Applying for a Deposition Visa for Japan

As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, breaking down the process of taking depositions in Japan can be very helpful in eliminating stress and ensuring that nothing is missed that will cause delays in the scheduling of your depositions.  Once you have completed, applied for, and received your court order, and reserved your deposition room, you can apply for deposition visas for all deposition participants who are not residents of Japan.

The court order is required as part of the deposition visa application, just as it was to reserve the deposition room.  It is essential that ALL participants of your depositions who are not residents of Japan are listed on the court order.   Further, their names must be listed exactly as they appear on their passports, i.e., maiden name, middle name, etc.  It is not necessary to list specific witness names when the deponents are corporate representatives [30(b)(6)].

You should apply for the deposition visas 2-3 weeks before the scheduled deposition dates.  The application requirements listed below must be followed to ensure a successful and timely issuance of a visa.  Verify the requirements with your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U. S. as they may differ slightly.

The following items and applications must be completed and brought to your nearest Embassy or Consulate:

1. A copy of the court order to take the deposition in Japan
2. Cover letter/Request for deposition visa, which must include:

i) Name & location of the court
ii) Name & occupation of each witness
iii) A summary of the case

3. Passport/copy of passport
4. Deposition Visa Application
5. One photograph (2” x 2”) attached to the Application
6. Copies of your flight itinerary and hotel confirmation
7. A letter of guarantee

Upon receipt of the deposition visa application and accompanying requirements, the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U. S. will contact the Japanese Foreign Ministry to obtain permission to issue the visa.  The Japanese Foreign Ministry will, in turn, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to confirm the deposition room reservation requirements have been received, and will then authorize the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the U. S. to issue the visa.

Once you have your deposition visa, you’re close to finalizing the deposition process in Japan!  Part 3 of this series will discuss the sending of your Participant and Equipment list.  Check back next week for details on that part of the process!