Immigrating to the US from Japan
There are a range of U.S. visas available to Japanese nationals looking to migrate to the United States for work, studies, or to reunite with family.
For more information on immigrating to the U.S. from Japan, including the different visa options available and how you can apply, speak to an immigration lawyer at Total Law. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or fill out the online contact form, and we will reach out to you.
Visa Guide: How to Move from Japan to the U.S.
For Japanese citizens seeking better opportunities, moving to the United States often comes to mind and with good reason. The U.S. offers a diverse range of opportunities for education, career growth, investment prospects, and family reunification.
However, before you can immigrate to the U.S. from Japan, you must apply for a visa. There are different visa options available, depending on your purpose for migrating. Each U.S. visa has eligibility requirements you must satisfy before you can apply. You must also provide certain documents to support your application.
It’s important to understand the different visas available, including their requirements, to enable you to pick the route that aligns with your needs.
Types of U.S. Visa For Japanese Citizens
The U.S. visas are classified into two categories, and they include:
- Non-immigrant visas
- Immigrant visas
Non-immigrant visas allow you to migrate and live in the United States for a limited period. They include temporary visas that allow you to study, work, reunite with family, or visit the U.S.
Some of the most common temporary visas include F1 Visa for students and H2 visas for temporary and seasonal workers.
An immigrant visa is more suitable if you want a permanent move to the United States. Some common immigrant visas include the IR1 Visa for spouses of U.S. citizens and the EB1 employment visa.
To make your move seamless, first define what type of visa you need, and if you are having a hard time, our lawyers are always ready to speak with you. Call us at +1 844 290 6312.
Immigrate to the U.S. for Work
Overview
You can migrate to the United States to pursue your career goals or set up a business, with a U.S. work visa. The U.S. work visas are of two kinds, and they include:
- Employment-based immigrant visas
- Temporary work visas.
These two categories have several visa types catering to different professional circumstances.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas or employment-based green cards will grant you permanent residency in the U.S.
There are five preference categories within the employment-based immigrant visa program, each with specific eligibility criteria. These visas include:
- EB-1: Priority Workers: The EB-1 visa is the U.S. first preference visa for priority workers. It is designed for:
- Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years of experience in teaching or research who are recognised internationally.
- Multinational managers or executives employed for at least one year by an overseas branch of a U.S. company.
- EB-2: Second Preference: The EB-2 visa is the second preference employment-based visa. It is typically for:
- Professionals with an advanced degree or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in their profession.
- Persons with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business.
- EB-3: Third Preference: The third preference visas are for:
- Professionals with an advanced degree or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in their profession.
- Skilled workers with a minimum of 2 years of training or work experience.
- Professionals whose jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university or college or its foreign equivalent.
- Unskilled workers with less than two years of training or experience.
- EB-4: Fourth Preference: The EB-4 visa is for special immigrants, such as:
- Broadcasters
- Ministers of religion
- Certain employees or former Employees of the U.S. government abroad
- Certain foreign medical graduates
- Special immigrant juveniles
- EB-5: Fifth Preference: The EB-5 visa applies to you if you’re an investor willing to make a capital investment in a new commercial enterprise in the U.S. capable of creating at least jobs.
Temporary Work Visas
You can also work in the U.S. for a limited period as a lawful nonimmigrant with a temporary work visa. These visas are designed to meet short-term labour needs and are not intended for permanent residency.
Some common nonimmigrant work visas include:
- H1B Visa: This visa applies to skilled persons with a higher educational degree in specialty occupations like technology, engineering, and healthcare.
- H2A Visa: This visa allows you to partake in temporary or seasonal agricultural work.
- H2B Visa: The H2B visa is for seasonal but non-agricultural workers.
- H3 Visa: This visa allows you to receive non-academic training or special education programs not available in your home country.
- I Visa: This visa applies to you if you’re a representative of a foreign media, such as a journalist, reporter, or other media personnel covering events in the U.S.
- L Visa: If you’re an employee of an international company, you can enter the U.S. to work in a branch or subsidiary of your organisation.
- O Visa: This visa is for persons with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
- P1 Visa: The P1 Visa is for individuals intending to perform as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group.
- P2 Visa: This visa is for artists and entertainers under reciprocal exchange programs between a U.S.-based and a foreign organisation.
- P3 Visas: This visa allows artists or entertainers to perform, teach, or coach under culturally unique programs.
- R1 Visa: The R1 visa allows religious workers to work for a religious organisation in the U.S.
Immigrate to the U.S. for Studies
Overview
You can immigrate from Japan to the United States to pursue an academic program. The U.S. study visas are nonimmigrant visas, and when applying, you must prove your intent to leave the U.S. once your study program ends.
To qualify for a student visa, you must have secured admission, and your educational institution must be recognised by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
There are three study visas you can apply for depending on your type of study program.
F1 Student Visa
The F1 Visa is the most common U.S. study visa. It allows you to complete an academic or an English language program in a:
- University or college,
- High school,
- Private elementary school,
- Seminary,
- Conservatory, or
- Language training institution.
As an F1 student, you can work in a part-time on-campus employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Additionally, you can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completing your academic program.
M1 Student Visa
The M1 visa applies to you if you intend to study in a technical, vocational, or other nonacademic institution. Some of these programs include:
- Mechanical classes
- Culinary courses
- Cosmetology courses.
- Flight school
As an M1 student, you will not be permitted to work throughout the duration of your studies.
J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J1 visa allows you to participate in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the U.S. You can obtain practical training that is required to complete an academic program and not available in your home country.
Immigrate to the U.S. for Family Reunification
Overview
If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you might be eligible to migrate to the U.S. with a family visa. There are two categories of the U.S. family visa: immigrant and nonimmigrant family visas.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Family-based immigrant visas are also called family-based green cards, and they lead to permanent residency. If you intend to apply for this type of family visa, your U.S.-based relative must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident (also called a green card holder).
There are two categories of family immigrant visas: immediate relative and family preference visas.
Immediate Relative Visas
To apply for a family visa as an immediate relative, you must have a close relationship with your U.S.-based family member as their spouse, parent (if your family member is a U.S. citizen), or unmarried child under 21
These visas are easier to obtain as there is no yearly cap on the number of visas the USCIS issues under this category.
There are four family-based immigrant visas for immediate relatives, and they include:
- IR1 Visa: The IR1 visa applies to you if you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least two years.
- CR1 Visa: If you’re recently married to a U.S. citizen or resident, you will be given a CR1 visa on the condition that you will remain married for at least two years. Afterwards, you might get an IR1 visa.
- IR2, IR3, and IR4 Visas: These visas are designed for biological children (IR2), children adopted outside the U.S. (IR3), and children adopted in the U.S. (IR4) who are under 21 and unmarried.
- IR5 Visa: If you are a parent of a child who is a U.S. citizen and not less than 21, you can apply for an IR5 visa.
Family Preference Visas
The family preference visa applies to you if you’re a non-immediate family member of U.S. citizens or a lawful permanent resident, such as a brother or sister, an unmarried child, a married child (only if your family member is a U.S. citizen).
There are five family preference immigrant-based visas, and they include:
- F1 (First Preference) Visa: For unmarried children, 21 and above of U.S. citizens.
- F2A (Second Preference) Visa: For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. permanent resident.
- F2B (Second Preference) Visa: For unmarried children, 21 years and above, of U.S. permanent residents.
- F3 (Third Preference) Visa: For married sons and daughters of US citizens of any age.
- F4 (Fourth Preference) Visa: For siblings of U.S. citizens. The U.S. citizen must be 21 years or older.
Unlike the immediate relative visas, family preference visas are subject to a yearly cap. Once the limit is reached for each category, your application will be moved to the following processing year.
Family-Based Non-Immigrant Visas
Family-based non-immigrant visas allow temporary entry to the U.S. Afterwards, you can apply for permanent residency. The family-based non-immigrant visas include:
- K1 Visa: If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the K1 Visa will allow you to enter the country and get married within 90 days.
- K2 Visa: This is for a dependent child of a K1 Visa holder.
- K3 Visa: This visa allows spouses of U.S. citizens to enter the country for a temporary stay of 2 years. Afterwards, they can apply for permanent residency.
- K4 Visa: This is for dependent children of K3 Visa holders.
Note that if you hold a K1 Visa and fail to get married within 90 days or if your marriage ends while on a K2 visa, you must leave the U.S. within 30 days.
Which Visa is Right for Me?
It’s important to assess your circumstances before picking a visa. The immigrant visas are suitable if you intend to stay long-term.
If you have close family ties in the U.S., consider exploring family-based routes. If you intend to work in the U.S., carefully consider a work visa that matches your qualifications and whose requirements you meet.
If you intend to study in the U.S. and return to your home country, you should apply for a study visa. While there are no immigrant-based visas for students, you might have some options to transition to permanent residency status after your studies.
How Total Law Can Help
If you’re considering moving to the U.S. from Japan, consider getting expert legal advice before you begin the immigration process. This is because the U.S. has different immigration routes, and deciding which is the right path can be challenging.
However, our immigration lawyers at Total Law are experts in U.S. immigration law. We can help you navigate the process, from determining if you meet the eligibility criteria to preparing a robust application.
To speak to a lawyer regarding your immigration situation, call us at +1 844 290 6312.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re applying for an immigrant visa, your spouse and unmarried children may be able to apply with you.
Yes. You must take an English-standardised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Generally, you’ll need to submit an online application and attend an interview. However, the specific visa application process differs depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. Speak with an immigration lawyer to guide you through the process,
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.