Introduction

With the increase in international marriages, applications for the “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status of residence (as officially named by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan) have grown rapidly. Many applicants worry about stricter screening and anti-fraud investigation measures, especially regarding how communication records—such as those from SNS—are treated. This article explains whether having little SNS interaction between spouses is viewed as suspicious, referencing public and official sources.​

Key Visa Screening Points

In the spouse visa process, immigration authorities check not only the documentary evidence but also whether the couple are genuinely living as husband and wife. Major screening areas include:

• The authenticity of the marriage (preventing sham marriages)
• Length of relationship and cohabitation records
• Financial stability and livelihood base
• Intention and foundation for stable life in Japanese society

Recently, the origin of the relationship, evidence of communication (photos, records), and residency proof have also become more important.​

Impact of SNS Communication on Screening

SNS interactions (LINE, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) are just one way to evidence ongoing communication. While SNS logs are not required, applicants may submit photos, email records, or call histories as proof. If SNS activity is extremely limited and there are major discrepancies between written and actual facts, authorities may doubt the couple’s relationship. However, couples who use SNS infrequently for work or private reasons are not automatically considered suspicious—other forms of communication like calls or mail are equally valid.​

Risk Cases and Countermeasures

Cases needing special attention in actual surveys include:

• Very short relationship or large age difference (over 15 years)
• Long-distance or lack of cohabitation
• Few SNS/email records
• Contradictions between application and submitted documents
• Past visa violations

In these scenarios, submitting records of regular phone/video calls, mail, documented travel, and photos helps show the genuine relationship. SNS is just one tool—communication methods vary.​

Main Types of Evidence

Official criteria and documentation examples (per Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency):

• Public certificates of marriage from both countries
• Residency records, lease agreements, utility bills in both names (cohabitation proof)
• Communication evidence (photos, chat/call/email logs)
• Records of Japanese language study (showing intention and effort)
• Tax certificates and income records (for stable livelihood)

Screening is holistic—insufficient SNS alone does not render a couple suspicious if other evidence is sufficient.​

Points When Referring to Other Cases

Many cases are introduced on the web, but using real names, ages, or family info is risky, so it’s best to use abstractions, protect privacy, and clearly cite sources.​

Conclusion

For the Spouse or Child of Japanese National status, limited SNS communication alone does not automatically trigger suspicion in surveys or screening. What matters is compiling multi-faceted evidence of a real-life partnership. If worried, consult a legal expert and use official guidelines。