Interview Procedures at U.S. Embassy Tokyo

What to Expect on the Day of your Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Interview:

Note: The following interview procedures only apply to U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Procedures at U.S. consulate in Osaka/Naha/Sapporo/Fukuoka are different.

1. ENTRY PROCESSING

• Please take your place in line at your appointment time at the entrance of the U.S. Embassy.
• All applicants must pass through security, which includes putting your personal belongings through an x-ray machine and walking through a metal detector. When planning your visit, bring only what is needed for your business with us. Reading material is permitted, but food, drinks, big luggage cannot be brought into the embassy. If you have such items with you, your entry (and the entry of those in line behind you) will be delayed.
• All electronic devices such as cell phones, iPod, PDAs, laptops, portable game devices, etc. must be checked at the entrance. You will be given a numbered plastic tag when you check your electronics. Please retrieve your checked item(s) by presenting your tag as you leave.

2. Document check  

• After passing through security, please line up in front of the desk at the consular entrance so that our staff can perform an initial check on your documents.
  
  Note: Please make sure documents are placed in the specified order (PDF 153KB). If you fail to put your documents in the specified order or have incomplete forms, your entrance to the Visa Section will be delayed.
• After preliminary screening, you will go through a secrurity check again, which includes putting your personal belongings through an x-ray machine and walking through a metal detector.

3. Submit your documents at Window #1  

• After passing through security, please take a number ticket by selecting Non-Immigrant Visas on the screen of the ticket issuing machine and go directly to Window #1 (the intake window) in the Visa Section waiting room to submit your documents.
• After your documents have been submitted, we will enter your application information into the system. Application processing time varies according to visa category. Some applicants who arrive after you may be called earlier than you. We recommend that applicants bring reading material to pass the time.

4. Fingerprinting Procedures  

• When your number is called, please proceed to the window.
• Place four left-hand fingers flat on the green square as shown below. Repeat this procedure with your right-hand fingers. Then place your thumbs together on the green square as shown.

5. Interview  

• After you are fingerprinted, please wait for your number to be called again for your interview.
• When your number is called, please go to the window indicated for your interview. The consular officer will tell you the results of your application at the end of your interview.
• If you are found eligible, your passport with the visa inside will be delivered to you using a “LetterPack 500” envelope in approximately 1-2 weeks.
• Note: We do not guarantee that every case will be processed within seven to fourteen days. Some cases may require additional processing, which could result in a delay of up to six weeks or more. Do not/not make final travel plans until your passport is in your possession.