A Guide to Changing Your Status of Residence from a Work Visa to “Spouse of a Japanese National”
Change of Status from “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or “Specified Skilled Worker (i)”
Due to marriage,
there are many cases where people change their status of residence
from a work-related visa (such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services or Specified Skilled Worker (i))
to the status of residence “Spouse of a Japanese National.”
In this guide, we clearly and simply organize
the most common practical patterns, key points to watch out for,
and tips to improve the chances of approval,
so that even first-time applicants can understand with confidence.
① Is It Actually Possible to Change Your Status?
Conclusion: Yes, It Is Possible.
Regardless of the type of work visa,
as long as the following can be confirmed:
📌 a legally valid marriage, and
📌 a genuine, ongoing marital relationship,
you may apply for Permission to Change Status of Residence
to “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.”
If these requirements are properly demonstrated,
the change itself is legally permissible under Japanese immigration law.
② Main Statuses of Residence Eligible for Change
Common Previous Statuses of Residence
The most common statuses from which applicants change are as follows:
✅ Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
✅ Specified Skilled Worker (i)
✅ Skilled Labor
✅ Student (Note: special attention is required depending on the timing of graduation and marriage)
✅ Dependent
There is no disadvantage simply because the current status is a work visa.
Immigration does not treat applications unfavorably just because the applicant holds a work-related status of residence.
③ Changing from “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” to “Spouse of a Japanese National”
Characteristics
📊 The review process tends to proceed relatively smoothly
📊 Employment status and income stability are favorably evaluated
Key Points of Examination
✅ Credibility of the marriage
✅ Past residence history (whether there are any violations)
✅ Stability of life in Japan
If the applicant is employed full-time and has a stable income,
their ability to maintain a stable life in Japan is viewed positively,
and the amount of additional documentation required is usually minimal.
④ Changing from “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” to “Spouse of a Japanese National”
Characteristics
📌 A change of status is possible, but applications are often examined more carefully
📌 A clear explanation of the relationship history and marriage process is essential
Points Immigration Pays Particular Attention To
⚠️ Whether the marriage appears to be solely for immigration purposes
⚠️ Whether the period from first meeting to marriage was unusually short
⚠️ Whether there is actual cohabitation and a real shared life
💡 Because Specified Skilled Worker (i) is a time-limited status,
if the explanation of the marriage lacks substance,
Immigration may request additional documents or an interview.
⑤ Estimated Examination Period
| Status Before Change | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services → Spouse of a Japanese National | 1 to 3 months |
| Specified Skilled Worker (i) → Spouse of a Japanese National | 2–4 months (may take longer) |
Processing times may vary depending on the region and individual circumstances.
⑥ Examples of Required Documents
📌 在留資格変更許可申請書
📌 戸籍謄本（婚姻記載あり）
📌 Application for Permission to Change Status of Residence
📌 Family Register (Koseki Tohon) showing the marriage
📌 Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)
📌 Questionnaire (details of the relationship and marriage history)
📌 Photographs (during dating, wedding, daily life, etc.)
📌 Income and Tax Certificates
In cases involving a change from Specified Skilled Worker (i), the questionnaire plays a critical role in the review.
⑦ Common Reasons for Refusal and Points to Watch Out For
❌ Unclear or vague explanation of the dating/relationship period
❌ Not living together, with no reasonable explanation provided
❌ Insufficient explanation of how living expenses are covered
❌ Inconsistencies among submitted documents
These are typical red flags that may lead Immigration to suspect a sham marriage.
⑧ Advantages of Changing to “Spouse of a Japanese National
✅ No work restrictions (no limitations on job type or working hours)
✅ Freedom to change jobs or become self-employed
✅ Leads to eligibility for permanent residence in the future
✅ Easier long-term life and family planning
⑨ Summary
Changing from a work-related visa (such as Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services or Specified Skilled Worker (i))
to “Spouse of a Japanese National” is possible, however,
the key factors for success are:
📌 a clear explanation of the genuineness of the marriage
📌 stability of daily life and finances
📌 consistency and coherence of all submitted documents
In particular, in cases involving:
⚠️ a change from Specified Skilled Worker (i)
⚠️ a short dating period before marriage
it is no exaggeration to say that the outcome is largely determined at the document-planning stage.
For Those Seeking to Obtain a Status of Residence in Japan!
✅ For visa application support, leave it to Administrative Scrivener Taro Fujita Office!
✅ We provide comprehensive support for work visas, Dependent visas, Permanent Residence applications, Spouse of a Japanese National, and more.
✅ Free consultations available! We help ensure a smooth and reliable visa application process.
