Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Japanese Descendant Visa

Question 1

After reviewing the examples on your site, I think they apply to my sister and me. Our father was born in Japan as a Japanese citizen, emigrated with our parents during his childhood, and currently does not hold Japanese nationality. My sister and I were born in the United States, and our birth registrations are not listed in our father’s family register. We are both in our twenties now. Would we also qualify for the Japanese Descendant Visa?

Answer 1

Your visa application with your sibling may be possible, but several points need confirmation.

  1. Are any of your father’s family register documents still available, even if old or copies?
  2. Additionally, the following documents are required:
    • Your and your sister’s birth certificates,
    • Your father’s naturalization certificate when he acquired U.S. citizenship,
    • Your parents’ marriage certificate, etc.
  3. Do you have any relatives residing in Japan who can assist with the visa application? Could that person act as your guarantor?
  4. What are your plans for living in Japan after arriving?

Question 2

Aloha. I would like to request support for my son’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Japanese Descendant Visa application. He currently resides in Hawaii. His great-grandmother held Japanese nationality before immigrating to Hawaii. His grandmother was born in Japan. I possess birth certificates and marriage certificates for all of them. I downloaded the COE form from the Japan Immigration website, but its contents are difficult to understand.

Answer 2

I understand your son wishes to apply for a COE. He would be considered a fourth-generation Japanese descendant. Please clarify whether his great-grandmother still held Japanese nationality when she gave birth to his grandfather or grandmother, or if she had already acquired U.S. citizenship at that time. This information will determine the type of visa he can apply for.

Question 3

I am a fourth-generation Japanese Descendant and wish to apply for a descendant visa. However, I am having difficulty finding a sponsor, which is a requirement for this visa. Could you please help me find a sponsor?

Answer 3

Unfortunately, we cannot introduce you to a sponsor. We appreciate your understanding.

Question 4

When I was born in the United States, my mother was Japanese. My parents’ marriage is recorded in the family register, but I myself was not registered in the family register. My mother naturalized as a U.S. citizen several years after I was born. My mother has since passed away. My husband and I would like to know the details of the Japanese Descendant Visa and how to meet its requirements.

Answer 4

For the Japanese Descendant Visa, you will need proof documents for both your parents and yourself. While you can likely obtain the U.S.-side documents yourself, acquiring the Japanese-side documents will be the key point. Since your mother held Japanese nationality, you will need a copy of her Japanese family register (since she has passed away, you will need a copy of her family register after removal). I understand your birth record will not be included, but you must prove your mother held Japanese nationality. This document must be obtained from the city hall that oversees your mother’s registered domicile. This means you will need the specific address of her registered domicile. If a relative can obtain these documents on your behalf, that is acceptable.

If you are recognized as a Japanese descendant, your husband will also become eligible to apply for a long-term visa. The review process will include your plans for living expenses in Japan, whether you have income, and whether you have savings for the near future. Please provide this information as well.

Please feel free to contact us for advice!

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