be Possible
① COE Issued During Your Stay on a Tourist Visa
- If you applied for a COE from outside Japan and entered Japan on a Tourist Visa during the review period, and the COE is issued while you are still in Japan, you may be allowed to switch to a Spouse Visa.
- In this case, the standard step of visiting a Japanese consulate for a visa stamp can be skipped.
② COE Issued Right Before Your Flight
- If your COE is issued just before your flight to Japan, making it impossible to visit a Japanese consulate, you might be allowed to change to a Spouse Visa after entering Japan on a Tourist Visa.
- This is an uncommon situation, so confirming with immigration beforehand is highly recommended.
③ Humanitarian Considerations
- In exceptional cases such as an imminent childbirth or urgent care for young children, immigration may allow a change to a Spouse Visa on humanitarian grounds.
Important Considerations and Risks
① Pre-Approval is Crucial
- Since these are exception cases, consulting with immigration beforehand is essential to avoid risks.
② Risk of COE Becoming Invalid
- If you enter Japan on a Tourist Visa without consulting immigration after the COE is issued, the COE may become invalid.
③ Low Success Rate for Applying COE During Tourist Visa Stay
- Applying for a COE while staying on a Tourist Visa and expecting it to be issued within the 90-day period is highly unrealistic.
- COE processing usually takes about three months, making this scenario very unlikely.
④ Risk of Overstay and Penalties
- If you stay on a Tourist Visa waiting for a COE and do not book a return flight, you might face last-minute issues.
- Overstaying leads to significant penalties, so plan your stay carefully.
Consult an Expert
Since these are exception cases, it is advisable to consult with a visa expert to ensure a smooth and lawful process.
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