All applicants must present the following documents at the interview:
PASSPORT: Current and previous passports issued in the past ten years
COMPLETED DS-156 APPLICATION FORM: Please complete the on-line version of this form, print it out, and bring all three pages to your interview.
Please do not staple your forms together. (Download DS-156 in English Japanese or Spanish )
PHOTOGRAPH: A 5cm x 5cm photo with a white background, taken within the last six months. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 25 to 35mm with the head centered in the frame facing straight ahead. Glue it to the DS-156. Do not staple the photo to the DS 156.
ORIGINAL RECEIPT: of $100 payable in Japanese Yen. For October the fee is 11,000 yen. (Download payment instructions.) The processing fee is not refundable, even if you decide for any reason whatsoever, not to apply
for a visa. Please note that we only accept original receipts and that we can not accept Internet banking payments.
Please attach the receipt to the third page of the DS-156 above the barcode.
COMPLETED DS-157 APPLICATION FORM This form is required for all applicants 16 and older.
(Download DS-157 in English
Japanese or Spanish )
STAMPED, SELF-ADDRESSED A4 SIZED ENVELOPE: Since visas are not issued on the same day as your interview, your passport and documents will be mailed to you. Please attach at least 240 yen worth of postage. Stamps and envelopes are not available
at the embassy.
COURT AND POLICE RECORDS: Persons who have been
arrested or convicted for any offense or crime must provide a police record in
original, copies of court records and of any prison records, even though
subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other act of clemency. NOTE! If you
have not been arrested you do not need to submit any records.
CLEAR PLASTIC FOLDER: Please put all of the documents listed above in a clear plastic folder. If you are submitting an I-20, DS-2019 or I-797 please also place this in the folder. Non-Japanese citizens should also include the copy of their Japanese Alien Registration Card in this folder.
Non-Japanese applicants must also include:
VALID JAPANESE RE-ENTRY PERMIT: This can be obtained at the Regional Immigration Bureau.
PHOTOCOPY OF JAPANESE ALIEN REGISTRATION CARD:
(If Applicable)Please copy both sides of the registration card.
FAMILY MEMBER PASSPORTS: Even if they are not traveling with you or applying for a visa.
EVIDENCE OF MARITAL STATUS: (if applicable) such as family register, marriage/divorce certificate.
Depending on your nationality, you may be subject to additional fees or requirements.
Click here for more information.
Applications for tourism , short business trips or brief training
(B1/B2) must also include:
PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT OR ENROLLMENT IN SCHOOL (if applicable)
CONFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE: if you are a non-Japanese citizen and are attending a conference in the US you must complete the "Conference Questionnaire"
Applications for student or exchange visitor visas (F,M or J) must also include:
COMPLETED DS-158 APPLICATION FORM (Downloaded DS-158 in English or Japanese (Page 1 and Page 2 )
I-20: For F1 and M1
students the original SEVIS I-20 form must be included. Family members
seeking F2 and M2 status need their own I-20 form.
OR
DS-2019: For J1 "Exchange Visitor" status you must include the original SEVIS DS-2019 form. Family members seeking J2 status must submit their own copies of the DS-2019 form.
PROOF OF FUNDS TO COVER ALL EXPENSES: this could include bank statements or pay receipts. If you are applying for an F1 visa and planning to study for more than one year, you must bring proof of funds to cover the first year's expenses.
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS: if currently a student
If you are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) you should to bring the original Employment Authorization card together with your I-20 form.
Applications for temporary
work visas (E,H,L), or Athletes and Artists (O,P) must also include:
ORIGINAL I-797 APPROVAL NOTICE: Applicants for H,L,O or P visas need to submit the Notice of Action
PHOTOCOPY OF I-129 PETITION: (if applicable)
PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT: Letter of job offer or contract and most recent pay
statement from US Company
DS-156E:
E-visa applicants need to submit an original DS-156E (Downloaded DS-156E )
Dependents of work
visa applicants need to submit a copy of the I-797,
together with a copy of the principal applicant's visa and birth or marriage records
showing relation to principal applicant, if applying separately.
Applications for media visas (I) must also include:
EMPLOYMENT LETTER: Stating employment status; whether the position is permanent or
temporary, your purpose of travel and length of stay. The applicant must also bring proof of membership in a professional journalistic organization (such as a press card). Freelance media workers must also submit a valid contract of employment
Applications for transit visas must also include:
A DETAILED TRAVEL PLAN: Route and approximate dates.
VISA: A valid visa for your destination country, if required.
Please note that for planning purposes, you can only book an appointment three months in advance. please check here Schedule an Appointment in Tokyo Schedule an Appointment in Osaka
Important Notices
Print out this page and check the boxes pertaining to your type of visa.