Important Considerations for Spouse Visas with Remarriage or Divorce History

Introduction

When applying for a spouse visa (Spouse or Child of Japanese National), one of the most important factors is whether the marriage and household life appear stable.
For this reason, if either the applicant or the Japanese spouse has a history of remarriage or divorce, immigration authorities may request additional explanations or supporting documents.

In particular, at the Osaka Immigration Bureau, attention is often given to issues such as past marital history, child support payments, and visitation with children from a previous marriage.
This article outlines the key points to keep in mind in such cases, as well as documents that are helpful to prepare in advance.

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Key Points When There Is a History of Remarriage or Divorce

Having gone through a divorce or remarriage does not automatically count as a negative factor.
However, immigration will review whether:

the current marriage is genuine and substantial, and the previous marriage has been properly settled.

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Main Items Reviewed

• Whether the prior marriage was legally dissolved (shown by divorce registration or court judgment)
• The period between divorce and remarriage (if very short, authorities may question whether the new marriage is only formal)
• The stability of the current marriage (whether it has been continuing in a stable way)

👉 For example, if someone remarried within just one month after divorce, additional explanations will almost certainly be required.

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Child Support Payments

If children are involved from a previous marriage, child support arrangements are an important point.

• If payments are being made: Provide remittance records, bank statements, or agreements.
• If payments have been waived by agreement: Provide the court settlement record or agreement showing the exemption.
• If payments are not being made: A clear explanation is required (for example, if the other parent refuses to receive them).

👉 Demonstrating that you are responsibly handling child support will be seen positively, as evidence that you are fulfilling obligations and living a stable married life.

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Visitation with Children

In addition to child support, immigration may also look at the relationship with children from a prior marriage.
If visitation arrangements were set by family court or agreement, the fulfillment of those arrangements is important.

• If visits are taking place: Submitting visitation records or photos will be helpful.
• If visits are not taking place: Provide the agreed terms and explain the reasons (for example, if the other parent is refusing).

👉 Immigration tends to evaluate whether the applicant is acting responsibly toward children, as part of assessing character and sincerity.

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Helpful Supporting Documents

When there is a history of divorce or remarriage, preparing the following documents in advance can help the examination proceed more smoothly.

Item Reviewed	Recommended Documents
Divorce record	Family register (koseki), divorce acceptance certificate, court judgment
Child support payments	Bank transfer slips, remittance proofs, court settlement record, written agreement
Visitation with children	Visitation records, photos, LINE or email communications
Stability of remarriage	Joint residence certificate, documents showing shared expenses, couple photos

👉 The more complete the documents, the better you can demonstrate sincerity and responsibility, which increases credibility.

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Trends at the Osaka Immigration Bureau

The Osaka office tends to request more detailed documentation regarding marital history, in addition to confirming the couple’s living situation.
This is especially true in cases where the foreign spouse is entering Japan for the first time, or where children exist from a prior marriage.

• If explanations are insufficient: Requests for corrections or additional documents are common.
• If documentation is thorough: The review tends to proceed more smoothly.

👉 The key is to show objectively how the previous marriage was settled.

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Conclusion

A history of remarriage or divorce does not by itself disadvantage your spouse visa application.
However, it is essential to clearly demonstrate how the prior marriage was settled, and how responsibilities toward children are being fulfilled.

• Documents proving divorce (family register, court judgment, etc.)
• Evidence of child support and visitation compliance
• Proof of stability in the current marriage

By preparing these materials and providing a sincere explanation, it is very possible to obtain approval for a spouse visa even with a history of remarriage or divorce.

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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