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 | 12 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 | 36 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-2 | None | One | 15 Days |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| C-W-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-W-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 36 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 | 36 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-6 10 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO-7 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 36 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 |
| T-D 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.
Most civil documents are available. While document security has increased, Albanian civil documents are not always reliable or accurate. There are some villages where records may have been destroyed in World War II or during civil unrest in the late 1990s. In such cases, a local issuing authority should be able to provide official confirmation about what documents were burned or destroyed.
Albanian birth certificates should reflect the bearer’s current marital status at the time of issuance and the bearer's current name (i.e., a woman's married name, not her maiden name). Religious birth records are not acceptable.
There does not appear to be any restriction on sending documents abroad.
General Issuing Authority Information: The issuing authority is the Office of Civil Status located in City Hall or in commune where the person is registered.
Available for use abroad
Fees: No fee for birth certificates obtained from e-Albania website.
Document Name: Certifikate Lindjeje – (See Procedure for Obtaining below.)
Issuing Authority: Gjendja Civile – Civil Status Office and the e-Albania portal
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Electronic certificates issued by the e-Albania employ an A-4 pre- printed format with white and green border color (or black and white, depending on the printer used), a hologram containing the seal of Albania, the inscription "Republika e Shqiperise, Ministria e Punëve të Brendshme” (in English: Republic of Albania, Ministry of Internal Affairs), as well as the institution’s electronic seal, issuing clerk’s signature, and fee stamp. It will include a QR code that can be scanned to redirect the user to the e-Albania website.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Status Office Registrar
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining: This certificate can be issued by the e-Albania portal.
Under the section of e-Albania, labeled “Familja,” request the Certifikatë Personale (për përdorim brenda vendit/ për përdorim nga autoritetet e huaja, then click “Certikate personale sipas te dehenave aktuale,” and then apply for either yourself or someone else, finally download the “Dokumentin o Vullosur ne Gjuha te huaja”. This will result in the issuance of a document called “Certifikate Lindje,” that is in six languages.
Certified Copies Available: Not available
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: Post encounters applicants of Cham origin, whose place of birth was Greece, but do not have a Greek birth certificate. Instead, they present an Albanian birth certificate. They are asked to provide a statement from Greek authorities that no records exist for them.
Comments: Only certificates titled Birth Certificate “Certifikate Lindje” in the six-language format are accepted. Certificates that titled Personal Certificate "Certifikate Personale" and religious birth records are not acceptable.
Available
Fees: No fee for death certificates obtained through the e-albania.al website.
Document Name: Certifikate Vdekje – Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Gjendja Civile – Civil Status Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: For electronic certificates issued by e-Albania, an A4 pre-printed format, white and green border color (depending on the printer it may be black & white), a hologram containing the seal of Albanian State and the inscription "Republika e Shqiperise, Ministria e Punëve të Brendshme (In English – Republic of Albania, Ministry of Internal Affairs), institution's electronic seal, issuing clerk's signature, and fee stamp, and will include a QR code that can be scanned to redirect the user to the e-Albania website.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Status Office Registrar
Registration Criteria: A family member obtains a death report from the family doctor, where is written the cause of death, and applies at the Civil Status Office to register the death in the Act of Deaths Record and in the online National Registry of Civil Status.
Procedure for Obtaining: The requestor must show in person to the Office of Civil Status, present an I.D., pay the fee and obtain the certificate. Alternatively, he or she may go to a notary and authorize a third party to obtain the birth certificate on his or her behalf. This certificate can be issued by e-Albania portal.
Certified Copies Available: None
Comments: Albanian documents submitted as part of the U.S. visa process should be in the new format.
Available
Fees: No fee for marriage certificates obtained through the e-albania.al website.
Document Name: Certifikate Martese – Marriage Certificate
Note: There are two types of Marriage Certificates available on the e-Albania website issued in languages for use in Albania and for use abroad.
Issuing Authority: Gjendja Civile – Civil Status Office and e-Albania website.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: For electronic certificates issued by e-Albania, an A4 pre-printed format, white and green border color (depending on the printer it may be black & white), a hologram containing the seal of Albanian State and the inscription "Republika e Shqipërisë, Ministria e Punëve të Brendshme (In English – Republic of Albania, Ministry of Internal Affairs), institution's electronic seal, issuing clerk's signature, and fee stamp, and will include a QR code that can be scanned to redirect the user to the e-Albania website.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Status Office or the e-Albania website.
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining: Through the e-Albania website.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None.
Comments: Electronic certificates issued by e-Albania, will include a QR code that can be scanned to redirect the user to the e-Albania website.
Available
Comments: While there are no divorce certificates, there are divorce decrees one can get from the district court, where the court hearing took place. For divorced applicants, applicants are required to submit an original or certified copy of their court decision, translated in English. Please refer to court records section for detailed information.
Unavailable.
Available
Fees: 1,500 Lek
Document Name: Leternjoftim - I.D. card
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs requested through the e-Albania website.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A plastic card, written in Albanian and English. It contains the photograph, date, and place of birth, and the personal identity number, issuance date, expiration date, and sex. It has an eagle in the background, which is located in the middle of the card, the map of Albania, and the map of Europe, respectively on the left and on the right side.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior, through the IdentiTek Company. Its office is usually located next to Civil Registry Office of the commune or city hall, or in a centralized office, responsible for several communes.
Registration Criteria: Upon requestor's application for an I.D. card, the IdentiTek Company verifies his or her identity with the Civil Registry office, which checks the identity in the National Registry of Civil Status. Once the identity is confirmed, the IdentiTek Company fills out an application form in their database, takes a photo of requestor, and his or her fingerprints.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requestor purchases a coupon at the Albanian Post Office of 1,500 Lek and then must apply in person at the IdentiTek Company nearby the commune or city hall where he or she resides. After two to three weeks, applicants must go back to the same office to have the right thumb fingerprint scanned, to be issued the I.D. card.
Certified Copies Available: None
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: An I.D. card is issued to individuals 16 years old and above.
Validity: It has 10-year validity. For citizens above the age of 75 years, it has unlimited validity.
The Albanian police clearance consists of a criminal court certificate from the Ministry of Justice concerning any convictions. The Ministry of Justice certificate is transmitted directly from the Albanian authorities to the U.S. Embassy Tirana; it may not be accepted directly from the applicant. The application is made electronically on the e-Albania portal (https://e-albania.al/). You should select "U.S. Embassy" for the type of application. Choose "Shqipëria (Albania)" if the visa interview is conducted at the Consular Section in Tirana. Please note that the certificate will display the applicant's entire criminal record history. If the interview is conducted at the U.S. Embassy/Consular Section in another country, select the respective country from the list that appears. This way, the certificate will be forwarded to the appropriate destination by the Consular Section in Tirana. A copy of the Ministry of Justice clearance will be automatically sent to the Consular Section, and a copy will be sent to the applicant. Only those received directly from the Albanian authorities are considered valid to ensure they contain the historical record of any prior convictions including those later expunged.
The validity period of clearances received from the Ministry of Justice is 12 months.
Fees: None.
Document Name: Vertetim i Gjendjes Gjyqesore - Judicial Status Certificate
Issuing Authority: Judicial Status Section, General Directorate of Prisons, Ministry of Justice
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Electronically delivered directly to the consular section.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judicial Status Section Specialist
Certified Copies Available: None
Alternate Documents: None
Exceptions: None
Comments: Applicants needing a police certificate for submission to NVC should submit the version they receive after following the instructions above.
Available
Fees: 200 Lek
Document Name: Vendim i Gjykates
Issuing Authority: District Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A-4 format or half of A-4 format, signed by the judges who issued the verdict and District Court's wet stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Gjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor - District's name, signed by the Chancellor and Chief Secretary. Court records are currently saved at the Ministry of Justice/ General Directorate of Prisons/ The Judicial Status Office.
Registration Criteria: Convicted person's name is entered in electronic and handwritten court register.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requestor must submit a request to the District Court Chancellor.
Certified Copies Available: Yes
Alternate Documents: None.
Comments: Convicted of a crime. Divorced applicants must submit a copy of their court decision, translated in English. This document may be requested from the district court where the decision was taken. The court decision certificates must be translated in English and notarized.
Unavailable
Available
Fees: 500 Lek
Document Name: Vërtetim
Issuing Authority: Personnel Recruitment Center, General Headquarter of Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White color, ½ of A4 format, wet seal. The electronic version of the document is A4 format, has electronic signature and wet seal is missing.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The head of Personnel Recruitment Center or the e-Albania website
Registration Criteria: All males at age 18 were registered in the military record of the Mobilization and Recruitment Center. Based on law no.9047, dated July 10, 2003, "On the Military Service in Republic of Albania" amended by law no. 9999, dated September 24, 2008, amended, there is no longer compulsory military service.
Procedure for Obtaining: This document can be issued by the e-Albania portal.
Certified Copies Available: None.
Alternate Documents: None.
Comments: Only applicants with date of birth before September 24, 1990, are required to submit a military record including all female applicants with prior military service. Albanian military clearances issued for use abroad, bear the wet seal must also be apostilled. Applicants should apply via Post Office using Form 1. Military records issued for use within Albania, are issued through e-Albania bearing the electronic seal.
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular, Diplomatic, and Official passport
Fees: 7,500 Lek for regular application, 18,000 Lek for expedited request.
Document Name: Pasaportë
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs through e-Albania.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: None.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior, through the IdentiTek Company. Its office is usually located next to Civil Registry Office of the commune or city hall, or in a centralized office, responsible for several communes.
Registration Criteria: Upon requestor's application for passport, the IdentiTek Company verifies his or her identity with the Civil Registry office, and with the Police Officer in charge for the borough. Once the identity is confirmed, the IdentiTek Company fills out an application form in their database, takes a photo of requestor, and his or her fingerprints.
Not applicable.
Tirana, Albania (Embassy)
Street Address:
Rr. Elbasanit, No. 103
Tirana, Albania
Phone: (355)-(4)-224-7285
All visa categories for all of Albania.
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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