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 | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| E-1 2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 12 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 | 12 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 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 | 12 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-7 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 12 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.
Kosovan citizens' records use a unique National ID number, like a U.S. Social Security number. Municipalities issue birth, marriage, and death certificates. Divorce records come from the courts. A birth extract or single status document from the municipal hall will show if the person is divorced. Adoption certificates are unavailable. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Document names appear in English, Albanian, and Serbian, with all three languages on civil documents.
General Issuing Authority Information: Ministry of Internal Affair (MIA)/ Municipal Civil Registry Office.
Available
Fees: 1 Euro
Document Name: Certifikate e Lindjes / Izvod iz Registra Rodjenih/ Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instructions No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration.
In Kosovo, register a newborn by declaring the birth. This is per Article 34 of the Law on Civil Status. It can be done by: a parent, an adult family member, a legal representative, a guardian, or someone authorized by the mother.
To register a child born outside Kosovo, present:
Procedure for Obtaining: Parents apply in person. If registration is done at a consular mission abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes the certificate. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Extract of birth, also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Exceptions: None
Comments: After registering in Kosovo's civil database, the mentioned documents are accessible nationwide. For events abroad, a Kosovar citizen can report them to local authorities. Then, they receive a document noting the event occurred outside Kosovo. Events outside of Kosovo won't appear in the registries unless reported voluntarily.
Available
Fees: 1 Euro
Document Name: Death certificate/ Certifikate e Vdekjes/Izvod Umrlih
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Offices
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instruction No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration
Procedure for Obtaining: By a family member in Kosovo. If registration is done at a consular mission abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes the certificate. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: After registering in Kosovo's civil database, the mentioned documents are accessible nationwide. For events abroad, a Kosovar citizen can report them to local authorities. Then, they receive a document noting the event occurred outside Kosovo. Events outside of Kosovo won't appear in the registries unless reported voluntarily.
Available: Yes
Fees: Fee varies and is paid at the Municipal Civil Status Offices
Document Name: Marriage certificate/ Certifikate e Marteses/ Izvod Vencanih
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instruction No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration.
Procedure for Obtaining: Either personally or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the application is filed in a Consular mission abroad. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Certificate of Marital Status
Exceptions: None
Comments: Marriage certificates issued by parallel courts/institutions run by the Government of Serbia within Kosovar territory after 1999 are not currently recognized as legal and valid by the Government of Kosovo. Only documents containing the stamp “Republika e Kosoves/Republika Kosovo/ Republic of Kosovo” are valid documents.
Available
Fees: Fee varies
Document Name: Court verdict
Issuing Authority: Basic Court (Gjykata Themelore /Osnovni Sud) that decided the case
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A court divorce decree is typed with "Verdict” (Aktgjykim/ Presuda).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply at Court for divorce decree or change of marital status-apply at the local municipal hall. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Ekstrakt nga Regjistri Qendror i Gjendjes Civile / Izvod iz Centralnog Registra Gradjana/ Extract from the Central Register of Civil Status.
The civil registrar with jurisdiction over a person's residence can issue a certificate (Ekstrakt nga Regjistri Qendror i Gjendjes Civile / Izvod iz Centralnog Registra Gradjana/ Extract from the Central Register of Civil Status stating that the applicant is married, single, or divorced. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Therefore, they may not include all marriages or divorces.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Kosovo does not accept Serbian marriage certificates for marriages in its territory after June 1999. They consider these illegal and invalid. Only documents with the stamp "Republika e Kosoves/Republika Kosovo/Republic of Kosovo" are valid.
Unavailable.
Available: Types: IA (languages ALB, SEB, ENG), IB (language ALB, SEB, ENG and TUR) and IF (Resident Permits).
Fees: 10 Euro
Document Name: Identity card
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Polycarbonate as in the SPECIMEN/ format ID3 (125 x 88mm)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Internal Affairs / Civil Registration Agency (CRA).
Registration Criteria: Based on Administrative Order No. 20-2011 on the procedures of the application for ID.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requestor must present an extract of birth and application for the document (enrollment of alpha and bio data). Issuing office: Agjencia e Regjistrimit Civil, Ministria e Puneve te Brendshme, Rr. Luan Haradinaj, 10 000 Pristina
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Passport and driver’s license
Exceptions: All citizens above 16 years of age should possess an ID card.
Comments: Kosovo identity cards (Leternjoftimi / Licna Karta / Identity Card) are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) through the local document processing center. ID cards include a photo, birth date and place of birth. They're valid for ten years. Biometric IDs have the bearer's signature.
Not Available. Courts certificate are required for all applicants.
Available
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Court Conviction Certificate (Certificate of Penal Convictions). It is issued in one of official languages in Kosovo.
Issuing Authority: Kosovo Judicial Council (https://www.gjyqesori-rks.org/).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A-4 format. It includes the court’s stamp and the clerk’s signature.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Kosovo Judicial Council (https://www.gjyqesori-rks.org/).
Registration Criteria: Convicted person's name is entered in court register.
Procedure for Obtaining: The requestor must file an application with the court and provide an ID copy. The applicant needs to fill in: first name, last name, father’s name, date and place of birth, residence address, and national ID number. This can also be done by someone else on their behalf.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: A digital version of the Court Certificate can be obtained for free through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/). It is digitally signed and has a QR code.
Exceptions: Court Certificates are issued only to applicants over 16 years of age.
Comments: Court records are consolidated on a single centralized system.
Kosovo law (chapter 9 – Rehabilitation and Disclosure of information from Criminal Records, available at https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail allows convicts to erase their records after some time. Thus, if a subject uses this option, their court record won’t show all offences.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Proof of release
Issuing Authority: The prison where the person was held can provide a statement of time spent in a correctional institution.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Justice / Director of the prison can confirm the time served.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit the request to the Ministry of Justice or the prison's director where the sentence was served.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None.
Comments: None.
Available: With limitations.
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Vertetim/Potvrda/Certificate.
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s (1999-2008) The Ministry of the Kosovo Security Forces’ (KSF) (1999-ongoing).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4, White paper, KSF Stamp or MLSW stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Served in Kosovo Protection Corps or Kosovo Security Force.
Procedure for Obtaining: The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare's Division of Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) issues records for personnel that served from 1999 to 2008. To obtain this document, the requester must go to its office in Pristina, Kosovo, in the Qafa Complex, and complete the request form. Website: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.
Website: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (https://mpms.rks-gov.net/).
The Ministry of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) has a personnel Department. It helps Kosovan citizens get those records. This document is a letter certifying that a person did not serve in the KSF. To get this document, visit their office at the Adem Jashari Barracks in Pristina, and complete the request form.
Website: MKSF (https://mod.rks-gov.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Kosovan citizens who served in the Yugoslav or Serbian military are unable to obtain military records and therefore are not required.
Comments: Military certificates for Kosovar applicants with military service pre-1999 are not required.
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Official.
Fees: Regular -adult 30.00 €, minor 20.00 €; Diplomatic/Offical- No Fees.
Document Name: Passport (Regular, Diplomatic, Official).
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The cover of each passport displays wording with gold lettering on the front that says "Republic of Kosovo" and "Passport" in Albanian, Serbian, and English, as well as Kosovo's emblem.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Internal Affairs / Civil Registration Agency (CRA).
Registration Criteria: Kosovan Citizenship.
Procedure for Obtaining: Proof of Citizenship.
Alternate Documents: Travel document for foreigners (dokument i udhetimit per shtetasit e huaj/putna isprava za strane drzavljane): A light-blue hardcover booklet is issued to persons who do not possess a passport or passport substitute and for whom it is unreasonable to demand that they obtain such a document. The alien must hold a residence permit in Kosovo.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Passports for citizens 18 years of age and over are valid for 10 years; children up to the age of 3 years are issued passports valid for 3 years, while those between the ages of 3 and 18 years are issued passports valid for 5 years.
Kosovan citizens' records use a unique National ID number, like a U.S. Social Security number. Municipalities issue birth, marriage, and death certificates. Divorce records come from the courts. A birth extract or single status document from the municipal hall will show if the person is divorced. Adoption certificates are unavailable. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Document names appear in English, Albanian, and Serbian, with all three languages on civil documents.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Pristina, Kosovo
Address:
Rr. 4 Korriku Nr 25,
1000 Pristina, Kosovo
Phone Number: (+389) 38 59 59 3000
Visa Services: xk.usembassy.gov
Comments / Additional Information: PristinaACS@state.gov or PristinaVisas@state.gov
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo. They may need to show documents stating the purpose of their visit. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for trips lasting up to 90 days within a six-month period. For work, study, or visits over 90 days in six months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit once in Kosovo.
To apply for a temporary residence permit, you must provide:
The U.S. Embassy cannot assist U.S. citizens with background check or a residency permit. Website: Ministry of Internal Affairs (https://mpb.rks-gov.net/f/45/Temporary-residence-permit-for-foreigners).
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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