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Non-Immigrant Visas

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty Trader and Investor Visas

 

 


What is a registered E visa company?

Regulations regarding E visas are complicated. As a result, we are required to conduct a detailed review of every company wishing to obtain E visas. Once the review is completed and successful, we add the company's name to the register of E companies for Japan. Once a company is registered, its employees can apply for E visas following the same procedures as other visa applicants.

How do I register my company?

Detailed instructions can be found on our Treaty Traders & Investors Visa Registration webpage.

How long will it take to review a company's registration request?

Processing time for review of treaty trader/treaty investor registration applications is usually eight weeks.

Can I send E visa company registration documents without an individual application?

No. Initial registration applications must be accompanied by an individual application.

Note: If your company has an active and up-to-date E company registry, you may follow the regular Non-Immigrant Visa Application Procedures and make your visa appointment online.

Once my company is registered, how long will it take to process my visa?

Please allow at least 1 week for processing. Visa processing time depends on the case. Some cases may take 2 to 3 weeks or more to process. In the peak summer and winter seasons, processing may take longer, so plan ahead and apply for a visa in advance of your travel date.

How can I find out if my company is registered?

Please contact the Call Center. The contact information can be found at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/jp.

My company registered last year. How do we keep the registration active?

In order to maintain your company registry, Form DS-156E and Financial Statements/Tax Returns must be submitted annually. If these documents are not submitted for five years, your company registration will expire. Companies under “expired” registration status must register again with the U.S. Embassy Tokyo or Consulate Osaka. Also, please note that in certain circumstances, even if the company registration status is still valid, the processing time may take the same length of time as it does for an initial registration application.

What is substantial trade?

Please look at this PDF document (9 FAM 41.51) and scroll down to section N6.

What is substantial investment?

Please look at this PDF document (9 FAM 41.51) and scroll down to section N10.

I am in the U.S. Can I send my E visa application to Japan?

We do not accept visa applications from the U.S. If you are registering your company, the U.S. firm or lawyer can mail us the registration documents from the U.S. You will, however, be required to appear personally for an interview in Japan to apply for your visa.

Can my family members work in the U.S.?

Family members may work on derivative E visas if permission has been obtained in advance from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Study at academic institutions is possible.

My US company (employer) has been changed. Do I have to apply for a new E visa?

If you remain in the US, you may change your employer at DHS. Once you leave the US and re-enter to the US to start working for the new company, you need a new E visa.

When a company that currently holds an E visa merges with other company in the US, can the E visa still be used?

An E visa is not granted to the company automatically, even if the company is merged to a Japanese company. Please send necessary documents for registration to the Embassy/Consulate.