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 | 120 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 120 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 | 120 Months |
| E-1 2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| 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 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 12 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 1-6 10 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO-7 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| 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.
Civil status certificates from former German areas east of Oder and Neisse (boundaries of 1938), now belonging to Poland or Russia, are difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain. After World War II, a number of these documents were returned to Germany. Information regarding these documents can sometimes be requested from local registrars' offices. More detailed information pertaining to these documents can be obtained at the Standesamt I in Berlin, Schönstedtstr. 5,13357 Berlin.
The following substitutes may be used for unavailable personal documents:
Katholische Kirchenbuecher:
Bischoefliches Zentralarchiv
St. Peters-Weg 11-13
93047 Regensburg
archiv@bistum-regensburg.de
If the desired documents cannot be obtained, these archive offices will furnish a negative response (Negativbescheinigung).
Available
Fees: Certificates and additional copies are subject to a fee. Fees for an international certificate may be higher than that charged for the standard form.
Document Name: Geburtsurkunde
Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the birth occurred or online using the Bundesportal https://verwaltung.bund.de/portal/EN/ueber.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority
Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery.
Certified Copies: Available as “beglaubigte Abschrift aus dem Geburtenregister “
Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Geburtseintrag (extract from birth registration). This document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the birth was registered.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: In lieu of the birth certificate, you may also request an “Auszug aus dem Geburtenregister” (extract from the birth register). This document is a certified copy of the birth register listing name, date of birth, place of birth, name of parents, in case of adoption, name of adoptive parents.
Available
Fees: Certificates and additional copies are subject to a fee. Fees for an international certificate may be higher.
Document Name: Sterbeurkunde
Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the death occurred. Some cities offer the online service on Bundesportal Verwaltung.bund.de/portal/EN/ueber.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority
Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery. To request the document by mail, the request must include identification, address, contact information, and purpose of the request. Most registry offices also allow the ordering of civil documents online visa their respective websites.
Certified Copies: Available as “beglaubigte Abschrift aus dem Sterberegister“
Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Sterberegister; Extract from death registration; this document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the death was registered.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: German death certificates contain data protected under German data protection laws. They can only be obtained by individuals to who the entry refers, spouses, ancestors, and direct descendants, anyone who can demonstrate a legitimate interest, and anyone presenting written authorization from the aforementioned individuals.
Available
Fees: Certificates and additional copies are subject to a fee. Fees for an international certificate may be higher.
Document Name: Eheurkunde, Heiratsurkunde
Issuing Authority: Local registrar's office (Standesamt) where the marriage occurred or online on Bundesportal https://verwaltung.bund.de/portal/EN/ueber
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: The requested certificates are usually mailed out by the registrar's office with the fees being collected on delivery.
Certified Copies Available: Yes, “beglaubigte Abschrift aus dem Eheregister“
Alternate Documents: Auszug aus dem Heiratsregister; Extract from marriage registration; this document is also issued by the German registration office (Standesamt) where the marriage was registered.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Administration fee (varies by jurisdiction)
Document Name: Scheidungsurteil, Scheidungsbeschluss
Issuing Authority: The divorce certificate can be obtained from the court, normally “Amts-” or “Familiengericht”, which issued the order dissolving the marriage.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Divorce certificates or court orders dissolving the marriage are available at the court that issued the final order dissolving the marriage. Most courts offer information online outlining the procedure to request copies of the divorce certificates. Some districts are available on Bundesportal https://verwaltung.bund.de/portal/EN/ueber
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Yes, varies by jurisdiction
Document Name: Adoptionsbeschluss
Issuing Authority: The adoption certificates can be obtained at the court where the adoption was finalized.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: To be checked with issuing authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Adoption certificates can be obtained at the court where the adoption was finalized. Most regions are also available online on Bundesportal https://verwaltung.bund.de/portal/EN/ueber
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: The extract of birth certificate, Auzug aus dem Geburtenregister, can also be used to prove a lawful adoption.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: A certified copy of the adoption court order is sent to the German registration office (Standesamt) which notes the adoption in the extract from birth registration. A certified copy of the adoption court order can also be obtained from the family law court (Familiengericht) where the adoption was finalized.
Available
Fees: 22.80 Euro or 37.00 Euro depending on the age of the applicant.
Document Name: Personalausweis
Issuing Authority: Federal Republic of Germany (city or county of applicant’s current residency)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Compulsory for everyone in Germany age 16 or older to possess either an identity card or a passport
Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained in the registrar office of the district in which the person is residing.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Police Certificates
Available
Fees: The fee for every certificate of conduct is €13.
Document Name: Führungszeugnis, certificate of conduct, also referred to as a “police check”, “background check” or “criminal records check”
Issuing Authority: Bundesamt für Justiz (Federal Office of Justice)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Individuals 14 or over may apply for a certificate of conduct.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requests for police certificates may be made by submitting a written request, in person, or online at www.fuehrungszeugnis.bund.de. Written requests may be submitted here: Der Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof, Dienststelle Bundeszentralregister, Sachgebiet BZR 32 - Internationale Rechtshilfe, 53094 Bonn. In person requests may be made at: Bundesamt fuer Justiz, Besucherservice, Adenauerallee 99-103, 53113 Bonn on Mondays - Wednesdays: 7:30 - 16:00; Thursdays: 7:30 - 15:30; and Fridays 7:30 - 14:00. Former residents of Germany no longer registered in Germany may apply for an individual record through the German Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, or directly with the Bundeszentralregister in Bonn. The application form is available at the German Embassy/Consulate, or directly from the Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof Dienststelle Bundeszentralregister.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: Strafregisterbescheinigung or Auszug aus dem Strafregister (extract from criminal record registration).
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: More detailed information about applications, fees and processing times is available here: https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/EN/Topics/FederalCentralCriminalRegister/CertificateofConduct/CertificateofConduct_node.html.
Available
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Wehrdienstbescheinigung, Wehrpass, Dienstzeugnis
Issuing Authority: Bundeswehr
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Must have served in military
Procedure for Obtaining: Military service documents are available by contacting the career center closest to the requester which can be found online at www.bundeswehr.de: "Karrierecenter der Bundeswehr”.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Wehrpass, Dienstzeugnis
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Documents can no longer be obtained from the Kreiswehrersatzamt.
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):
Fees: Depending on the document type.
Document Name:
Biometric Passport (ePass): A Bordeaux-red, booklet
Temporary passport: A green booklet issued to individuals who urgently need a passport, but cannot wait the processing time needed to issue the ePass.
Diplomatic passport: A dark blue booklet.
Service (official) passport (Dienstpass): A red booklet, issued to governmental officials for official travel.
Registration Criteria: Issued to nationals of Germany
Other Documents Available:
Travel Document for Recognized Refugees (Reiseausweis): A medium-blue booklet, issued in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention to asylees, refugees, and stateless persons who reside permanently or temporarily in the FRG. This document does not guarantee the holder an indefinite right to return to the FRG. The date until which return is guaranteed is specified in the document. (The German government also issues a Travel Document for Stateless Persons in accordance with the Geneva Convention of September 28, 1954.). The document may contain a notation (“Die Personendaten beruhen auf den eigenen Angaben des Antragstellers”) stating that the individual’s identity has not been confirmed by German authorities and that identifying information is based solely on statements made by the alien. In those instances, the Travel Document may not be used for visa issuance without other evidence to establish the bearer’s identity.
Alien's Passport (Travel Document for Foreigners and Stateless Individuals - Fremdenpass): A medium-gray booklet issued to persons who evidently do not possess a passport or passport substitute and for whom it is unreasonable to demand that they obtain such a document. The document may include a notation (“Die Personendaten beruhen auf den eigenen Angaben des Antragstellers”) stating that the individual’s identity has not been confirmed by German authorities and that identifying information is based solely on statements made by the alien. In those instances, the Travel Document may not be used for visa issuance without other evidence to establish the bearer’s identity.
Available
Fees: Approx. 10 Euro
Document Name: Auszug aus dem Melderegister or Meldebescheinigung formerly Aufenthaltsbescheinigung
Issuing Authority: Registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) of the applicant's place of residence or online on Bundesportal https://verwaltung.bund.de/portal/DE/ueber
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special formatting.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Must be registered with German authority
Procedure for Obtaining: Note: Former residents of Germany may request personal documents from the proper German authorities in writing or authorize residents of Germany to obtain such documents on their behalf.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: This document is not needed for immigrant visa purposes.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany
Mailing Address:
PSC 120 Box 3000
APO AE 09265
Street Address:
Clayallee 170
14195 Berlin-Dahlem
Tel: +49 (0)30 8305-0
Fax: +49 (0)30 831-4926
Email: ConsBerlin@state.gov
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas Only
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany
Street Address:
Giessener Strasse 30
60435 Frankfurt am Main
Tel: +49-(0)69-7535-0
Fax: +49-(0)069-7535-2277
Email: FrankfurtSpecialNIV@state.gov; FrankfurtVisaInquiries@state.gov
Visa Services: All categories, including K and E visa applications
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General in Munich, Germany
Street Address:
Koeniginstrasse 5
80539 Munich
Tel: 49-(0)89-2888-0
Fax: 49-(0)89-280-9998
Email: ConsMunich@state.gov
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas Only
All IV, E-1/E-2 and K NIV applications are serviced at Frankfurt.
| Area | Post |
|---|---|
| Baden-Wurttemberg | Frankfurt |
| Bavaria | Munich |
| Berlin | Berlin |
| Brandenburg | Berlin |
| Bremen | Berlin |
| Hamburg | Berlin |
| Hessen | Frankfurt |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommem | Berlin |
| Niedersachsen | Berlin |
| Nordrhein-Westfalen | Frankfurt |
| Rheinland-Pfalz | Frankfurt |
| Saarland | Frankfurt |
| Sachsen | Berlin |
| Sachsen-Anhalt | Berlin |
| Schleswig-Holstein | Berlin |
| Thueringen | Berlin |
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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