Spouse Visa Japan｜How to Renew After Changing Jobs or During Probation — Income Proof & Employment Letter Guide [2025 Edition]

Introduction

“I just changed jobs — can I still renew my spouse visa?”
“I’m still on probation, and my income isn’t finalized yet…”

These are some of the most common concerns we receive every year.
When renewing a spouse visa, immigration focuses on whether you have a stable ability to maintain your livelihood.
However, when you’ve recently changed jobs or are still in a probationary period, immigration officers tend to review your case more carefully.

In this article, we’ll explain how to strengthen your application and properly prepare your employment certificate and projected income statement — even if you are in a transition period.

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Does Immigration See Job Changes or Probation as “Unstable”?

The Immigration Bureau’s key concern is simple:

“Can the couple maintain a stable life together in Japan?”

That’s why job changes or probation periods can raise concerns about income stability.
However, if you are officially employed, enrolled in social insurance, and can objectively demonstrate job stability, many applicants in this situation are approved.

In short, the key is to show that this is not a temporary change but that you have a sustainable employment foundation.

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When Renewal Is Likely Approved vs. When It’s Risky

✅ Commonly Approved Situations

• You changed jobs but stayed in the same industry or occupation
• You are employed as a full-time (permanent) employee
• You are already enrolled in social insurance
• Your income level is similar to or higher than your previous job
• Your Japanese spouse’s income is stable

⚠️ High-Risk Situations

• You are still on probation and only a contract or freelance worker
• There is a long gap between jobs
• You cannot submit a payslip or withholding tax statement (源泉徴収票)
• Your income dropped significantly (e.g., below ¥3,000,000/year)

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How to Show Your Projected Income — Focus on Stability, Not Just Amount

When you’ve just started a new job, you may not yet have a tax certificate or annual payslip.
In this case, you can use projected income to demonstrate financial stability.
The most important thing is to prove income continuity.

Recommended supporting documents:

• Employment contract (clearly showing salary and employment type)
• Payslips (for the past 2–3 months, if available)
• Bank statement showing salary deposits
• Certificate of social insurance enrollment

Additionally, including your Japanese spouse’s tax certificate or payslips helps strengthen the household’s overall stability.

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Employment Certificate & Contract — What Immigration Looks For

The employment certificate (在職証明書) is one of the most important documents in renewal applications.
It confirms your current employment status and income stability.

Essential contents:

• Company name, address, representative name
• Employment type (permanent, contract, etc.)
• Start date of employment
• Annual salary (actual or projected)
• Issue date, name of person in charge, and company seal

Including “projected annual income” makes the explanation much smoother.
Be sure that the employment certificate matches the employment contract — discrepancies can raise questions during the review.

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When Should You Apply? — The Safest Timing

Submitting your renewal application too soon after changing jobs can look unstable, as supporting documents may be limited.
Ideally, apply at least three months after starting your new job.

However, if your current visa is about to expire, you can still apply — just make sure to submit:

• Employment contract
• 1–2 months of payslips
• Social insurance enrollment certificate

…and include a written explanation stating that you are already working stably.

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Strengthen Credibility with Additional Evidence

To further support your case, attach:

• Three months of payslips and bank transfer records
• New health insurance card (with your new company name)
• Latest tax certificate or withholding tax slip
• Your Japanese spouse’s income certificate

Together, these show that your employment and financial situation are both stable.

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Osaka Immigration Office — Practical Trends

At the Osaka Regional Immigration Bureau, officers tend to be relatively flexible if the applicant is a full-time employee and already enrolled in social insurance — even if they’ve recently changed jobs.
However, during probation, it’s safer to submit both an employment certificate and a supplementary explanation letter.

If you include a statement such as:

“I am expected to continue working full-time after the probation period,”
it can make a strong positive impression.

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Summary — Renewal Is Possible, Even Right After a Job Change

If you’re worried about renewing your spouse visa after changing jobs or during a probation period, remember this:
Immigration focuses on whether your life as a couple can remain stable in the future.

By organizing your documents and clearly showing employment and income stability, renewal approval is entirely achievable.

✅ Three Key Points for Success

1. Show stability through documentation
   　— Employment contract, payslips, and social insurance proof are essential.
2. Keep consistency between documents
   　— Conflicts between your company-issued forms can increase refusal risk.
3. Apply at the right time and explain when needed
   　— Three months after the job change is ideal, but if the deadline is near, use a written explanation.

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💡 Get Expert Review for Peace of Mind

Even small inconsistencies between your documents can affect your result.
If you’re feeling uncertain —

“I just changed jobs, is it okay to apply now?”
“Are my documents sufficient?”

Feel free to consult with our office for a detailed review.

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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