How to Write the Questionnaire for a Spouse Visa｜Conveying Your Path from Meeting to Marriage Accurately
Introduction
In a spouse visa application, the factor that greatly influences approval or denial is the questionnaire (Statement of relationship). The questionnaire is a prescribed form provided by the Immigration Services Agency, in which mainly the Japanese spouse fills in concrete details about the path from meeting to marriage and the actual circumstances of married life.
This article explains the role of the questionnaire and the key points for writing it.
This article is based on information published by the Immigration Services Agency. The questionnaire form may change, so always check the latest form when applying.
What Is the Questionnaire
The questionnaire is a document required when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility or for permission to change residence status for a spouse visa. It is a document through which the examiner judges whether the marriage has substance and is not merely a formality, and it could be called a document that conveys the 「story of the couple」.
Key point：The questionnaire is not merely an administrative document. If there are unnatural points or contradictions in the flow from meeting to marriage, the credibility of the marriage may be doubted, leading to denial or a request for additional documents.
Main Items Asked in the Questionnaire
The questionnaire generally requires you to fill in the following content.
| Item | Content to fill in |
|---|---|
| How you met | When, where, and how you got to know each other |
| Course of the relationship | The flow from the start of the relationship to deciding to marry |
| Proposal and path to marriage | Who proposed, and when and where |
| Wedding and marriage registration | The timing and place of the ceremony and registration |
| Language and communication | The language used between the couple, and how you communicate |
| Relationship with relatives | Introductions to each other’s parents, and relatives’ awareness |
| Cohabitation and living situation | Whether you live together, how living expenses are shared, etc. |
Five Points for Writing
1. Write Concretely and in Chronological Order
Write the date, place, and situation concretely, such as 「In month 〇 of 2024, we met for the first time at a café in 〇〇 City through a friend’s introduction」. Abstract descriptions lower credibility.
2. Keep the Content Consistent Between the Couple
In screening, consistency between each spouse’s account is emphasized. If there are discrepancies in the date or place you met, or the circumstances of the proposal, it will be judged as unnatural. Confirm the facts together in advance.
3. Add an Explanation About the Language Barrier
If your native languages differ, 「how you communicate」 will always be checked. Write honestly about the actual situation, such as a common language, the use of translation apps, or being in the process of learning a language.
4. Do Not Contradict the Supporting Documents
Photos during the relationship, message exchanges, travel history (passport stamps), and other materials must be consistent with the content of the questionnaire. Do not inflate dates or frequency; write based on the facts.
5. Write Honestly (Do Not Hide Unfavorable Circumstances)
Circumstances such as a short relationship, meeting through a matchmaking app, or being a remarriage are not in themselves reasons for denial. Hiding or falsifying them will cost you trust when discovered. The wise approach is to write the facts honestly and add a supplementary explanation if needed.
Documents That Are Effective to Attach
Attaching materials that support the content of the questionnaire increases credibility.
- Photos during the relationship and at the wedding (from multiple times and places)
- Records of message exchanges showing communication between you
- Travel records from trips taken together
- Photos with relatives, or materials showing how the introduction came about
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Our relationship has been only a few months, which is short — is this a disadvantage? A. A short period is not in itself a reason for denial, but it is important to carefully explain the path from meeting to marriage and attach materials that demonstrate substance.
Q. Does the Japanese spouse write the questionnaire? A. It is mainly filled in by the Japanese spouse, but it is important to prepare it so that both spouses’ accounts are consistent.
Q. What documents are required overall? A. In addition to the questionnaire, a family register copy and certificate of residence, among others, are required. For details, please see 「List of Required Documents for a Spouse Visa」.
Our Office’s Support
The questionnaire is an important document that accurately conveys the couple’s journey to the examiner. At the Kaneko Hidetaka Administrative Scrivener Office, we organize your history through interviews and help you create a questionnaire free of contradictions.
- A track record of a 98% approval rate
- Languages supported： Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and English
- Free initial consultation