When the Immigration Services Agency of Japan Conducts a Home Visit Investigation#

During the application process for a status of residence in Japan, if the submitted documents are deemed insufficient to fully verify the authenticity of the application, officials from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) may conduct a “fact-finding investigation.” While there are several methods for this, a “home visit” is specifically conducted to directly observe the applicant’s living situation.

This investigation is a crucial procedure to confirm whether the content of the application is based on facts and supported by an actual lifestyle. This article provides an objective explanation of the cases in which a home visit is likely to occur, its purpose, and what to be aware of.

The Purpose of a Fact-finding Investigation#

The fundamental purpose of a fact-finding investigation by the ISA is to ensure the fairness and accuracy of the residence status screening process. Since application documents are prepared by the applicants themselves, their content may not always reflect the truth. Stricter scrutiny is particularly required for applications that could potentially be used for fraudulent marriages or illegal employment.

Therefore, ISA officials directly visit the applicant’s home or workplace to objectively assess their living and working conditions. This allows them to grasp the “actual situation” that cannot be seen from documents alone, using it as a basis for their decision to grant or deny the status. Home visits are most common when the applicant’s private life is closely related to the requirements for the status of residence.

Primary Cases Triggering a Home Visit#

A home visit is not conducted for every application. It is implemented when the ISA determines that a particularly thorough verification of credibility is necessary. The following are typical cases where a home visit is more likely to occur.

1. Applications for Status of Residence Related to International Marriage (e.g., “Spouse or Child of Japanese National”)#

This is the most common scenario for a home visit. The primary objective is to prevent “sham marriages,” where individuals submit a marriage registration solely to obtain a status of residence without any genuine marital relationship. ISA officials check whether the couple actually lives together and leads a communal life. Specifically, they may look at points such as:

• Signs of Life: The nameplate on the door, the state of the bedroom (e.g., one bed or two), and whether there are two sets of daily necessities like toothbrushes and dishes.
• Shared Memories: Whether there are photos of the couple or family displayed.
• Inquiries with Neighbors: They may ask neighbors if they have seen the couple living together. Furthermore, if both spouses are present during the visit, the officials might ask personal questions separately—such as how they met, what was said during the proposal, or each other’s favorite foods—to check for inconsistencies in their answers.

2. Applications with Questionable Content#

If an immigration officer has any doubts about the content of the submitted documents, an investigation may be initiated.

• Extremely Short Courtship or Marriage Without Meeting: When the authenticity of the marriage is questionable, the likelihood of a fact-finding investigation increases.
• Significant Age Gap Between Spouses: If the age difference is considered socially unconventional, a home visit may be conducted to confirm the reality of their life together.
• History of a Denied Application or Deportation: If the applicant’s history suggests a need for more cautious screening, a home visit may be deemed necessary.
• Discrepancy Between Financial Status and Lifestyle: This may occur if there is a significant gap between the standard of living expected from the submitted income statements and the actual housing situation.

3. Applications for “Business Manager” Status of Residence#

While investigations for this status typically focus on the business office, if the office and residence are in the same location or if it is necessary to verify the applicant’s place of residence, the home may also be subject to inspection. The stability of the business manager’s living foundation is considered an important factor in judging the stability and continuity of the business.

Mentality and Precautions for a Home Visit#

As a general rule, home visits by the ISA are conducted without prior notice. This is due to the nature of the investigation, which aims to observe the genuine, un-staged living situation.

• Verify the Visitor’s Identity: The visitors will always present their identification as an “Immigration Inspector” or “Immigration Control Officer.” If you feel anything is amiss, always ask to see their ID and confirm it.
• Answer Honestly: It is critically important to answer all questions truthfully, without lying or trying to fabricate a consistent story. False statements will not only result in a highly unfavorable outcome for the current application but can also negatively affect future applications.
• Maintain a Tidy Home: It is advisable to keep your home organized and in a state that objectively demonstrates a shared life. For example, displaying photos of the two of you together or having a shared calendar can serve as natural evidence of your communal life and help dispel any doubts.

Conclusion#

A fact-finding investigation (home visit) by the Immigration Services Agency is a vital process to ensure the integrity of the residence status screening system. Applicants, especially those applying for a “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” status where the authenticity of the marriage is a key point, should be aware of this possibility. This investigation is not solely for doubting the applicant; it is also an opportunity to prove that the application is truthful. Leading a sincere life that aligns with the application and submitting an honest application is the surest way to a smooth and successful acquisition of a status of residence.