Effective from May 1, 2008 the online appointment system will be mandatory for both Tokyo and Osaka Visa Application Centre.
Please make sure to set an appointment from our website prior to visiting our centre for visa application submission.
Appointment date can be selected up to 2 days prior to visit.
Basically the application submission without prior appointment can not be accepted.
Make sure to set the appointment for every applicant visiting our centre for submission.
Appointment is not necessary for Passport collection.

How to apply?

All UK visa applications will now be processed by VFS Services Japan LLC. All applications have to be made at UK Visa Application Centre located in Tokyo or Osaka.

1. You may complete an application on-line using the Visas4UK link here.
   Ensure that you complete all the sections correctly.
   Sections 1 and 2 are critical sections. The information in these must be completely accurate.
   Please bring print out of all the pages after submit to the application centre.
   Please make sure the Bar Code is printed on last page of the print out.
   
   
2. You can download the visa application form here and fill it in.
   Please ensure that you fill all the sections correctly.
   
   Visit the application centre in person, please carry along the following documents
    •Completed visa application form, signed and dated
    • Your signed passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months from the date of application with at least 2 blank pages
    • A photocopy of the bio data page of your passport (the page which carries your photograph and personal details)
    • Your passport-sized 45mm x 35mm colour photograph. This should be
         • Taken against a white background
         • Clear and good quality
         • Printed on normal photographic paper
         • Full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless worn for cultural or religious reasons
         • Taken not longer than 6 months prior to the date of application
         (Please note that we may not accept photographs which do not meet these specifications)
    • The correct visa fee.(JPY in cash only)
    • Supporting documents and one photocopy of the documents, click here for suggested documents.
   • A photocopy of your Japanese alien registration card (both sides) ※only for foreign nationals
   • Make sure you have the valid re-entry permit endorsed into their current valid passport valid for a minimum of two months from your planned date of departure from the UK.
   

IMPORTANT: Original documents which are not accompanied by copies will not be returned by the Embassy.

Who needs to submit the application?

You must submit your visa application in person. You cannot submit it through an agent, friend or family member.

From 08 November 2007, every applicant aged 5 or over will need to have his/her fingerprints scanned and their photograph taken. In Tokyo and Osaka we will have biometric counters in the Application Centre to take care of this requirement. Applicants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult when giving their biometrics. This cannot be a staff of the application centre. Biometrics cannot be taken if you are unaccompanied and this will delay the processing of your visa application.

Government Officials and Diplomats

Government officials and Foreign Diplomats travelling to the UK on official government to government business should continue to submit their applications to the Visa Section at the British Embassy in Tokyo. Government officials travelling to the UK on private business or to visit a private company will have to provide their biometrics and apply at the Visa Application Centre.

Passport Collection

Processed applications can be collected back from the UK Visa Application Centre where the application was originally submitted. You can track the progress of your application through our online tracking facility (Option available on the home page). Applicants may collect the passport in person or may assign a travel agent, tour operator, friend or relative to collect it on their behalf. Applicants collecting their passport in person must present the copy of their passport bio data page at the collection counter (the bio data page will have been stamped by the Visa Application Centre when the application was made). Agents collecting passports on behalf of an applicant must present the stamped bio-page and a letter of authorisation signed by the applicant. Alternatively you may choose to have your passport and original documents delivered via Courier service. To avail of the courier return service, please speak to the staff when you make your application.

Processing Time

Most applications are processed within 4 to 15 working days as per the different visa categories of receipt by the Visa Section of the British Embassy. This means that if you submit your application on Monday morning your passport will normally be ready for collection on Thursday afternoon. If an interview or further documents are required the processing time will vary according to the next available interview slot and/or how long it takes to carry out additional checks or receive additional documentation. We therefore recommend that you apply at least three weeks before your intended date of travel. Please do not purchase your travel tickets until the issue of your visa.

Interview with an Entry Clearance Officer

Issue or refusal of a visa is based on the assessment of your application by an Entry Clearance Officer at the British Embassy. The Entry Clearance Officer may decide to interview you if they need more information before making a decision on your application. In such cases, you will need to visit the British Embassy in Tokyo. They may also request that you provide additional documents.

Enquiries

If you have a visa enquiry our staff at the Visa Application Centre would help you out. You could also call our helpline or send us an e-mail inquiry.

Callers from Tokyo: 03-5623-3669
Callers from overseas: 0081-3-5623-3669

Monday-Friday, 0900hrs-1500 hrs

E -mail: info@vfs-uk-jp.com

If you are applying under Tier One General of the Points Based System (Highly Skilled Migrants) full details, including Administrative Review, are available on the UK Border Agency website.

Please click on the links below for information on the below categories:

INF 21 PBS General Migrant
INF 22 PBS Investor
INF 23 PBS Entrepreneur
INF 24 PBS Post Study Work