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 | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| 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 | One | 12 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 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| 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.
Some civil documents now include digital signatures and QR codes for authentication and verification. These features improve authenticity and help reduce fraud.
Available
Fees: The fee varies depending on the city hall but ranges from USD $3.00 to $5.00
Document Name: Birth Certificate (Partida de Nacimiento)
Issuing Authority: Family Registry (Registro del Estado Familiar) of the city where the birth took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Please note that City Halls may issue handwritten versions of birth certificates.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the chief of the family state registry (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate.
Registration Criteria: The applicant must provide their full name, date of birth, and parents' names to the appropriate Civil Registry. Address requests to the Chief of the Family State Registry in the city.
Procedure for Obtaining: Address verbal or written requests to the "Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar” (name of city). Applicants can also request a birth certificate online through the following website: http://simple.sv.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: In El Salvador, if a birth certificate is canceled for legal reasons, the original "Year of Birth Certificate" can still be requested from the Family State Registry and must be included in the immigrant visa application. The document that caused the cancellation (partida modificada) does not replace the original "Year of Birth Certificate."
Changes such as parental authority, name changes, or corrections are added as marginal notes on the birth certificate. However, if parental information is changed (such as adding, removing, or modifying a parent), the original birth certificate will be canceled, and a new one will be issued.
Available
Fees: Fees range from $3.00 to $5.00, depending on the municipality.
Document Name: Death Certificate (Partida de Defunción)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the death occurred or where the deceased lived.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the chief of the family registry of the city (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate.
Registration Criteria: The request must include the full names of the people involved, and the place and date of the event.
Procedure for Obtaining: You can request a death certificate verbally or in writing from the Civil Registry where the death was registered. You can also request it online at the following website: http://simple.sv
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Extracts from civil records may be typed, handwritten on stamped paper (papel sellado), or photocopies of registry books. All extracts must be signed by a Civil Registry Official (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) and include the office’s rubber stamp seal.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Notes on the certificate record post-mortem identity changes, corrections, and other updates are listed in the margins of the certificate.
Available
Fees: Fees range from $3.00 to $5.00, depending on the municipality.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate (Partida De Matrimonio)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the marriage took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Please note that City Halls may issue handwritten versions of marriage certificates.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the chief of the family registry of the city (Jefe Del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate.
Registration Criteria: Full names of spouses, and date of event must be included in the request.
Procedure for Obtaining: You can request a marriage certificate verbally or in writing from the Civil Registry where the marriage took place. You can also request it online at the following website: http://simple.sv
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: In El Salvador, birth certificates are usually updated with annotations for changes in marital status if the parties notify the Civil Registry and complete the process to record the marriage. These annotations do not replace the original marriage certificate.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in El Salvador. Religious weddings are not legally valid, so church marriage certificates are not accepted. El Salvador issues two types of marriage documents: the "ACTA MATRIMONIAL," which is equivalent to a marriage license and does not constitute a legal marriage, and the official marriage certificate.
Available: In some cities
Fees: The fee varies depending on the city, but the price range is from USD $3.00 to 5.00
Document Name: Divorce Certificate (Partida de Divorcio)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the marriage was registered.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The chief of the family registry (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or their delegate usually issues this document.
Registration Criteria: The request must include the full names of the parties involved and the date of the event.
Procedure for Obtaining: You can request a divorce certificate verbally or in writing from the Civil Registry where the marriage took place. You can also request it online at the following website: http://simple.sv
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Extracts from civil records may be typed on stamped paper (papel sellado) or consist of photocopies of registry books. All extracts must be signed by the Chief of the Family Registry (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or their delegate and include the office’s rubber stamp seal.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Divorce certificates are registered based on notifications from the court that issued the divorce. The court also notifies the Civil Registry where the birth certificate was registered, so the divorce can be noted on the birth record. Starting in December 2024, some city halls in El Salvador may stop issuing separate divorce decrees. Instead, divorces will be recorded as annotations in the margins of the original marriage certificate, stating that the marriage has been canceled by judicial declaration or administrative resolution.
Unavailable
Comments: In El Salvador, after an adoption, a new birth certificate is issued with the names of the adoptive parents. The new certificate does not indicate that it was created through an adoption process. The original birth certificate will include an annotation noting its cancellation, but it will not mention adoption as the reason. Adoption details are recorded in a separate, private record in the Family State Registry and can only be accessed with a court order.
Available
Fees: USD $10.31 if applying in El Salvador and USD $35 if applying at a Salvadoran Consulate
Document Name: The National ID card of El Salvador is called DUI (Documento Único de Identidad)
Issuing Authority: National Registry of Natural Persons (Registro Nacional de las Personas Naturales)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The official design, including special seals, color, and format, can be viewed here.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Registrar of Persons (Registrador Nacional de Personas Naturales)
Registration Criteria: Issued to Salvadoran nationals aged 18 and older.
Procedure for Obtaining:
IN EL SALVADOR: Applicants must schedule an appointment at https://dui.sv or call (503) 2555-1900. Walk-ins are not accepted.
OUTSIDE EL SALVADOR: Applicants must schedule an appointment at www.dui.gob.sv or call 1 (888) 301-1130.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: USD $3.50
Document Name: Police Certificate (Solvencia de la Policía Nacional Civil)
Issuing Authority: National Civilian Police's (PNC) Department of Certifications (Departamento de Solvencias).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The certificate includes a photo of the subject and the signature of the Chief of the Department of Certifications. Online certificates include a QR code for validation.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the Unit for Police Records and Backgrounds.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies: The U.S. Embassy does not accept certified copies of this document.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Individuals cannot obtain criminal history records from the Department of Certifications. Visa applicants with prior arrests in El Salvador must go to the police department where they were detained or the court where their trial occurred to get the arrest and court records needed for their visa interview.
Available
Fees: Not specified. Applicants should inquire directly with the issuing authority.
Document Name: Certified Sentence (Copia Simple).
Issuing Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Certified sentencing documents are signed by the judge who presided over the trial.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies: Requested at court where the trial took place.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Court records are required for the immigration process. Visa applicants with prior arrests in El Salvador must get arrest and court records from the police department where they were detained or the court where their trial took place.
Available
Fees: USD $3.00
Document Name: Certificate of Criminal Records (Constancia de Antecedentes Penales o Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
Issuing Authority: General Prisons Directorate (Dirección General de Centros Penales)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Arms Registration Branch (Encargado de Sucursal de Registro de Armas).
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Regardless of their country of residence, Salvadoran Citizens can request a prison record online through the following website: http://simple.sv. If the applicant is in El Salvador they can apply in person at the “Antecedentes Penales” offices in San Salvador, San Miguel and Santa Ana. The applicant must bring their original Documento Unico de Identidad (DUI) and a photocopy of the DUI.
Certified Copies: The U.S. Embassy does not accept certified copies of this document.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Discharge certificate
Issuing Authority: Personnel office of the general staff of the appropriate military service.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seals, color or format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no specific issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: No specific procedures.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments:
Types Available: Diplomatic, Regular
Fees:
Document Name:
Issuing Government Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Registration Criteri There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Both the diplomatic and regular passports are valid for six years. If applying for a passport renewal while your current passport book is still valid (not expired), you may be able to renew that same book for another six years.
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available.
Not applicable.
San Salvador, El Salvador (Embassy)
APO AA 34023-3114
All visa categories for all of El Salvador.
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.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit:
