Latest Screening Trends for Spouse Visa Applications in Japan (2025 Edition)｜Key Points and Preparation Tips to Improve Approval Rates

Introduction

As of 2025, the screening trends for the Spouse Visa (officially “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” residency status) have clearly shifted compared to previous years. While delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have largely subsided, the Immigration Services Agency has further tightened reviews of the authenticity of marriages and the stability of the couple’s living arrangements to prevent sham marriages and abuse of residency status. At the same time, procedural changes—such as online interviews and the digitalization of document submission—are advancing, and both the applicant and their Japanese spouse are now expected to prepare with greater thoroughness. This article organizes the latest screening trends as of 2025 and offers detailed, practical advice to improve your chances of a successful application.

---

Chapter 1｜Overview of the Latest Screening Trends

In 2025, spouse visa screenings vary in duration and approach depending on the regional immigration office, but overall there is a clear trend toward “faster processing coupled with stricter scrutiny.” At the Tokyo and Osaka Regional Immigration Bureaus, cases with complete documentation and clear evidence of marriage and cohabitation can sometimes be approved within two to three months. On the other hand, if documents are incomplete or inconsistent, or if the application raises points that require further clarification, the process can easily stretch beyond six months after additional document requests and interviews. In recent years, immigration authorities have increasingly focused on three core elements: cohabitation status, household income, and the history of the marriage. If evidence supporting these points is insufficient, the chances of a negative decision rise significantly.

---

Chapter 2｜Key Points in Document Review

In the document review stage, the following elements carry significant weight:

Screening Point	Reason for Importance	Example Checks
Cohabitation Status	Confirms the authenticity of the marriage	Same address on the residence record (juminhyo), rental contract, utility bills
Household Income Stability	Determines whether the couple can sustain their living arrangements	Taxation certificates, tax payment certificates, pay slips
Marriage History & Relationship Records	Prevents sham marriages	Photos, records showing length of relationship, proof of introduction to family
Appropriateness of Immigration History	Confirms compliance with immigration laws	Previous residency statuses, whether there is any overstay history

Among these, cohabitation status and household income have become particularly critical in 2025 screenings. It is essential not only to prepare the required documents but also to ensure they are consistent and persuasive.

---

Chapter 3｜Trends in Interviews and Requests for Additional Documents

Interviews and requests for additional documents are more likely in the following cases:

• Marriage period is short (less than one year)
• There have been periods of living separately or at different addresses
• Income is unstable or has temporarily decreased
• The foreign spouse has had issues with other residency statuses in the past

Typical examples of additional documents include remittance records for living expenses, mail or utility bills proving cohabitation, and photos or message histories documenting the relationship. In 2025, online interviews are being used more frequently, which allows for participation by spouses living in rural areas or abroad. However, these video or audio interactions also mean that the applicant’s ability to explain clearly and consistently is being evaluated more rigorously.

---

Chapter 4｜Common Reasons for Refusal and Their Backgrounds

The main patterns leading to refusal include:

1. Extended Periods of Living Apart
   Even with legitimate reasons (e.g., overseas work assignments or study abroad), the absence of communication records or proof of financial support during that time can be disadvantageous.
2. Failure to Meet Income Requirements or Income Instability
   If the annual income does not consistently exceed the minimum living standard—especially if it falls below the single-person household baseline—the risk of refusal increases.
3. False Declarations or Insufficient Explanations
   Providing vague accounts of the marriage history or submitting documents with discrepancies undermines credibility.
4. Doubts About the Authenticity of the Marriage
   Extremely short time from meeting to marriage, lack of introductions to family or friends, or minimal cultural interaction can all raise red flags.

These are not simply formal requirements—the Immigration Services Agency is making a holistic judgment about whether the couple can maintain a stable married life in the future, so solid supporting evidence is essential.

---

Chapter 5｜Steps to Shorten the Screening Period

To accelerate the review process, the following three measures are effective:

1. Check Document Consistency
   Ensure all details match across documents such as the residence record, taxation certificates, and marriage registration acceptance certificate.
2. Submit Additional Documents Proactively
   Include commonly requested items—such as remittance records, cohabitation proof, and relationship history—at the time of initial submission.
3. Utilize an Administrative Scrivener
   Professional assistance can improve the precision of documents and communication with immigration authorities, reducing the likelihood of additional document requests and thus shortening the overall process.

---

Chapter 6｜Application Strategy for 2025

In 2025, the “accuracy of documents” and the “strength of evidence of the relationship” are more important than ever in spouse visa applications. In cases where the marriage period is short or income is unstable, proactively preparing robust supporting documents is key to success. If there have been periods of living apart, it is essential to provide both explanations and proof. Going forward, the immigration review process is expected to become even more digitized and database-driven, with stricter cross-checks against past residency and tax payment records. Early preparation and professional support remain highly effective ways to secure approval.

Ishinagi Administrative Scrivener Office

“If you would like to obtain a spouse visa quickly and reliably, or if you feel uncertain about renewal or changing your residence status, please feel free to consult with our office in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka. We provide support for clients from all over Japan, making use of our experience in dealing with the Immigration Bureau.

If you wish to proceed with your spouse visa application smoothly and with confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

▶ Click here to see our fee schedule”

Related Articles