Gyoseishoshi Lawyer Explains How to Avoid Failure in the Procedures for Changing Status of Residence after Divorce from a Japanese Spouse

Married to a JapaneseSpouse or Child of Japanese NationalA foreigner who had the misfortune to stay in Japan on a visa fordivorceIf you do, you face the risk of losing your current visa and being unable to stay in Japan. In particular, if you are a victim of domestic violence or highly dependent on your marital life, you need to urgently change your status of residence to a stable visa. This column explains the most important procedures for changing to a "permanent resident" visa and the requirements for its approval from a humanitarian perspective in order to continue your stay in Japan after divorce.

  Explained in video

Once the divorce is finalized: application for visa modification must be filed within 3 months.

Duration of "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" Visa and Risk of Expiration

If divorced from a Japanese spouse,Within 3 months from the date of divorceYou must apply for a change of status of residence or return to your country at the time of the change of status of residence. After this period, your status of residence may be revoked.

Obligation to notify the Immigration Bureau after divorce

If the divorce is finalized, the foreigner himself/herself isWithin 14 daysThe Immigration Bureau is obliged to report this fact to the Immigration Bureau at the time of the application.

Cases in which permission to change to a "permanent resident" visa is granted

The most common option for continuing to stay in Japan after a divorce is to use the "long-term residentThis is a change of status to a "Visa". This is a status of residence granted for humanitarian reasons or special circumstances.

• Case 1: You have a child with your Japanese spouse and have custody of the child.
  • Cases with the highest likelihood of permittingIs. It is recognized that the child's stay in Japan is necessary for the child's upbringing.
• Case 2: The couple has been married for a long period of time (generally more than 3 years) and has a basis for living in Japan.
  • May be granted if the marriage is long and the applicant is considered to be well established in Japanese society.
• Case 3: When there are special circumstances that require humane consideration, such as damage from domestic violence
  • Special circumstances, such as having been a victim of spousal violence (domestic violence), may be permitted for humanitarian reasons.

How to write a "Statement of Reasons" for favorable review

In an application for a change of permanent resident visa,Why do you want to stay in Japan?andCan you live independently in Japan?It is extremely important that the statement of reasons detailing the

• Points of emphasis should be described:
  • The circumstances that led to the divorce and the post-divorceChild rearing environment(Case 1)
  • Current.employment situationIn the future, theeconomic stabilityCommunity connections

Urgent cases: Prompt assistance by administrative scriveners

Divorce and domestic violence cases are extremely urgent due to the high emotional burden and the complexity of the procedures involved. Gyoseishoshi Lawyer carefully interviews the client's situation, from gathering documentary evidence to filing the application,Support including prompt and emotional careto provide the following services.

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For foreigners who are worried about changing their status of residence after divorce

If you are worried that you might lose your visa, please contact our experts. Our office is close to cases involving divorce, domestic violence, and other complex situations,Secure change to a "permanent resident" visaWe will support the following