[Approved Spouse Visa (COE) Case] Returning to Japan from Overseas: Applied Locally and Obtained a 5-Year Period of Stay

Case Overview | COE Application While Living Overseas → Returning to Japan

In this case, both spouses were living overseas and requested our assistance in preparing for their return to Japan by filing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”. The timing overlapped with an operational change where the COE validity period was reverting from “6 months” back to the standard “3 months,” which increased uncertainty. Even so, we worked backwards from the schedule and proceeded promptly with the necessary steps.

• Application: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”
• Situation: Both spouses living overseas / First-time spouse visa application
• Key issue: COE validity period change (6 months → 3 months), making timeline management critical
• Additional factor: The foreign spouse was unemployed and had no job secured in Japan
• Our approach: Carefully organized evidence of the marital relationship and financial stability, and structured the supporting materials
• Result: A COE with 6-month validity was obtained at the end of July / A 5-year period of stay was granted after entry to Japan

Client Story | Despite the Uncertainty, We Received an Unexpected 5-Year Approval

This is a testimonial from a client who requested our support for a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” COE application while living overseas.

	Client (from a Google Review)
	Service requested: COE application for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” / Preparation for returning to Japan

Both of us were living overseas. My husband had previously obtained a work visa through his company, but applying for a spouse visa was new to us.

The timing overlapped with the government reverting the COE validity period from 6 months back to the standard 3 months, which increased our anxiety. However, the team responded quickly and helped us obtain a COE with 6-month validity at the very end of July.

At the time, my husband was unemployed and did not yet have a job lined up in Japan, so we needed strong evidence of our marriage and proof that there were no financial concerns. Thanks to Mr. Miyagawa’s careful support, we were granted a 5-year visa. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the result.

With a 5-year visa, job hunting in Japan becomes much easier, and above all, our family gained tremendous peace of mind. We consulted several firms before deciding, and we are truly glad we chose ACROSEED.

I believe we will continue to rely on them in the future. I can confidently recommend their services.

*This page is reconstructed as a case study based on an actual Google review from a client, with careful attention to personal information.

View all Spouse Visa approval cases

Who This Case Is Helpful For

When returning to Japan while still living overseas, a spouse visa (COE) application for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” often proceeds before housing, income, and travel timing are fully settled—making the process feel especially uncertain. This case shows that even when circumstances are fluid, organizing “what to prepare” and “what to explain” can help improve the likelihood of approval.

• Those who want to apply for a COE for “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” while living overseas
• Those concerned about review points because the spouse is unemployed or employment is not yet secured
• Those who must manage the schedule due to COE validity or return-to-Japan timing constraints
• Those who want advice that also considers post-return planning (job hunting, future permanent residency, etc.)

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