What happens if i have overstayed my visa?

Question

Hey, I am a korean citizen born in Japan to a Korean father and a Japanese mother. I was taken to america when i was 7 or 8 years old, and have been there until i was 21. I was unaware that i was illegal until i was about 18 or 19 and my parents told me that i couldn't get a drivers license or a job. They didnt spell it out for me but i connected the dots. i had a lot going on at the time so i couldnt drop everything and leave...but eventually thats what i did when i turned 21, i figured there was no future for me being illegal in america. Anyway, its been 2 years since ive been back to japan and i want to visit my friends in california. i was wondering if there is any way that the embassy will issue me a tourist visa if i explained my situation to them. or is there absolutely no chance? do i have the 10 year bar like the rest of the people that overstay over one year? is this something that the embassy will show mercy with and maybe give me a visa to visit for two weeks? Thanks

Answer 1

Japan is one of 27 countries that participates in the Visa Waiver Program with the USA.  If you are a Japanese citizen with a Japanese passport you do not need a visa to enter the USA if you are planning on staying for 90 days or less.

See the website below for more details.

Answer 2

My biggest sympathies for you. This is the very reason illegal immigration is not only harmful to America but the children that are involved . The parents create this kind of situation for the children where there is no future.

Hopefully you see that you have a better future in Japan (I love being there).

As to your question, you might want to give your embassy of Japan a call and find out or an immigration lawyer. As the other poster said, have an anchor in Japan and plenty of proof that you have no intentions on staying in the usa.

Good luck to you

Answer 3

Well if they don't know that you over stayed you can just apply for a tourist visa. No point giving out information that may incriminate you. Unless of course you were kicked out of the US in that case they have you on file and the moment you apply for a visa it will show on their records and you will be denied on the spot.

Answer 4

Since you returned voluntarily, you probably would have a shorter bar to re-entry than if you were deported.  If you had left earlier, you would be in better shape.  A minor will not have his parents' illegal actions held against him if he returns home by age 18 or upon completion of high school.  If you only found out that your parents brought you here illegally after that, you might make enough of a case to apply for a tourist visa.

Be sure you have ties that bind you to Japan and that you prove you will be returning to Japan.  And be sure you have sufficient funds for all the typical tourist expenses.

Above all, do not overstay!  You would get the book thrown at you for a second offense, and could never return.