Japan at a glance
| Visit with an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Yes |
| E-1 treaty trader visa | Available |
| E-2 treaty investor visa | Available |
| Own line in the Visa Bulletin | No: worldwide line |
| Green card lottery (last published list, DV-2026) | Eligible |
| Entry restrictions | None |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | Not designated |
| Where visas are processed | The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the consulates in Japan (Osaka-Kobe, Naha, Fukuoka, Sapporo) are listed for nonimmigrant visas; immigrant visas are processed in Tokyo and Naha. |
Green card lottery: registration for DV-2027 had not opened as of mid-October 2026. A federal court ordered the State Department to open it, and that order may be appealed.
What is specific to Japan right now
- Japan is in the Visa Waiver Program and is an E-1/E-2 treaty country, so Japanese nationals can qualify for treaty trader and treaty investor visas. No country-specific U.S. entry restrictions, immigrant-visa pause or visa-bond requirement applied as of October 2026.
Common U.S. immigration paths for people from Japan
ESTA / Visa WaiverVisit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTAE-2 investor visaTreaty investor visa to run a business you invest inL-1 visaTransfer to a U.S. office of your multinational employerF-1 student visaStudy at a U.S. college, university or language schoolJ-1 exchange visitorExchange programs for students, scholars, interns and au pairsH-1B visaWork visa for specialty jobs, sponsored by a U.S. employerMarriage green cardGreen card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouse
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Can people from Japan visit the U.S. with an ESTA?
Yes. Japan is in the Visa Waiver Program, so its citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.
Can people from Japan get an E-2 investor visa?
Yes. Japan has an E-2 treaty with the United States, so its nationals can qualify for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business they will run.
Can people from Japan enter the green card lottery?
Japan was eligible in the last published program (DV-2026). Eligibility is set again every year, so check the official instructions when registration opens.
Where do people from Japan have their visa interview?
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the consulates in Japan (Osaka-Kobe, Naha, Fukuoka, Sapporo) are listed for nonimmigrant visas; immigrant visas are processed in Tokyo and Naha.
Can I work with a U.S. attorney while I am still in Japan?
Yes. MyUSVisa works online: you tell your story from anywhere, licensed U.S. immigration attorneys review it and send proposals, and you choose. This works before you travel or once you are already in the United States.
More countries in Asia
Last checked by the MyUSVisa team and counsel in October 2026. Country rules change often, especially entry restrictions, TPS and parole programs. Always verify on travel.state.gov and uscis.gov, or ask your attorney.
MyUSVisa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.