Spouse Visa After a Short RelationshipHow to Prove Your Marriage and Prepare for the Interview

Proof and Interview Preparation Required Immediately After Marriage

When a couple applies for a spouse visa (Spouse of Japanese National / Spouse of Permanent Resident) soon after marriage despite having had only a short relationship, the Immigration Services Agency carefully examines whether the marriage is genuine or possibly a sham marriage.
Therefore, it is extremely important to prepare objective evidence of the relationship and be ready to explain your story consistently.

Based on practical experience, this article explains key points to consider when applying for a spouse visa immediately after marriage.

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① What Counts as a “Short Relationship”

There is no legal definition of what qualifies as a “short relationship,” but in practice, cases with less than 3 to 6 months of dating are often subject to close scrutiny.

• Only a few weeks to a few months between meeting and marriage
• Mostly online contact with very few in-person meetings
• Not living together, or living separately even after marriage

These factors can make the immigration office view the relationship as “weak or unclear.”
However, if the couple had known each other as friends for a long time, approval is still possible even with a short period of dating.

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② Why the Screening Becomes Stricter

Immigration examines marriages based on three main criteria:
genuineness, continuity, and intention to live together.
A short relationship raises concerns such as:

Potential Concern	Details
Marriage for economic purpose	Could be just to obtain a visa or work status
Weak relationship	Might have married without really knowing each other
Risk of separation	Might quickly separate or divorce

Because of these concerns, more evidence and higher quality documentation are required than usual.

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③ Risk Factors Immigration Pays Attention To

When the relationship period is short, the following factors can make the screening even stricter:

Risk Factor	Details
Large age gap	20 years or more
No common language	Communication issues may be suspected
Long-distance or separate living	Few in-person meetings raise doubts
Unstable finances	Unemployment or low income raises risk
Little relationship evidence	Few messages, photos, or records

When several of these apply, an interview or request for additional documents is almost certain.

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④ Key Evidence to Prepare

If the relationship period is short, you must thoroughly prove your relationship history and how you decided to marry.

Category	Documents	Notes
From dating to marriage	Messages, call logs, emails, social media	Show dates, frequency, and content
In-person meetings or trips	Photos, flight tickets, hotel receipts	Show time spent together
Proof of intent to marry	Records of engagement, family introductions	Family’s knowledge of the relationship is important
Life after marriage	Lease, utility bills, move-in date	Show cohabitation has started

Tips

• Arrange evidence in chronological order
• Attach Japanese or English translations to documents in other languages
• If submitting excerpts, add short explanations to give context

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⑤ Interview Preparation

In short-relationship cases, individual interviews are often conducted.
Typical questions include:

• Where, when, and how did you meet?
• How long did you date before deciding to marry?
• What do you know about each other’s families and cultures?
• How will you live together (housing, work, finances)?

If your answers are inconsistent, the immigration officer may suspect a sham marriage.
Practice answering questions together as a couple beforehand.

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⑥ Explain Thoroughly in the Statement of Reasons

When the relationship is short, it is essential to submit a Statement of Reasons (理由書) that clearly explains your relationship history.
Adding letters of support from friends or family is also very effective.

What to include

• How and when you met
• Why you decided to marry (values, future plans)
• How your families and friends reacted
• Concrete plans for living together

→ Don’t just give formal dates — show naturalness and credibility as a real couple.

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⑦ Practical Advice from Ishinagi Office

• If your relationship is short, additional document requests or interviews are very likely
  　→ Submit strong evidence from the start
• Practice mock questions as a couple before the interview
• If possible, live together for 1–2 months before applying
  　→ Applying within a month of marriage often raises suspicion

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⑧ Summary

For couples with a short relationship history, spouse visa screening can be challenging.
However, if you provide clear evidence of your relationship and give consistent answers in the interview, approval is absolutely possible.
If you feel unsure, consider preparing in advance with the help of an immigration professional.

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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