Does a Foreign Spouse’s Educational Background, Work History, or Nationality Affect the Spouse Visa Process in Japan?

Technically, academic and employment history or nationality should not impact the outcome. However, in practice, these factors can lead to closer scrutiny of your application.

Do Academic Background, Work History, or Nationality Matter in Spouse Visa Applications?

According to Japan’s Immigration Control Act, a foreign spouse’s academic background, career history, or nationality should not formally affect their eligibility for a Spouse of Japanese National visa. Legally, these factors are not included in the official requirements.

However, in real-life practice, immigration officials may still take these aspects into account. Applicants with less conventional educational or work histories, or those from certain countries, may be asked to submit additional documents or undergo a more rigorous review process. Immigration may also cross-check the consistency of your current application with previous applications.

Why These Factors May Lead to Stricter Review

In some cases, individuals apply for a Spouse Visa after dropping out of school or violating the conditions of their former status, such as by working more hours than allowed on a student visa. Others may not meet the academic or professional criteria required for a work visa in Japan, so they apply for a Spouse Visa instead.

Additionally, there have been many fraudulent marriage cases involving nationals of certain countries, which has made immigration officials more cautious when reviewing applications from those regions.

Discrimination Is Not Permitted—But Scrutiny Can Still Happen

It is important to emphasize that immigration officers are not allowed to discriminate based on nationality, education, or work history. However, if the background appears unusual or inconsistent with previous records, a longer and more detailed review may still be triggered. See more on why some cases take longer.

If your application is denied, you will have to start the entire process again, which can greatly disrupt your personal and family plans. That’s why we strongly recommend careful preparation, especially if:

• You don’t meet the criteria for a work visa
• You’re from a country with a history of high fraud cases
• Your educational or employment records are incomplete or unusual

Seemingly unrelated factors—like whether or not you held a wedding ceremony—can also affect how your application is perceived. Read more here: Does holding a wedding party matter?

Our Strategy at Continental Immigration

At Continental, we help couples present a strong, credible application that demonstrates a genuine marriage. We assess each client’s background and create a personalized plan for documentation and evidence, ensuring faster and more reliable visa approval.

Learn more: Complete guide to international marriage and the spouse visa process

About the Author

Masakazu Murai
CFP®, Securities Analyst, Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)

Born in 1977, Masakazu worked at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities advising on corporate financing and M&A. He was also an executive board member of the employee union, supporting diversity and improving work environments for women and foreign nationals.

He now specializes in spouse visas and other immigration status procedures, combining legal expertise with financial consulting. Hobbies include idol concerts, long walks, movies with Hoppy, and spending time with his cats.

Support for Foreign Nationals in Japan:
✓ Want to work in Japan
✓ Plan to start a business
✓ Getting married in Japan
✓ Applying for permanent residency
✓ Seeking Japanese citizenship

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