Spouse Visa After Divorce in Japan: How to Maintain or Change Your Status

1. Introduction: Divorce and Residency Status Basics

When a divorce or bereavement occurs, the “Spouse of Japanese National, etc.” visa loses its foundation since it is based on the existence of a marital relationship.
However, this does not mean that you must immediately leave Japan.

The first step is to fulfill the 14-day reporting obligation. After that, you should consider changing your residency status to one that matches your situation, such as a work-related visa, long-term resident, or designated activities.
Whether such a change is permitted is determined through individual examination under Article 20 of the Immigration Control Act, where it becomes crucial to explain your “reasonable grounds” with supporting documents.

Procedures required immediately after divorce (summary table):

Procedure	What to do	Deadline	Where to submit	Legal/Official Basis
Notification regarding spouse	Report the fact of divorce or bereavement	Within 14 days	Regional Immigration Services Bureau (online available)	Immigration Services Agency: “Notification concerning spouse”
Application for change of status	Switch to “work-related visa / long-term resident / designated activities” depending on circumstances	As soon as possible (preferably well before current status expires)	Regional Immigration Services Bureau	Article 20 of the Immigration Control Act (if reasonable grounds exist)

💡 Note: The divorce registration itself is a civil procedure handled at the municipal office. This is separate from the immigration notification, so do not confuse the two.

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2. Three Key Points to Keep in Mind First

Your initial response after divorce directly affects the immigration examination. Failing to take the right steps increases the risk of cancellation or denial. The following three points are critical:

• Submit the 14-day notification without fail
  Failing to notify may disadvantage you in future renewal or change applications. If you are late, prepare an explanation with supporting evidence.
  
• Do not remain unemployed or without income
  If aiming for a work-related visa, try to secure a job offer or employment contract as soon as possible.
  
  
• “Long-term Resident” is decided case by case
  For situations such as child custody, long-term marriage, or domestic violence, supporting documents must be provided. Each case is evaluated individually.

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3. Typical Pathways for Change of Status and Required Documents

Representative cases can be summarized as follows. In all cases, you must objectively demonstrate your “reasonable grounds” with documentation.

Situation	Example of new status	Main requirements	Key documents
Employment or job offer	Work-related visa (e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)	Match between job and education/experience, employer legitimacy	Employment contract, job description, degree certificate, career records, company registration certificate
Custody of a Japanese minor child	Long-term Resident (parent of Japanese child)	Custody rights, actual childcare, financial outlook	Resident record (showing cohabitation), child support transfer records, school documents, visitation records
Long-term marriage / established life base	Long-term Resident (individual assessment)	Length of marriage, work and tax history, community involvement	Marriage record, tax certificates, employment certificates, community activity records, guarantor form
Need time to prepare next steps	Designated Activities / Student	Activity purpose, plan, financial resources	Activity plan, school admission documents, financial plan

4. How to Proceed with Status Change (Checklist)

A step-by-step preparation timeline after divorce:

A. Within 14 days (mandatory):

• Submit the “notification concerning spouse” (in person or online)
• Decide on the likely direction of status change and list required documents
• Draft a memo on divorce circumstances and future life plan (helpful for written statements)

B. Within 1 month (preparation):

• If aiming for a work visa → Secure job offer/contract, align job content with your education/experience
• If aiming for long-term resident → Collect evidence of childcare and life base
• Prepare a draft of the application, check for missing or contradictory information

C. Within 2 months (application):

• Submit application form, statement of reason, and supplementary explanations (timeline charts, household budget)
• Provide additional documents promptly if circumstances change

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5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Frequent pitfalls observed in practice, with causes and countermeasures:

Mistake	Problem	How to avoid
Forgot/delayed notification	Violation of obligation, risk of cancellation or denial	Always manage deadlines and keep proof of submission. If unavoidable, attach evidence explaining the delay
Remained unemployed	Judged as lacking financial independence	Secure a job offer, or prepare evidence of financial support
Vague explanations	Insufficient proof of reasonable grounds	Prepare objective evidence: timeline, remittance records, childcare documents, community involvement records

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6. Case Examples (Success and Denial)

Anonymous case studies highlight what led to approval versus denial:

• Success ①: Long-term Resident
  Immediately submitted notification after divorce and provided proof of childcare (resident record, school records, remittance records).
  Application was approved by emphasizing the child’s best interests.
  
• Success ②: Work-related visa
  Quickly obtained an IT company job offer after divorce, submitted evidence of job suitability and company legitimacy.
  Application approved without issues.
  
• Denial Example: Late notification & insufficient evidence
  Notification was delayed over a month and the written explanation was vague, with inadequate proof of life base.
  Result: Application denied and residency not extended.

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7. Standard Document Set (Template)

Regardless of the type of status you seek, the basic documentation structure is similar:

Common documents:

• Application forms, photo, fees
• Written statement (facts → legal interpretation → reasonable grounds → future plan)
• Timeline from divorce to present, life plan (income/expenses/housing)
• Latest tax and social insurance certificates

For work-related visas:

• Employment contract, job description, company registration documents
• Degree certificates, career certificates, current employment certificate

For long-term resident visas:

• Custody/childcare evidence (resident record, school/medical documents, remittance records)
• Life base evidence (employment, income, housing certificates, etc.)

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8. Conclusion: Three Principles to Overcome the Situation

Divorce does not mean you must leave Japan immediately.
The three fundamental principles for maintaining your residency are:

1. Meet deadlines (notification within 14 days)
2. Decide direction early and prepare
3. Provide comprehensive supporting documents

If you adhere to these, there is a strong chance of continuing your life in Japan.
If you feel uncertain, consult a professional early and proceed carefully with your application for a change of status.

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”

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