In principle, no.
If you are staying in Japan under Temporary Visitor status (short-term visa), you are generally not allowed to change your status to a Spouse of Japanese National visa while remaining in Japan.
Even if you get married during your stay in Japan, the standard procedure is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and complete visa issuance procedures at a Japanese embassy or consulate outside Japan.
Why Status Change from Temporary Visitor Is Normally Not Allowed
Under Japanese immigration rules, a change of status from Temporary Visitor status is permitted only when there are unavoidable special circumstances.
Simply getting married in Japan does not automatically allow a status change.
Likewise, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility while staying in Japan does not qualify as a special circumstance under current Immigration Services Agency guidance.
Applicants are normally expected to leave Japan and apply for a visa from outside the country.
Were Status Changes Possible in the Past?
In the past, there were cases where applicants successfully changed their status from Temporary Visitor to Spouse of Japanese National while staying in Japan.
However, this was never considered a standard procedure. Each case depended heavily on individual circumstances and immigration discretion.
Recent guidance from the Immigration Services Agency has clarified that obtaining a COE while staying in Japan does not itself justify a status change from Temporary Visitor status.
When Status Change May Be Considered
Status change from Temporary Visitor status may be considered only in limited situations where leaving Japan is genuinely difficult.
Examples may include:
- serious illness or injury
- childbirth-related circumstances
- humanitarian considerations
- other unavoidable situations preventing departure from Japan
Outside these kinds of circumstances, applicants are generally expected to follow the standard visa procedure outside Japan.
The Standard Procedure for Obtaining a Spouse Visa
The normal process for obtaining a Spouse of Japanese National visa is:
Step 1
Marriage registration is completed
Step 2
Application for a Certificate of Eligibility is submitted in Japan
Step 3
The COE is issued
Step 4
The applicant leaves Japan
Step 5
A visa is issued at a Japanese embassy or consulate
Step 6
The applicant re-enters Japan with spouse status
This is the standard and recommended procedure under current immigration practice.
Important Practical Advice
Some applicants believe that marriage in Japan automatically allows them to change their status from Temporary Visitor to Spouse of Japanese National without leaving the country.
This is not correct.
Under current Immigration Services Agency guidance, status change from Temporary Visitor status is treated as an exceptional measure and is not granted simply because a marriage has taken place or a Certificate of Eligibility has been issued.
Applicants planning to obtain a spouse visa should normally expect to complete visa procedures outside Japan.
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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