VISA Information
Visa Q&A List - VISA Information
Points to Remember when Getting Married Through a Match-making/Introduction Service (A Proof of Association)
I am Japanese and married to a woman of foreign nationality who I met through a matching-making service. I hope to live with her, in Japan, for the rest of our lives, so please advise me on her visa application procedure.
For those who get married through such a service, the following advice may be unpleasant. In such cases, it is important for you to acknowledge that Japan’s Immigration Bureau will strictly examine just how legitimate your marriage really is.
While each case is different, a key point will be explaining how you both met, what your present living arrangement is, as well as several other particulars of your relationship. What may be especially effective in explaining your relationship would be a detailed account, in writing, accompanied by any supporting documents you may have.
The following documents may be used as relationship proof: copies of both of your passports, a photo of both of you together, a heart-warming letter from your relatives supporting your marriage as well as any letters and/or e-mails exchanged between the two of you and a detailed record of any international calls you have made to one another.
Please also note that communications made via Skype are not usually considered as viable proof since no actual records exist of those conversations ever having taken place. However, Immigration may still be persuaded if you can offer some believable proof thereof.
(From May Issue 2011)
Advisor: TATEDA Jun (Immigration Lawyer)
