Introduction

When inviting family members to Japan, obtaining the “Dependent” visa (Status of Residence: Dependent) is a crucial process. This application requires submission of documents such as marriage and birth certificates to prove family relationships. However, mistakes or deficiencies in these documents significantly increase the risk of visa denial. This article explains the risks of documentation errors in dependent visa applications and how to avoid them.

Basics and Required Documents for Dependent Visa Applications

The Dependent visa allows foreign residents to live in Japan with their families. Eligible family members are spouses and children, and a legally valid marriage or parent-child relationship must be proven.

Key required documents include:

• Application for Certificate of Eligibility
• Photos of applicant and sponsor
• Documents proving the relationship between applicant and sponsor (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Copy of sponsor’s residence card or passport
• Documents proving sponsor’s occupation and income

Marriage and birth certificates are strictly checked, and if written in a foreign language, a Japanese translation must be attached.

Impact of Errors or Deficiencies

Accurate documentation is essential in the screening process. Errors in marriage or birth certificates can result in:

• Risk of Being Considered False Information
  　Serious mistakes may be deemed as “false statements,” leading to denial.
• Doubt Over Family Relationships
  　Inconsistencies or errors may cast doubt on the family relationship and raise suspicions of a sham marriage or false parent-child relationship.
• Difficulty in Reapplying
  　Once denied, subsequent applications are often scrutinized more strictly, making it harder to regain trust.

Common Mistakes

• Misspelled names or incorrect dates of birth (spelling errors, differences in kanji/alphabet, etc.)
• Incorrect family structure or relationship
• Errors in issue date or validity of certificates
• Mistakes or deficiencies in translations of documents issued by foreign authorities

How to Prevent Documentation Errors

1. Obtain the Latest Certificates from Official Authorities
   　Marriage and birth certificates should be issued by official authorities in the home country, and documents issued within three months are often required.
2. Provide Accurate Japanese Translations
   　All foreign-language certificates must have accurate Japanese translations. Translation errors can be treated as deficiencies.
3. Unify the Notation of Names and Dates of Birth
   　Ensure consistency in names and dates of birth across all documents, including passports and residence cards.
4. Have a Third Party Check Before Submission
   　Ask a professional, such as a certified administrative scrivener, to check the documents to prevent oversights and mistakes.
5. Respond Promptly to Requests for Additional Documents
   　If the Immigration Bureau requests additional documents, respond quickly and submit accurate documents.

Example

For example, Ms. A from China applied for a Dependent visa as the spouse of Mr. B, who works in Japan. The name on the marriage certificate differed slightly from the passport, so the Immigration Bureau requested additional documents. Ms. A obtained a new, correct certificate from her home country and had a professional prepare the Japanese translation. As a result, the visa was approved. Prompt and accurate correction increases the chance of approval, but leaving errors unaddressed raises the risk of denial.

Conclusion

For Dependent visa applications, the accuracy of marriage and birth certificates is extremely important. Errors or deficiencies increase the risk of denial, so carefully check the documents and consult a professional if necessary. Take the right steps and start your life in Japan with peace of mind.