Can Japanese International Students Sponsor Their Relatives? Detailed Insights with HeyJapan

As a Japanese international student, many of you are eager to reunite with your loved ones in the Land of the Rising Sun. But can international students sponsor their relatives to come to Japan? Let's explore the conditions for this and get detailed insights with HeyJapan.

Types of Visas That International Students in Japan Can Use to Sponsor Relatives

The Japanese government allows international students to sponsor their relatives with various types of visas, including:

• Visitor Visa: This visa applies to parents, spouses, children, siblings, grandparents, and uncles/aunts of the student. With a visitor visa, relatives can stay in Japan for a specified period, typically from 3 months to 1 year, depending on the purpose and specific conditions.
• Spousal Visa: This visa applies only to the spouse of the student. With a spousal visa, the spouse can reside in Japan long-term and has the ability to work, study, and live like a local resident.

The duration of bail for relatives to Japan depends on the type of visa

Conditions for International Students in Japan to Sponsor Relatives

If you want to sponsor your relatives to come to Japan, you need to meet the following conditions:

Eligibility to Sponsor Relatives

• International students studying at universities, colleges, vocational schools, or professional training schools in Japan.
• Students with a valid "Student Visa."

Financial Conditions

Students must demonstrate financial ability to support their relatives during their stay in Japan. The minimum income required depends on the number of relatives and the location of the student.

 Financial conditions for international students in Japan

For example, according to the Immigration Bureau of Japan, the minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse is around 2.4 million yen (approximately $20,000) if living in Tokyo.

Housing Conditions

Students must have suitable housing or the ability to provide accommodation for their relatives. The accommodation must meet minimum living standards as per local regulations.

Housing conditions for international students in Japan

Purpose of Entry

Relatives must state the purpose of their entry into Japan and comply with Japanese laws. For a visitor visa, the purpose could be family reunion, visiting relatives, or tourism. For a spousal visa, the purpose is long-term residence.

Documentation Requirements

Students need to prepare all necessary documents as required by Japanese authorities for the sponsorship process. Typically, documents include:

• Sponsorship application (written in Japanese)
• Copies of the student’s passport and visa
• Proof of enrollment at the school
• Documents proving the relationship with the relative (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Financial proof (bank statements, income statements, etc.)
• Housing-related documents (rental agreement, property ownership, etc.)
• Detailed reason and plan for sponsoring the relative

Documentation for sponsoring relatives by international students in Japan

Note: Each type of visa will have different specific requirements for documents, documents and approval times.

Conditions for Japanese students to bail their wives to Japan

Whether a student can sponsor their spouse to Japan depends on meeting specific conditions and preparing the required documents.

International students guarantee their wives to Japan needs to depend on their conditions

What documents do Japanese international students guarantee their wives to prepare?

In case the wife is a guarantor:

• A valid passport
• Health certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Police clearance certificate (issued by local authorities)
• Four 4x5cm photos with a white background
• Copy of the marriage certificate
• Personal resume (in Japanese)

Required documents for sponsoring a spouse to Japan

In case the husband is a guarantor

• Copies of the passport and student visa
• Proof of enrollment at the school (with details of remaining course duration)
• Financial documents (salary statements, bank statements, periodic income reports)
• Invitation letter for the spouse
• Copy of the spouse’s birth certificate

What do international students in Japan who sponsor their wives need to keep in mind?

How long does it take to sponsor a wife to Japan?

The processing time for sponsoring a spouse to Japan is not fixed and can vary depending on specific cases and government agencies. Typically, the sponsorship process for a spouse can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months to complete all required procedures.

To ensure a smooth and expedient sponsorship process, international students should prepare their documents thoroughly and accurately in accordance with Japanese legal requirements.

Records and guarantee documents to be complied with by Japanese law

Can sponsored individuals work in Japan? 

Individuals sponsored to Japan under a residency visa are permitted to work in accordance with Japanese labor and residency regulations. However, post-arrival employment must comply with procedures for work permits, tax obligations, and other rights and responsibilities for workers in Japan.

Key considerations for Japanese international students sponsoring relatives 

When deciding to sponsor relatives to Japan, international students should keep the following points in mind:

• Prepare complete and accurate documentation as per requirements.
• Ensure financial capability to support relatives during their stay.
• Familiarize oneself thoroughly with specific regulations and conditions to avoid errors during the application process.
• Maintain consistent communication and support for relatives during preparation and arrival in Japan.
• Adhere strictly to Japanese regulations and laws after the sponsored individual's arrival.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the regulations and conditions for international students to sponsor their relatives to Japan, specifically regarding spouse sponsorship. This not only helps families reunite but also allows relatives to experience life in Japan. To ensure a smooth sponsorship process, international students must prepare the necessary documents and adhere to Japan’s review procedures. HeyJapan wishes you success in sponsoring your relatives and providing them with a fulfilling life in Japan.