(日本語)

Domestic employees accompanying or following to join an employer in the United States may be eligible for B-1 visas.

Domestic employees accompanying or following to join an employer who is a foreign diplomat or official may be eligible for A-3, G-5 or NATO-7 visas, depending on the visa status of the employer.

Domestic employees of U.S. citizens moving temporarily to the U.S. may be eligible for B-1 visas, however under current U.S. law there is no provision that enables U.S. citizens who are moving permanently to the U.S. to bring their domestic employees with them.

This category of personal or domestic employees includes, but is not limited to, housekeepers, nannies, cooks and chauffeurs.

Requirements vary based on the status of the employer. Please apply for the category that best fits your situation:

• Employer is a U.S. citizen or other national residing in Japan who will be making a short visit to the U.S.
  
• Employer is a U.S. citizen or other national temporarily assigned to the U.S.
  
• Employer is assigned to an international organization or bilateral mission (A, G or NATO visa holders)

Requirements for Personal Employees of U.S. Citizens and Other Nationals Residing in Japan Making a Short Visit to the U.S.

U.S. citizens and other nationals making a short trip to the U.S. may bring a domestic employee under the following conditions:

• The employer is travelling to the U.S. for a short visit (three months or less)


• The employer normally works abroad


• The employer is returning to Japan after the trip to the US


• The employer is the official sponsor of the employee in Japan and can submit documentation to support this fact


• The employee has been employed abroad by the employer for at least one year prior to the date of admission to the United States


• The employee has a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of abandoning


• The employer and employee have signed a written employment contract.

Please note: B-1 visas for domestic employees are for short trips and temporary assignments only. If you plan to relocate to the U.S. you will need a different type of visa.

Requirements for Personal Employees of U.S. Citizens and Other Nationals Temporarily Assigned to the U.S

U.S. citizens and other nationals may bring a domestic employee to the U.S. under the following conditions:

• The employer normally works abroad


• The employer is returning/coming to the U.S. for no more than four years


• As a condition of employment, the employer is subject to frequent international transfers lasting two years or more and submits documentation from corporate headquarters confirming this condition


• The employer is the official sponsor of the employee in Japan and can submit documentation to support this fact


• The employee has been employed abroad by the employer for at least one year prior to the date of admission to the United States


• The employee has a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of abandoning


• After arrival in the U.S. the employer obtains a Social Security card for the employee, pays both the employer's and the employee's share of FICA contributions, submits a W-2 to the IRS and pays worker's compensation and unemployment compensation if required by state or local law. (Employers are advised to contact IRS and the Social Security Administration for further information.)


• The employer and employee have signed a written employment contract.

Requirements for Personal Employees of Persons Assigned to International Organizations or Bilateral Missions (A, G or NATO Visa Holders):

Persons Assigned to International Organizations or Bilateral Missions may bring a domestic employee to the U.S. under the following conditions:

• The employer can provide a "Note Verbale" requesting issuance of the visa from the principle's international organization or mission confirming the employment status of the principle, the date of departure from Japan, the purpose of the trip and the length of stay in the United States.


• The employer can provide an employment contract certified or endorsed by the employer's mission or organization


• The employer and employee have signed a written employment contract.

Application Procedures: For information on applying for this visa, please see the application checklist.

Due to new security regulations, some applications may require additional clearance and longer processing. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date, and do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy to inquire about the status of their application. Visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.