Important Notices
Procedures
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Procedures
| STEP 1 > Step 2 > Step 3 |
The following procedures apply only at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Consulate General in Osaka.
MAIL-IN Application Step 1
Make sure you are eligible
As of July 1, 2004, most applicants require in-person interviews with a U.S. consul when applying for a visa. The following applicants, however, do not require in-person interviews:
- Applicants seeking non-immigrant (diplomatic and government official) visas in the following classes: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-2, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6
- Applicants 13 years of age or under
- Applicants 80 years of age or older
- Applicants who renew visas
Please note that all nationals of the following countries Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan must appear for an interview in person, regardless of age, and cannot apply for a visa by mail. For more information, please see here. Do not make final travel plans until you have received your passport with visa.
Those who are exempt from the interview requirement, should apply for a visa by mail or through a travel agent.
Note: Parents may apply on behalf of underaged children by submitting the required documents/proof of application fee payment at the parent's visa interview.
How can I apply?
By Travel Agent:
The agent will deliver your application to us and pick up the visa when it is ready.By Mail:
• Applicants living in eastern Japan and applying at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo should send applications to:
American Embassy Tokyo, Visa Branch• Applicants living in western Japan and applying at the U.S. Consulate General in Osaka should send applications to:
1-10-5, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
U.S. Consulate General Osaka, Visa Unit
11-5 Nishitenma 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543
What documents are required?
For information on documents, see here.
How can I pay the application fee?
If your mail-in application requires payment of a visa application fee, see here.
How long will it take to process my application?
Please allow at least 4 weeks for processing. Visa processing time varies with the case. Some cases may take 6 to 8 weeks or more to make a decision on your application. In the peak summer and winter seasons, processing may take longer, please plan ahead and apply for a visa well in advance of your travel date.