Telephone Number: (81)(3) 3224-5000
FAX Number: (81)(3) 5570-5041
Automated Info Service: (0990) 5-26160 (Available in English / Japanese)
Office Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
The post is closed on all U.S. and Japanese holidays. Japanese holidays include January 1, January 15, February 11, March 21, April 29, May 3-5, September 15, September 23, October 10, November 3, November 23, and December 23.
Address: American Embassy
Consular Section – Visa Branch
10-5, Akasaka 1-chome
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107, Japan
or American Embassy
Consular Section – Visa Branch
Unit 45004, Box 258
APO AP 96337-0001
Profile:
The post prefers communications via FAX, and will generally reply within two working days. Telephone conversations are generally arranged by a FAX which specifies the time and telephone number that a consul may call collect. Urgent documents can be sent to the post via DHL, Fed-Ex, UPS and Express Mail. Pre-paid return envelopes using DHL are preferred, since DHL picks up at the post almost every day. Applications submitted by mail, drop box, or in person must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped (at least 270 Yen) envelope for the return postage.
Nonimmigrant Visas:
The overall approval rate is approximately 99% for Japanese nationals.
In person applications are accepted by appointment only. Other applications are accepted by mail or via travel agencies. Interviews of Japanese nationals are rare, while interviews for third country nationals are more common. The post processes H, L, K, O, and P visas after the INS provides notice of approval via cable. A copy of the petition and supporting documents should be provided in advance, via FAX or mail.
The consulate uses a special supplemental form for E visas, which requires a list of all executive, managerial, and specialist positions in the U.S. business.
The post considers individuals who have previously stayed in the U.S. beyond their visas and individuals who have worked without authorization as high risk applicants and is more likely to deny visas to these individuals. In light of the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, the post also recommends a letter explaining the need for a tourist visa from Japanese nationals.
Immigrant Visas:
Applications are accepted by appointment only. The post does not accept discretionary cases unless the applicant resides in Japan. Interviews are usually scheduled Monday through Friday mornings from 8:30 AM and visas are generally issued that afternoon. The post will process immigrant visas upon presentation of attorney certified copies of the petition, supporting documents, and after the INS provides notice of approval via cable. Alternatively, the post can wait for the petition from the National Visa Center. High risk applicants include certain employment based applicants whose prior work experience is found to be false, including sushi chefs and pecialty cooks.
Police clearances for Japan may be obtained from the nearest Japanese consulate in the United States. Birth, marriage, death and divorce records are available from the Family Register and may be obtained from the city or ward office of the registered domicile of the head of the family.
The results of a medical examination are usually available after 2-3 days. For an additional fee, about 8000 Yen, the results can be obtained the next day from certain facilities. The approved medical facilities in Tokyo are:
Seibo International Catholic Hospital
Dr. Setsuji Noga
5-1 Nakaochiai 2-chome
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161
(03) 951-1111
Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic
Drs. A.D. Fair, Koichi, Fujii, J.H.T. Marshall,
Peter Seez, Gabriel Symonds
Mori Building 32
3-4-30 Shiba-Koen
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105
(03) 436-3028
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. The information provided in this article has not been updated since its original posting and you should not rely on it until you consult counsel to determine if the content is still valid. We keep older articles online because it helps in the understanding of the development of immigration law.