Guide to Reapplying After a Japanese Spouse Visa Is Denied

1. What to Do When You Receive a Denial Notice for a Japanese Spouse Visa

“I received a ‘Notice of Non-Issuance’ from Immigration…” How you respond at this stage will significantly affect your future options.

When a visa application is denied, Immigration typically sends a written notice stating that the application has been rejected.

However, the explanation provided is often vague, such as “There are doubts regarding the submitted materials, and the application is not deemed credible,” making it difficult to identify the exact reason.

To clarify the reason, you must visit the Immigration office where you applied and request an interview with the examining officer to receive a detailed explanation.

Without taking this step, it is impossible to determine the cause of the denial and therefore impossible to prepare an effective strategy for reapplication.

For this reason, an interview with the immigration officer is extremely important and is a key point in successfully obtaining approval upon reapplication.

In principle, the applicant must attend the interview in person. However, many applicants become nervous, fail to understand specialized terminology, or are unable to ask the crucial questions, resulting in an inconclusive interview.

To address this issue and ensure a successful reapplication, ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office offers a support service in which an experienced immigration lawyer accompanies you to confirm the reasons for denial and assess the feasibility of reapplication.

If you subsequently request ACROSEED to handle the reapplication, the fee for the accompaniment service will be deducted from the total service fee.

If you applied on your own and received a denial or non-issuance notice, please consult us before visiting Immigration.

2. Immigration Examination of Japanese Spouse Visa Applications

Some applicants say, “A friend in a similar situation was approved, but my application was denied.”

However, immigration examinations are not always processed in exactly the same way at all times.

1. Criteria for Japanese Spouse Visas

There are general approval criteria for Japanese spouse visas. Immigration officers review applications based on these criteria, and if an application is deemed not to meet them, it will naturally be denied.

That said, these criteria are described in rather broad terms, and subtle judgment points may change depending on social conditions at the time. As a result, cases that were approved five years ago may no longer be approved today.

2. Objective (Formal) Judgments

For aspects of the criteria that are clearly defined, anyone can make an objective determination.

For example, if the requirement is “a person who has the status of spouse of a Japanese national,” approval cannot be expected unless the marriage is legally valid.

3. Discretionary Judgment by Immigration Officers

In areas where the criteria are expressed ambiguously, such as whether “the marriage has a genuine substance,” the outcome may depend on the judgment of the immigration officer.

Although Immigration has general guidelines and applications are reviewed comprehensively by multiple officers, differences in judgment are unavoidable because the decision is ultimately made by people.

In many cases where applications are denied, difficulties arise in this discretionary judgment area.

4. Changes in Approval Standards

Decisions by Immigration on whether to grant approval can subtly change over time in response to social conditions.

For example, in permanent residence applications, the payment status of public pensions and public health insurance premiums has become a review item in recent years. While this is not currently a review item for spouse visas (as of 2023), it may become one in the near future.

The basic framework is established by the Immigration Control Act and does not change easily. However, in areas that depend on human judgment, standards may be adjusted over time.

In reality, only professionals who regularly handle a large number of applications and directly observe examination results can accurately grasp these subtle changes.

3. Situations in Which Japanese Spouse Visas Are Likely to Be Denied

One critical point in spouse visa applications is that even if certain circumstances may be disadvantageous, submitting false information is strictly prohibited.

Many spouse visa denials result from false statements. For example, stating that you met through a friend when you actually met via social media can create numerous inconsistencies and lead to denial.

Below are common situations in which Japanese spouse visas are likely to be denied.

1. Lack of Credibility in the Marriage

This applies to cases where the process from meeting to marriage is difficult to accept under common sense and cannot be considered a genuine marriage.

Extreme examples include getting married after only exchanging photos online without ever meeting in person. Large age gaps (around 20 years) or repeated divorces and remarriages can also make approval difficult.

Among all reasons for spouse visa denial, this is the most common category.

2. Issues Related to the Foreign Spouse

This refers to cases where the foreign spouse has problematic past residence history, such as involvement in criminal activity or having been deported.

In many cases, the Japanese spouse is unaware of these issues until Immigration explains the reason for denial.

Additionally, in remarriage cases, a former spouse of the foreign national may interfere by contacting Immigration, negatively affecting the examination.

3. Inconsistencies in the Application

If the foreign spouse has previously stayed in Japan, discrepancies may arise between past applications and the current one.

Examples include changes in the number of siblings, employment history, or differences in divorce and remarriage dates. Regardless of the case, accurate and consistent applications are essential.

4. Results of Immigration Investigations

This applies to cases where Immigration investigations conclude that the marital relationship cannot be recognized or where doubts arise regarding the application content.

Investigations may be conducted locally through Japanese embassies abroad or directly within Japan. In either case, discrepancies between the application and official documents or facts inconsistent with the applicants’ statements require particularly careful handling.

4. Key Points for Reapplying for a Spouse Visa

1. Whether Approval Is Possible

No matter how hard you try to reapply, if there is absolutely no possibility of approval, there is nothing you can do.

First, you must confirm whether there is even a small possibility that a reapplication could be approved.

To do so, it is necessary to clarify the reason for the denial, and then decide whether to proceed with reapplying based on that information.

2. Accurate Applications

If you applied on your own and were denied, the credibility of the application content becomes extremely important.

In particular, the contents of documents you have submitted even once are generally kept on record by Immigration, so you must respond carefully.

If the dating period, how you met, or other details differ every time you apply, Immigration may conclude that “the marriage itself is not being treated seriously.”

Submitting accurate information not only helps Immigration process procedures more smoothly, but above all, it benefits you.

3. Discrepancies in Application Content

If past and current application content differs, you will need a clear explanation.

In particular, regarding family composition, whether there has been any punishment, and the history of the relationship, it is difficult to assume the discrepancies are simple mistakes. If corrections are necessary in these areas, you must provide a logical explanation along with supporting evidence.

Of course, false applications or intentionally concealing facts are not permitted. However, if discrepancies arise for some reason, you must provide an explanation that anyone can accept.

4. Overcoming the Reason for Denial

The fact that your previous application was denied means there was some underlying cause. If you continue to apply without overcoming that cause, the result is unlikely to change from denial.

When applying, you must clarify the cause of the previous denial and clearly demonstrate—together with evidence—that the cause has been resolved in the current application. For that reason, it is best to confirm the facts, organize them, and provide a logical explanation.

5. Q&A: If Your Spouse Visa Is Denied

Yes, you can reapply for a Japanese spouse visa even after it has been denied once.
A denial does not mean “it will never be approved in the future,” so first take a breath and calmly整理 the situation.

However, what is important in a reapplication is not to resubmit the same content as before. When you reapply, Immigration will compare it with the previous application and check whether the concerns that led to denial have been resolved (whether explanations and evidence have increased).

For reapplication, the basic approach is to proceed in order: (1) assess the likely reason for denial, (2) strengthen missing materials, and (3) rebuild the explanation (statement of reasons).

As a general rule, the written denial notice from Immigration often does not clearly state detailed reasons for denial.
As a result, it is easy to end up in a situation where “I don’t know why it was denied,” which is one reason reapplication becomes difficult.

In practice, we review the documents already submitted, the application form entries, and how the relationship history was explained, and then infer the points Immigration was most likely concerned about and prepare countermeasures.

Common areas include (1) the substance of the marriage (dating/cohabitation/contact records), (2)life foundation (income/housing/household unity), (3) consistency of explanations (timeline contradictions/insufficient explanation), and (4) past residence history (unauthorized work/unpaid items/previous denials).

Legally, there is no clear rule such as “you must wait X months.”
However, in practice, it is extremely important to reapply only after you can explain that the reasons for denial have been resolved.

For example, if weak income was the issue, you should “show stability after starting a job, using recent pay slips and tax certificates.” If the relationship record was insufficient, you should “increase cohabitation time or the number of meetings/trips, and accumulate photos and communication logs,” etc. In other words, the right timing is after you have evidence that the situation has improved.

Rather than rushing to submit again, it is often faster in the end to prepare thoroughly and get approved in one attempt. We recommend organizing “what needs to be strengthened” before reapplying.

Formally, a statement of reasons is not always listed as a “mandatory document.”
However, for reapplications, it is best to consider that a statement of reasons is practically indispensable.

What Immigration wants to know in a reapplication is “why it was denied last time” and “how those concerns have been resolved this time”.
A statement of reasons serves to organize and convey this clearly while linking it to the supporting evidence.

The key is not to make an emotional rebuttal, but to explain concretely, in chronological order, based on facts and evidence.
You should structure the narrative so that a third party can understand “when, where, and how the relationship deepened” and “how you are living now.”

Yes, you can reapply on your own. In fact, if the denial was for a simple reason (missing documents or minor explanation gaps), strengthening the materials appropriately may lead to approval.

However, caution is needed in the following situations:
・There are multiple possible reasons for denial, and it is difficult to identify what the problem is
・There are factors Immigration tends to scrutinize carefully, such as a short relationship period, long periods living apart, or a large age gap
・There are concerns in past residence history (excess unauthorized work, unpaid items, overstay, prior denials, etc.)

If you are denied again after reapplying, the case may be viewed as “showing no improvement,” and the burden of explanation may increase further for future applications.
If your situation is complex or you feel strong uncertainty, consulting a professional before reapplying—organizing the documentation strategy and the statement of reasons—can ultimately be the faster path.

6. Cases Where a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” Status Was Obtained Through Reapplication After a Denial

Even if an application was denied once, some cases achieve approval through properly understanding the concerns raised and rebuilding the materials and explanations for reapplication. In this section, we introduce cases where a spouse visa was obtained through reapplication after a denial.

	VOL.170　Mr./Ms. Suda, Tajamal Hasan (Pakistan)
	[Approval Case] Obtained a Japanese Spouse Visa Through Reapplication After a Denial

	VOL.149　Mr./Ms. N (Nigeria)
	[Approval Case] Obtained a Japanese Spouse Visa Through Reapplication After a Denial

	VOL.73　Mr./Ms. Qin (China)
	[Approval Case] Obtained a Japanese Spouse Visa Through Reapplication After 4 Denials

7. Accompaniment & Reapplication Service for Denied Japanese Spouse Visas

1. Service Overview

Even after applying for a Japanese spouse visa, many people are denied and feel, “I don’t know why it was denied,” or “I’m anxious about what to do next.”

This service is a comprehensive support service for people whose Japanese spouse visa was denied, covering the entire process from confirming the denial reason at Immigration to the reapplication.

Our goal is to carefully analyze and correct the cause of the denial and maximize the likelihood of obtaining approval through reapplication.

We support cases such as:

2. What This Service Includes

① Confirming the Denial Reason (Interview / Immigration 대응)

First, accurately understanding the reason for denial is the first step toward reapplication. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we provide support starting from the stage of confirming the denial reason at Immigration.

1. Advance advice prior to confirming the denial reason and accompaniment to Immigration
2. Organizing the denial reasons based on what was confirmed and determining whether reapplication is feasible

Because the denial notice often does not include detailed reasons, practical interpretation and analysis based on hands-on Immigration 대응 experience becomes essential.

② Reapplication Support for Japanese Spouse Visas

After confirming the denial reason, if reapplication is judged feasible, you may request our reapplication procedure support.

1. Proposing and preparing the document structure with the highest likelihood of approval, correcting the denial reasons
2. Filing the reapplication with Immigration and handling the seal (endorsement) procedures upon approval
3. Simultaneous application for re-entry permission if requested
4. Progress checks during the examination period and 대응 to additional document requests
5. Free reapplication support if, in the unlikely event, the application is denied again
6. Strategy advice aimed at obtaining a 3-year visa with an eye toward future stability

In a reapplication, it is necessary to clearly explain to Immigration “what is different from the previous application and how it is different”. At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we redesign the entire application, including the statement of reasons, evidence materials, and explanation structure.

3. Benefits of Hiring ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

▼See the 9 Reasons ACROSEED Is Chosen for More Details

4. Google Reviews

ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office is highly rated by many clients for service quality, regardless of nationality or application category.

5. Fees (Excl. Tax) for Accompaniment & Reapplication Service After a Spouse Visa Denial

・If you use the accompaniment service for confirming the denial reason and then also apply for the reapplication service, the accompaniment fee will be offset.

・ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office provides nationwide support. Clients outside the area can also request services at the fees below.

・Payment by Visa and Mastercard is available.

Pages Often Read Together When Applying for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa) Application Guide

An administrative scrivener explains the requirements for obtaining a spouse visa (marriage), working under a spouse visa, applying for permanent residency from a spouse visa, what happens in the event of divorce under a spouse visa, required documents, and more.

[FY2025 Edition] Spouse Visa of a Japanese National Renewal Procedures Guide

Renewal procedures for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National (Marriage Visa). An administrative scrivener explains the required document checklist, how to avoid denial cases, and key points to prove eligibility for obtaining a 3-year or 5-year period of stay.

Applying for Permanent Residency from a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National

At ACROSEED, we have a proven track record not only with first-time spouse visa applications, but also with cases that were denied multiple times when filed by the applicant alone, as well as procedures for those with past legal violations or a history of overstaying—across a wide variety of situations.

For More Detailed Questions About the Spouse Visa System

Please explain the requirements for obtaining a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National in detail
Periods of stay for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Differences between 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years
Required documents & Statement of Reasons for a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: Key examination points and preparation tips (Latest Edition)
How to invite a foreign spouse living overseas to Japan with a COE
Can we apply for a Certificate of Eligibility while both spouses remain overseas?
Changing from a short-term visa to a Spouse Visa of a Japanese National: General rules and exceptions
How to change from a student/work visa to a spouse visa
My spouse visa application was denied (COE not issued). Can I re-apply?