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What procedure should a Japanese-American family follow in order to live in Japan? (Part2)
I’m an American living in the United States. I have had two children with my Japanese-American husband whose maternal grandfather moved to Hawaii. We are not in contact with our Japanese relatives and we are not sure whether they are still alive. Please advise us about whether we can obtain visas to come to Japan as Japanese-Americans.
In the last issue I described a method to find your grandfather’s family register. Here, I will explain the possibility of your obtaining a visa assuming you have already located the family register.
If the name of your husband’s mother is written in your grandfather’s family register document, it will be considered proven that your husband’s mother is Japanese. Therefore, it means that your husband was born as a Japanese and is considered a “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National.” This means you come under the “Long Term Resident” status as his spouse and your children come under the “Long Term Resident” status as third-generation Japanese-Americans.
In case the name of your husband’s mother is not written in your grandfather’s family register, your husband’s status will be “Long Term Resident” as a third-generation American of Japanese nationality, and your status will be spouse of a long-term resident. Your children will be fourth-generation Japanese-Americans and will be considered long term residents if they are your own children who are under the age of 20, unmarried and supported by their parents.
In the case you cannot find your relatives in Japan, it will be impossible for you to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. In this case, there is one method available: after either your husband or your family enter Japan on short-term visas, you can apply for a change of status of residence. Considering your special situation, I advise you to consult with a specialist.
Advisor: KUROKAWA Koji (Immigration Lawyer)
