How to Apply for a Visa

For all other consulates/Embassy locations please click here.

Proof of residency includes the following:

• U.S. passport (U.S. citizen)
• Alien registration card (i.e. U.S. green card) (permanent resident of the U.S.)
• Valid long-term visa (Short term visa, for example B1/B2 visa, is not acceptable.)
• Valid I-20 (student)

We accept visa application only by “mail” or “drop-off at the consulate office (business hours only)”.  You can receive a visa only by mail using a return-envelope prepared by yourself. Please read the following application guidelines then apply well in advance of the time.
 
1）Application
 

• By Mail

Please mail the following documents (including a, b, c, d in the paragraph below) in an envelope to the visa section of the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle. If all of the required documents are not included, your application may not be accepted.
 
＜Mailing address＞
701 Pike Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Visa Section
 

• By Drop-off at the Consulate Office

Please put the following documents in an envelope and place it in the drop box located inside the consulate office. The drop-off is available only during the Consulate-General's business hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. No appointment is required for drop-off.
 
＜Drop-Off Location＞
Inside the consulate office, located on the 10^th floor of the Seattle Convention Center at the address above.
 
 
2）Documents to be enclosed in the envelope
 
a. Visa application documents, including original passport
The required documents vary depending on the applicant's nationality, purpose of stay, and length of stay. Please check the following links : Short-term stay, Long-term stay.

b. Visa fee (cash only) with Visa fee payment form excluding applicants with a passport issued by Visa fee exemption countries to Japan（e.g. U.S. passport holders are not required）

c. Release of Liability form
 The consulate is not responsible for any loss or delay of passport and cash in mailing.

d. Prepaid self-addressed return envelope (FedEx or USPS only. We don't accept UPS, DHL etc.) with return address, name and necessary stamps/labels for return.
Write your name and address on both the "SENDER" and the "RECIPIENT".
Do not use the consular name and address.
In the event of a malfunction, the package will be returned to the consulate, and you will be responsible for additional fees and additional time.

(Note) Please do NOT staple application documents above.
Application documents will be scanned immediately upon arrival at the consulate.
The process for receiving documents attached to sticky notes, staples, paper clips, and tape will be postponed and will take additional three or more days.

 
 
3）Receipt

• The processing time is about 5 business days from receipt of a complete application. Then a few more days are required for return mailing.

• The consulate will contact applicants only if additional documentation is required.

 (Note) Since the consulate will not accept any inquiries regarding the status of your application process, we strongly recommend that you put tracking on the return envelope so that you can trace.

• You cannot pick up your visa in person at the consulate office.