Can you change from a tourist visa
to a spouse visa?
Changing from tourist visa is NOT allowed in principle
"Temporary Visitor" is for short-term stays only.
Normally, you must return to your country and go through proper procedures.
Stay period of "90 days" is required
Those with 15 or 30 days are NOT eligible.
The grace period (extension) does not apply,
making it impossible to complete procedures in time.
Two exceptional methods
- Higher certainty
- Obtain "Certificate of Eligibility" first
- Then apply for status change
- Recommended method
- Faster but uncertain
- Apply for change directly after marriage
- Acceptance varies by immigration office
- Risk of non-acceptance
Absolute NO: Leaving Japan during application
If you leave Japan while your change application is pending, your temporary visitor visa expires and your application becomes void (withdrawn). You cannot leave Japan until the result is issued.
The short answer is: this is generally NOT permitted.
The Immigration Services Agency (Immigration) takes the position of generally not permitting changes from "Temporary Visitor" visa to other mid/long-term residence statuses. This is because the "Temporary Visitor" visa is granted through simplified screening, and allowing easy changes would undermine the regular visa procedures.
However, exceptions exist where this change can be permitted, such as for humanitarian considerations. Here we explain two common methods.
Method 1: Obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE) first, then apply for change
Relatively orthodox method with higher certainty
- Apply for the COE: While on temporary visitor status, first file a "Certificate of Eligibility" application (the standard invitation procedure). Review typically takes 1-3 months.
- Switch to change application: If the certificate is issued within the temporary visitor period, attach it and file a "Change of Status of Residence" application. With the certificate, the chance of approval is very high.
[Important note for this method]
Once the change application is accepted, the "grace period" applies, extending the stay by up to 2 months from the original expiration.
*Important: The grace period only applies to those with a "90-day" stay. Those with "15 days" or "30 days" cannot use this method.
Method 2: Apply directly for spouse visa change
Faster but not guaranteed to be accepted
After entering Japan and completing marriage procedures with a Japanese national, there is a possibility of the direct change application being accepted on grounds of "special unavoidable circumstances."
[Important notes]
- Depends on immigration office practices: While accepted at some offices like Tokyo Immigration, other regional offices may insist on "following the standard COE procedure."
- Also limited to "90 days": The grace period requires a "90-day" stay period. Not realistic for those with "15 days" or "30 days."
Critical warning for both methods
"Never leave Japan while the change application is pending"
The "Temporary Visitor" visa expires the moment you leave Japan. If you travel abroad during the application process, the change application is treated as withdrawn and everything goes back to square one.
Summary
- Not allowed in principle, but two exceptional methods exist.
- Both absolutely require entry with a "90-day" stay period.
- You cannot leave Japan at all during the process.
This requires extremely tight schedule management, so we strongly recommend consulting a specialist before proceeding with your case.