How To Apply or Renew Japanese Passport, or Japanese VISA | Living in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin in the US
How To Apply or Renew Japanese Passport or Japanese VISA
You must apply at The Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago that serves the 10 Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Blog Date: June 17, 2020
Hello, my Japanese fellow citizens who live in the 10 Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
In June, 2020, I had to renew my Japanese passport. Because I live in Minnesota, I had to renew at Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago. Before Covid-19, someone from the office came to Minneapolis once a year and facilitated the process as a representative, but I was informed that currently there is no such a service due to Covid-19. However, if you are a permanent resident who holds a Green Card status, I can share my experience how I completed the process as fast as I could. after spending lots of time in researching.
You can check [ 1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ] below what kind of documents you will need to apply or renew your Japanese passport. But for now, I will briefly give you the following step by step guide sharing the info that I collected in the most efficient way to renew my own 10-year Japanese passport. I hope my blog can save you some time and give you a peace of mind during the stressful time. 🙂
1. Make sure renew BEFORE your Japanese passport expires — it will save lots of time and expenses.
For example, if it was already expired, you would need to get or have someone get an original Family Registry (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon) from Japan.
2. First of all, call Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago to make an appointment to fill out the application form in the office.
Click here for the most current info https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/con_main_j.htm
I was able to set an appointment date and time, so I could show up in the office to fill out the form and submit the required documents (described below) and waited for a few hours to receive my renewed Japanese passport on the same day! This process only applies to those who live far away from Chicago area. I live 6-hour away.
If you live in the United States for a long time, and you prefer to speak in English, press 9 after calling the office. They were friendly and polite.
3. You may want to stay overnight before the appointment if you want to have peace of mind. Find a hotel near Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago via Booking.com. Reserve your parking pass in advance before you drive to Downtown Chicago via SpotHero.com.
Via Booking.com (free cancellation available), I booked a hotel at Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/ Magnificent Mile. The King Room rate with one king-size bed was $138.71 with taxes, but breakfast was not included due to Covid-19) on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. I purchased my parking pass via SpotHero.com or download SpotHero App and reserved my parking spot at 777 N Michigan Ave. Valet Garage (near right next to Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/ Magnificent Mile) from 8:30pm on Tuesday, June 16 to 8:30pm on Wednesday, June 17 which is 24 hours and the rate is $35 + Service Fee $0.50, but I found a Spot Hero coupon code (WELCOME15) on the Internet, so I saved -$3.60, so my total parking expense was only $32.85.
4. Make sure prepare Toll fees to pay in cash in Illinois, and fill up the gas tank before you arrive in Downtown, Chicago.
I used Waze app that will show you the Toll fees to drive to Chicago. There were not too many gas stations in downtown Chicago.
5. Make sure wear a face mask in the public building in Chicago.
During the Covid-19, you are required to wear a face bask before entering the building and in the office of Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago.
1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Click here for the most current info https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/con_main_j.htm
(1) One Application Form (please use BLACK ink)
(2) One Family Registry (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon), issued within six months is required if:
- Passport is expired or lost
- Domicile or Name has changed (to add a non-Japanese spouse’s name for the first time, an official document such as a green card or marriage certificate to verify the spelling of the name is also required)
- A minor child’s parents are divorced, to show proof of custody
(3) One photo, taken within six months
- Size of face, from head to chin should be between 3.2 – 3.6cm
- Should be facing forward with plain background
- No hats, masks or sunglasses
- School picture may not be accepted
- Best if taken at a photo studio as grainy digital camera photos may not be accepted
(4) Current Passport
(5) Proof of Residence (Driver License, Checkbook, Mail addressed to applicant) [to apply for a new passport]
(6) Green Card (for Permanent Residents)/U.S. Passport of Birth Certificate (for Dual Citizens) *for dual citizens born outside of the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certificate will be required [to apply for a new passport or a passport renewal]
2. FEES:
Click here for the most current info https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/con_main_j.htm
Fees will be collected at the time of the passport pick-up after receiving the passport. Cash only (exact amount) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, for one-day consular service, only money order or cashiers check was accepted (made out to Consulate General of Japan) for 10-year passport, 5 year passport, 5-year passport for children under 12 years, and amended passport.
3. PROCESSING TIME:
Click here for the most current info https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/con_main_j.htm
Five working days. Pick-up must be done by the applicant within six months of the application date.
Please note:
- Applicants under the age of 20 years may apply only for a 5-year passport.
- Even applicants age 0 must apply for their own passports.
- You will need to fill out your registered domicile on the application form, so please research it beforehand.
- You may designate someone to apply on your behalf. On the front side of the application, please be sure to sign on the dotted line and inside the box (this is the signature that will appear on the passport). Also, on the back side, please write your name in Japanese and fill out the bottom section. The designated person will be asked to show a form of identification.
- If you wish to request a passport application form by mail, please send a 9” x 12” self-addressed stamped envelope with $1.42 in postage (application form may not be folded). If requesting more than 3 applications, please check postage charge. Please enclose a memo with your request for the number of copies and specify either a 5 or 10 year passport application. Please be aware we DO NOT accept any application submissions by mail. Individuals MUST submit their applications in person.