For the Japanese community
Find your consulatePassports, documents, and help from your home country's government.
+ Suggest a resource: an organization, association, or helpful site for the Japanese community.
🇺🇸 Official resources for newcomers
Legal & immigration
USCIS — official immigration forms & case statusForms are FREE to download. Never pay anyone for a blank form.Find free or low-cost legal help (DOJ-recognized organizations)Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives may give immigration legal advice.National Immigration Legal Services DirectorySearch nonprofit legal services by state and language.Beware of notario fraud (FTC)A "notario público" is NOT a lawyer in the U.S.Citizenship test study materialsFree civics and English practice from USCIS.Documents & ID
Social Security numberHow to apply for an SSN or replacement card.ITIN — tax ID if you can't get an SSNLets you file taxes, and many banks and lenders accept it.New York DMV — driver licenseIn New York, a standard license is available regardless of immigration status.Money & credit
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — newcomer guidesBanking, credit, sending money home, and avoiding debt traps.Free annual credit reportsThe only official free credit report site.Free tax prep (VITA)Free tax filing help, including in other languages.Health
HealthCare.gov — health insuranceCoverage options for immigrant families.Find a community health centerSliding-scale fees based on income, regardless of status.Housing
Find a HUD-approved housing counselorFree help with renting, buying a first home, and avoiding foreclosure.Fair housing — know your rightsLandlords cannot discriminate based on national origin.Work & business
Know your rights at work (Department of Labor)Minimum wage, overtime and unpaid wages apply to every worker.Start a business (SBA)Free planning, loans and local mentors (SCORE).Everyday help
211 — local help for anythingCall or text 211 for food, housing, utilities and more. Many languages.Findhelp.org — free & reduced-cost services near youSearch by ZIP code.USA.gov — government services in plain languageAlso available in Spanish at usa.gov/es.