Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
General Document Information: Passports, Documents of Identity (DIs), and identity cards from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) are secure and reliable. The government actively updates document security and follows International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. Current Hong Kong e-passports have more than 14 security features. Hong Kong also issues secure ID cards that contain a computer chip with biometric data. SAR residents often use these cards instead of passports for travel between Hong Kong and Macau. These documents have strong security features and consular officers consider them reliable.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) actively fights document fraud rings in the SAR and regularly shares information about its investigations. The consulate rarely sees counterfeit civil documents from Hong Kong. Consular officers consider documents issued by the Hong Kong SAR reliable for visa and citizenship decisions. Residents can obtain genuine documents easily. HKID responds quickly and efficiently to document requests and can correct inaccurate documents when needed.
Hong Kong no longer stamps passports when travelers enter or leave the SAR. Instead, authorities give travelers a printed slip. This change makes it harder for consular officers to confirm travel history from the passport alone. However, HKID can provide the consulate with detailed and reliable entry and exit records when requested.
General Issuing Authority Information: Since 1979, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) has issued birth, marriage, and death certificates. The District Court of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region registers divorces. HKID works with the consulate’s Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU) to verify any documents that seem questionable.
Available
Fees: HK$140, for details, see Fees Leaflet (BDR 100) or immd.gov.hk
Document Name: COPY OF AN ENTRY IN A REGISTER OF BIRTHS KEPT IN THE COLONY OF HONG KONG (before 1960s). CERTIFIED COPY OF AN ENTRY IN A REGISTER OF BIRTHS KEPT IN TERMS OF THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (after 1960s).
Issuing Authority: REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG (before 1960s). BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRY, HONG KONG (since 1960s). Immigration Department, Hong Kong (since 1997).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed seal of the REGISTRAR GENERAL OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS (before 1997). An embossed seal of the Regional emblem (since 1997).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births & Deaths (before 1960s). “A registrar of births and deaths” (after 1960s).
Registration Criteria: A birth is registered after the registrar receives the electronic birth return (e-birth return that records a baby's birth) from the hospital where the baby was born. The person in charge of the public institution where the child was born or admitted (for example, the medical superintendent of a hospital) must report the birth within 42 days. If they register the birth after 42 days but within one year, they must pay a registration fee. If they wait one year or more, they must pay higher registration fees and get the Registrar’s consent before the late registration can happen.
When registering a child's birth, parents must provide original versions of these documents:
The registry uses these documents to verify whether the child is a permanent resident under the Immigration Ordinance (Chapter 115). the registrar may request more documents or information if needed.
For a child born outside of a marriage, the registry will include the father’s name in the birth register only in these situations:
Procedure for Obtaining: Parents must book an appointment in advance to register their newborn’s birth. They can do this either on the Internet or by using the telephone booking system. Parents must register the birth at the births registry that serves the district where the hospital is located. Before choosing an appointment date, parents should confirm with the hospital that the “birth return” was already sent to the Births Registry. When making the appointment, parents must provide information that exactly matches the information on the baby’s “birth return,” or the system will not accept the booking.
At least one parent must attend the registry in person to register the birth. No one can go as a representative.
During birth registration, the registry will collect the following information:
The registration process usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
After registering the birth, the parent(s) must pay HK$140 for a certified copy of the birth entry. The registry can usually issue this certified copy within about 10 more minutes.
If parents did not apply for a certified copy at the time of the registration but want one later, they must first apply for a search of birth records and pay a search fee: HK$140 for a Particular Search and HK$680 for a General Search. For more details, read the guidance titled “Application for Search of Birth Records and/or a Certified Copy of a Birth Entry”.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: If an applicant cannot obtain their birth certificate, they should provide
The Registration of Persons Office of HKID issues the CRP. It is serialized, printed on tamper-resistant paper and shows the applicant’s photo and an embossed seal.
Besides basic personal information, the CRP may also list the applicant's marital history, family members, and work experience. The applicant provides this information at different times, such as when they:
HKID may or may not verify this information when they record it. Making false statements on a CRP is a criminal offense under Hong Kong law, and violators are vigorously prosecuted. The CRP is an invaluable aid for confirming family relationships or verifying claimed work experience. Posts that need help interpreting CRPs should contact Hong Kong's Fraud Prevention Manager.
Current or former residents of Hong Kong can apply for a CRP at any of the five “Registration of Persons” Offices. Former residents can apply by mail or through a representative, but the applicant must sign the request and have it notarized. CRPs are available for deceased persons but can only be obtained by close relatives. Requests should include the applicant's Hong Kong identity card number whenever possible. Processing usually takes about five weeks.
Exceptions: Birth certificates are available for any person who was born in Hong Kong since 1873, except during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941-1945).
Comments: For details, please see gov.hk.
Available
Fees: HK$140. For details, please see immd.gov.hk.
Document Name: CERTIFICATE COPY OF AN ENTRY IN A REGISTER OF DEATHS KEPT IN TERMS OF THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.
Issuing Authority: BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRY, HONG KONG
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed seal from the GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE. BIRTHS AND DEATHS
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: ‘a registrar of births and deaths’
Registration Criteria: Registering the death of a person is the first and key obligation to be fulfilled by a close relative of the deceased (called the “informant”), whether the death was from natural or unnatural causes.
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, the informant, who is usually the nearest relative or another responsible person, must register a death from natural causes within 24 hours. In most cases, the doctor who treated the person during their final illness will sign and issue a Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (Form 18). The informant must take this form to the Deaths Registry to register the death.
A relative does not need to register a death from unnatural causes. If a person dies from unnatural causes, such as poisoning or violence, someone will report the case to the Coroner. The Coroner may order a post-mortem examination or an inquest to find the cause of death. Once the Coroner determines the cause of death, the Coroner will inform the Registrar of Deaths to register the death. After the Registrar registers the death, they will send a written notice to the deceased person’s family.
Procedure for Obtaining: To register a death at a Death Registry, the informant must provide original versions of the following documents:
The registration of a death usually takes about 30 minutes, and a certified copy of a death entry (commonly known as Death Certificate) is usually issued within another 10 minutes.
Only the Births and Deaths General Register Office in Admiralty can process the registration of a death referred by the Coroner. After the Registrar finishes registering the death and sends a written notice, the family members of the deceased can apply for a certified copy of the death entry (commonly known as death certificate) at that Office or at either of the two other Deaths Registries on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon.
The Coroner usually needs one to six months to determine the cause of death. After the Coroner decides the cause of death and informs the Registrar, the Registrar will register the death within one week and then notify the deceased’s family by letter.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Death certificates are available for any person who died in Hong Kong since 1873, except during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941-1945).
Comments: For details, please see gov.hk
Click here for a link to note the Addresses and office hours of Deaths Registries.
Available
Fees: For details, please see Fees Leaflet (MR 60) or immd.gov.hk
Document Name: Certificate of Marriage
Issuing Authority: Marriage Registry, Hong Kong
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed seal of the Registrar of Marriages
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Deputy Registrar of Marriages/Competent minister/Civil Celebrant of Marriage
Registration Criteria: People must be at least 16 years old (under the Gregorian calendar) to get married. Hong Kong does not require either person to live there, and the couple can be of any nationality.
To get married in Hong Kong, the couple must follow these steps:
Procedure for Obtaining: With a valid Certificate of Registrar of Marriages, a marriage must take place:
Two certificates of marriage are prepared and must be signed by the Registrar, the officiating minister or civil celebrant, both parties and two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. After the ceremony, the couple receives the original "Certificate of Marriage" and the Registrar keeps the duplicate on file.
Certified Copies Available: All are entitled "Certified True Copy of Certificate of Marriage".
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Certificates of Marriage are available from 1945. Pre-war records of the Registrar of Marriages are not normally available, but in certain cases may be obtained from the church where the ceremony took place.
Comments: The Marriage Amendment Ordinance, which took effect in March 2006, expanded who could legally conduct marriages in Hong Kong. Under this law, a Registrar, a minister, or any person appointed as a civil celebrant of marriages may conduct a marriage.
The couple must hold the wedding in one of these places:
The Hong Kong government keeps an updated list of "Licensed Places of Public Worship for Celebration of Marriage". For details, see immd.gov.hk.
Available.
Fees: HK$630
Document Names: (2 possible variations)
Issuing Authority: District Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed seal of the District Court
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief District Judge
Registration Criteria: Unless a court makes an exception, a person can file for divorce only if the marriage has lasted for at least one year. Under the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, the court has the power to handle a divorce case if at least one of these is true:
Procedure for Obtaining: If only one spouse wants to file for divorce, they must fill out a petition form and take it in person to the Family Court Registry, M2, Wanchai Law Courts, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Hong Kong. The person must prove there are legal reasons (called "grounds") to show that the marriage has ended and has "irretrievably broken down".
If both spouses agree to apply for divorce together, they must fill out a joint application form and submit it to the same Family Court Registry.
Six weeks after the court grants a decree nisi, the spouse (or spouses) can ask the court to make it final (absolute). To do this , they must send the court a completed "Notice of Application for Decree Nisi to be made Absolute", using Form 5 (for a petition) or Form 5A (for a joint application). If the Registrar is satisfied that the couple has met all legal requirements, they will issue a Certificate of Decree Absolute to each spouse.
Certified Copies Available: Applicants who plan to use a divorce decree in overseas proceedings should apply for a sealed copy of the decree at the District Court in Hong Kong. Applicants must then get that copy of the divorce decree authenticated by the High Court Registry.
Alternate Documents: Before 1971, customary Chinese marriages could be dissolved by mutual written consent of the two spouses, signed before two witnesses.
Exceptions: Before 1971, customary Chinese marriages could be dissolved by mutual written consent of the two spouses, signed before two witnesses.
Comments: Before 1971, customary Chinese marriages could be dissolved by mutual written consent of the two spouses, signed before two witnesses. After October 7, 1971, all marriages had to be dissolved through regular divorce proceedings conducted at the appropriate court, with the final decree or divorce registered at the Civil Registry. For details, please see judiciary.hk
Available
Fees: HK$140
Document Name: Certified Copy of an Entry in the Records of the General Register Office the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Issuing Authority: BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRY, HONG KONG
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed seal of the Registrar General of Births and Deaths.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: ‘a registrar of births and deaths’
Registration Criteria: Applicants must submit the following documents:
Procedure for Obtaining: After the office receives the required documents either from the local court or the director of Social Welfare and completes the necessary record checks, it will send a call up letter to the adoptive parents to arrange a registration appointment.
On the appointment day, the adoptive parents must bring:
After the officer completes the registration, the office will issue the adoption certificate to the adoptive parents.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: People do not need to pay any fees to register for an identity card if they are new arrivals or if they have just turned 11 or 18. However, they must pay a fee to replace an identity card if it is lost, damaged, destroyed, defaced or if their personal details have changed.
Document Name: Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
Issuing Authority: Registration of Persons Office of Immigration Department
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The smart identity card is the size of a standard credit card. It is made from polycarbonate, a strong material that resists environmental damage as well as physical, chemical and heat stress. Each smart identity card has an integrated circuit, or ‘chip’, that stores and processes data. To support people who are visually impaired, the six digits of the identity card number (not including the letter prefix or the number in brackets) can be printed in braille on the back of a smart identity card. this helps them identify their own card. Apart from the braille printings, a braille smart identity card is the same as any other smart identity cards. For details, see immd.gov.hk.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance, all Hong Kong residents 11 years old or older (including those permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days) must register for an identity card, unless exempted or excluded.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants can apply for an identity card at any Registration of Persons Office. They must fill out and submit an application form to the registration officer, along with supporting documents and any existing identity card.
The registration officer will:
An assessment officer will then double-check the information on the application form, confirm the applicant's eligibility, and scan the applicant’s left and right thumbprints again. If the applicant already has an identity card, the officer will collect it. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement of the application and can later return to collect their new identity card.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Consular Corps Identity Cards issued to diplomats
Comments: For details, please see immd.gov.hk
Available
Fees: HK$311 per person (as stated by the Hong Kong Police Force; subject to change). Applicants should verify the current fee on the official CNCC webpage.
Document Name: Certificate of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC)
Issuing Authority: Hong Kong Police Force – Criminal Records Bureau (CNCC Office)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Embossed seal of the IDENTIFICATION BUREAU (HQ) HONG KONG OFFICE
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Commissioner of Police
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Application Methods:
1. Online Application (Hong Kong and Overseas Applicants)
2. In Person Application in Hong Kong (by Appointment Only)
Applicants Outside Hong Kong:
Required Documents (General): Applicants should consult the CNCC website for the most up to date list of required documents. In general, applicants must provide:
Note (for all applicants): Do not request that the “Certificate of No Criminal Conviction” or a reply with the applicant’s police record be sent directly to the National Visa Center (NVC), as this may delay your case. Do not ask for a copy to be sent to the NVC, because this could delay processing of your visa application.
If an applicant is under investigation by the Hong Kong Police, is currently a defendant in criminal proceedings in Hong Kong or is subject to non-payment of fines including traffic offences, their application will not be processed until the matter has been concluded.
Contact Information (Hong Kong Police – CNCC Office):
Official Hong Kong Police CNCC Information:
(For reference; applicants should consult this site for the most current procedures.)
https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/cert_no_crime.html
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Approximately HK$36
Document Name: Certificate of Trial
Issuing Authority: Magistrates Courts or High Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A round ink stamp of the Magistrates’ Courts
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: First Clerk or Second Clerk of Magistrates’ Court
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants can request extracts from case registers by sending a written request to the First Clerk of the Magistracy where the conviction took place.
In the request, the applicant should provide:
Magisterial records are usually available only for three years. If the conviction took place in a District Court or the High Court, the application must send the request to the Registrar of that court instead.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Free of charge
Document Name: Certificate of Imprisonment
Issuing Authority: Correctional Services Department
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: There are no special seals, colors, or formats.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Commissioner of Correctional Services
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant should complete Form OPS003 and apply in person. Inquiries can be sent to email@csd.gov.hk.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Unavailable
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular
Fees: For details, please see immd.gov.hk
Document Names:
Issuing Government Authority: Immigration Department
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Please see immd.gov.hk
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants can submit their application in person, by post or via drop-in box. When submitting the application in person, applicants should bring along their original supporting documents. If the application is submitted by post or via drop-in box, applicants should submit the application form, photograph and check together with photocopies of their supporting documents. The applicant must present the originals of supporting documents together with their previous passport or HKSAR “Document of Identity for Visa Purposes” for verification when they collect their passport.
The HKSAR Immigration Department usually processes applications within 10 working days after you submit them. for children aged under 11 who do not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card, processing usually takes up to 14 working days (Working days denote Monday to Friday excluding holidays).
In most cases, applicants can obtain their new passport on the next working day after the Department finishes processing the application. If an application was not submitted in person (for example, if you used a drop-in-box), the Department may need an extra 2 to 3 working days to handle the formalities. The processing time may be longer if you applied for a passport due to loss, damage or changes in your personal details.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments:
HKSAR Passport (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region): Only Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the HKSAR and who hold Hong Kong permanent identity cards can get an HKSAR passport. The HKSAR passport shows that the holder is a Chinese national and has the right of abode in the HKSAR. It also lists the holder’s permanent Hong Kong ID number. Holders may have both an HKSAR and a British National Overseas passport at the same time.
British National Overseas (BNO) Passport: This passport lists the holder’s nationality as "British National Overseas." It is issued to persons with the right of abode in Hong Kong whom British authorities consider British nationals. The BNO does not have the same rights as a regular United Kingdom passport. For example, BNO bearers cannot permanently live in Great Britain unless they apply and qualify for a BNO visa. They are also not eligible to use the U.S. Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Hong Kong visa reciprocity should be followed for BNO passport holders.
Hong Kong Certificate of Identity: This document was issued to persons with the right of abode in Hong Kong who were not born there, or who lacked proof of birth in Hong Kong. The issuance of these documents ended after July 1, 1997, and Certificates of Identity expired in 2007. Upon expiration, qualified bearers were able to replace the documents with the HKSAR passport.
HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes: This document is issued to people who have been living legally in Hong Kong for less than the seven years, do not yet have full right of abode, and cannot get a national passport. IN the past, this document was valid for re-entry to Hong Kong only if it included a re-entry visa. Now, according to Hong Kong immigration, the HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes is now valid for returning to Hong Kong at any time while it is still, even if it does not show a re-entry visa. Currently Hong Kong reciprocity applies to this document.
Validity, Reciprocity, and Nationality Code: HKSAR and BNO passports count as valid for returning to Hong Kong for six months after their expiration date. Because of this, they qualify for the automatic extension of validity under INA section 212(A)(7)(B)(i)(I). See 9 FAM 403.9-3(B)(2). The HKSAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes does not qualify for this automatic extension.
Effective July 1, 1997, the British Dependent Territories Citizen Passport (BDTC), stopped being valid for visa-issuing purposes.
If an applicant presents any of the travel documents listed above (except the British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC) Passport), they must be subject to the visa reciprocity schedule for Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong residents who hold British citizenship with the right of abode in the United Kingdom (and who therefor carry a UK passport) remain subject to the reciprocity schedule for the United Kingdom.
Because the BNO passport identifies the holder as a British national, posts must use two separate nationality codes for statistics. When issuing MRVs, posts should use the following codes in the nationality field:
When issuing MRVs to people born in Hong Kong, posts should use the following codes in the Country of Birth (COB) field:
Use of Visa in Expired Passport: Under 22 CFR 41.112(3), an alien may use a valid U.S. visa that is in an expired passport to apply for admission to the United States, as long as they also have a valid passport issued by their own country.
Other Documents Available: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Seaman's Identity Book
For details, please see immd.gov.hk
This certificate is issued by the Registration of Persons Office of the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID). This serialized document is printed on tamper-resistant paper and shows the applicant’s photo and an embossed seal.
Besides basic personal details, the CRP may list the applicant's marital history, family members, and work experience. The applicant provides this information at different times, such as when they:
HKID may or may not verify this information when they record it. Making false statements on a CRP is a criminal offense under Hong Kong law, and violators are vigorously prosecuted. The CRP is an invaluable aid in confirming family relationships or verifying claimed work experience. Posts that need help interpreting CRPs should contact Hong Kong's Fraud Prevention officer.
Current or former residents of Hong Kong can apply for a CRP at any of the five “Registration of Persons” Offices. Former residents can apply by mail or through a representative, but the applicant must sign the request and have it notarized. CRPs are available for deceased persons but can only be obtained by close relatives. Requests should include the applicant's Hong Kong identity card number whenever possible. Processing usually takes about five weeks.
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau
Address: 26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Phone Number: (852) 2523-9011
Visa Services: SAR of Hong Kong - Macau. All visa categories for all of Hong Kong.
Mailing Address:
PSC 461 Box 5
FPO AP 96521-0006
Fax: (852) 2845-4845
Email: hk.usconsulate.gov
SAR (Special Administrative Region) of Hong Kong - Macau. All visa categories for all of Hong Kong.
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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