[Approved Case] Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Spouse of a Japanese National | Client Testimonial Vol.177

Case Overview | Application for Spouse of a Japanese National (COE) Approved in Approximately Two Months

This case involves an application for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for “Spouse of a Japanese National” to invite a husband of Tunisian nationality to Japan. The COE was successfully issued approximately two months after the application date. Despite factors that often raise concerns during immigration screening—such as meeting online, a limited number of in-person meetings, no prior visits to Japan, and no Japanese language ability— the application was approved through thorough documentation and well-organized explanations.

• Application Type: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Spouse of a Japanese National
• Applicant: Tunisian national spouse (no prior visits to Japan / no Japanese language ability)
• Key Characteristics: Met online / married within one year / only two in-person meetings
• Support Provided: Strengthening evidence of relationship and marriage, communication records, photos / identity verification and explanations in English
• Result: COE issued approximately two months after application

Client Testimonial | Guided Positively Through an Extremely Anxious Situation

	Ms. M
	Service Requested: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Spouse of a Japanese National

Exactly two months after submission, we successfully obtained a spouse visa (Certificate of Eligibility) for my Tunisian husband.

My husband and I met online and got married in less than a year. During that time, we met in person only twice, and both times I traveled to Tunisia. My husband had never visited Japan and does not speak Japanese. Tunisia is also a country that many Japanese people are not very familiar with.

When I was overwhelmed with anxiety, Mr. Miyagawa encouraged me over the phone, saying: “You shouldn’t feel that way,” “Meeting online is not unusual in this day and age,” and “Information on the internet is not always applicable to current immigration practices, so don’t take everything at face value.” When I met him in person, he was even more positive and reassuring than over the phone.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Miyagawa also communicated directly with my husband in Tunisia via LINE in English. I am truly grateful for this. My English is very limited, and there were many situations where it was difficult for me to explain things to my husband, but being able to speak directly with Mr. Miyagawa in English was a great help to him.

Even before meeting Mr. Miyagawa, I had printed numerous screenshots of our LINE conversations as well as photos taken in Tunisia. Mr. Miyagawa told me that we had submitted a large amount of documentation—more than most applicants—which gave me great peace of mind.

He also told me frankly that “just waiting is not enough” and that “the key is how to move the immigration officer’s heart.” This made me realize that submitting the application was not the end of the process, and once again encouraged me to stay proactive.

Following his advice, I wrote an email stating, “I cannot wait any longer,” and Mr. Miyagawa submitted it directly to the Immigration Bureau. Remarkably, approval was granted the very next day. I truly believe this action played a role in moving the process forward, and I am deeply grateful to him.

As a final surprise, Mr. Miyagawa arranged for my husband to be the first to receive the news of our visa approval and then relay it to me. I will never forget this thoughtful gesture.

In closing, I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Miyagawa, and wish Mr. Miyagawa and ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office continued success.

Summary of Spouse of Japanese National Visa Cases

Who Can Benefit from This Case

When applying for a COE for Spouse of a Japanese National, it is essential to clearly and convincingly demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship, the history of the marriage, and the prospects for living together and financial stability. In cases like this one—where the couple met online, had few in-person meetings, and the foreign spouse has no prior visits to Japan or Japanese language ability— it is especially important to address these concerns proactively with detailed explanations and supporting documents.

• Couples who met online and married after a short relationship
• Those with limited in-person meetings who are unsure how to organize photos and communication records
• Applicants whose spouse has never visited Japan or does not speak Japanese
• Those concerned about misunderstandings due to significant cultural or national differences
• Applicants who feel anxious after submission and wish to consult about additional follow-up actions

Related Services

At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we provide continuous support tailored to each life stage, from international marriage procedures and obtaining a spouse visa, to subsequent renewals and permanent residency applications. We propose the most appropriate strategy based on your individual circumstances.

Spouse Visa Application Support

We support visa selection, renewal, and changes with an eye toward future permanent residency, tailored to changes in marriage, family structure, and living circumstances.

Spouse Visa Renewal Procedures Guide

We provide ongoing support for status selection, renewal, and changes, taking into account future permanent residency.

Obtaining Permanent Residency from a Spouse Visa

For those considering permanent residency after maintaining stable residence under a spouse visa, we also provide support in organizing preparations and key considerations.