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 | One | 3 Months |
B-1 | $35 | Multiple | 6 months |
B-1 | $115 | Multiple | 12 months |
B-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
B-2 | $35 | Multiple | 6 Months |
B-2 | $115 | Multiple | 12 Months |
B-1/B-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
B-1/B-2 | $35 | Multiple | 6 Months |
B-1/B-2 | $115 | Multiple | 12 Months |
C-1 | None | Multiple | 3 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 | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-2A | None | 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.
General Issuing Authority Information: The National Registration Bureau (NRB) is responsible for birth and death records, as well as National ID cards, as of August 2015. Birth and death records from before August 2015 were issued by the Registrar General’s office and are still valid. The Registrar General’s office continues to issue marriage certificates, business licenses, and other civil documents.
Available: Yes
Fees: None
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: National Registration Bureau
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Government of Malawi seal bottom center, yellow –colored paper with black ink. A raised seal is placed on the bottom of the document. Currently available in A4 and A5 sized paper.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief Director or Director
Registration Criteria: Application form and birth report from the hospital.
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit the application form to the local District Commissioner, where information is data entered and sent to the National Registration Bureau in Lilongwe. Certificates are printed in Lilongwe and sent back to the District Commission for collection. Normal applications typically take 15 working days.
Certified Copies Available: Not available
Alternate Documents: Not available
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: The National Registration Bureau (NRB) in Lilongwe started issuing birth certificates and death certificates on August 1, 2015, taking over from the Registrar General’s Office (RGO). Birth certificates and death certificates issued by the RGO prior to August 1, 2015 are still valid. RGO-issued documents from prior to August 2015 are blue, yellow, or green on long A3 length paper. They can be hand-written or typed and have the Registrar General’s seal.
Available: Yes.
Fees: None
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: National Registration Bureau (NRB)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Government of Malawi seal at the bottom center. Yellow –colored paper with black ink. Type-written. Currently available in A4 and A5 sized paper.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief Director or Director
Registration Criteria: Application form and death report from the hospital.
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit the application form to the local District Commissioner, who will sign and endorse the application. Then, applicants must bring the endorsed form in-person to the National Registration Bureau in Lilongwe. Certificates are printed and distributed in Lilongwe. Normal processing time is 5 working days; they can sometimes be expedited on case by case basis.
Certified Copies Available: Not available
Alternate Documents: Not available
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: Most certificates are on A4 sized paper and are manually signed. There are also A5 sized paper certificates which can be manually or electronically signed. Death certificates are currently being issued upon demand, but will soon be compulsory for all deaths.
Available: Yes.
Fees: Application fee of 2,500.00 Malawi Kwacha for the marriage license and 10,000.00 Malawi Kwacha for two copies of the marriage certificates, one of which is yellow/green in color and type-written and one of which is blue in color and is hand-written. Marriage certificates are issued at the Registrar General’s in Blantyre and Lilongwe. The Registrar General in Blantyre and the Assistant Registrar General in Lilongwe also officiate marriage ceremonies. The marriage license application process takes 21 days.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Registrar General (Blantyre) and Assistant Registrar General (Lilongwe)
Special Seal(s): Round impression seal at the bottom part on the right hand side of the certificate with the signature of the Registrar General or Assistant Registrar General.
Color: Yellow, green, or blue
Format: Yellow and green marriage certificates are printed on A4 sized paper in black ink. The blue version is hand-written and comes in a long-form A3 like size. The position of the seal is the same as in the yellow color marriage certificate, with the signature of the Registrar General or Assistant Registrar General.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Registrar General or Assistant Registrar General.
Registration Criteria: Both husband and wife must appear in person to make an application. On the wedding date, both parties are required to bring their own representatives as witnesses before the officiating Registrar.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Registrar General, FATIMA HOUSE ARCADE, Opposite ESCOM House, P.O. Box 100 and Private Bag 100, Blantyre, AND the Assistant Registrar General, PAGAT house, Off PAUL KAGAME Road, Old Town, P.O. Box 1780, Lilongwe.
Certified Copies Available: Available with a fee of 5,000.00 Malawi Kwacha
Alternate Documents: Not available
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Malawi.
Available: Yes
Comments: A copy of the decree is available from the Registrar of the High Court in Lilongwe or the High Court in Blantyre if the marriage was dissolved in the High Court.
Fees: 5,000.00 Malawi Kwacha.
Available: Yes
Fees: 5,000.00 Malawi Kwacha application fee and 1,000.00 Malawi Kwacha for Adoption Order.
Document Name: Adoption Order
Issuing Authority: High Court Lilongwe, High Court Blantyre, Supreme Court of Appeal Blantyre, and High Court Mzuzu
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round impression seal with the words “High Court Registrar”, and a signature of the High Court Registrar at the very end of the adoption statement; Color: Yellow, blue or white.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: High Court Registrar.
Registration Criteria: Adoptive parent (s) should hire an attorney who will work with the responsible authorities (the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs) to prepare the adoption application with the courts. After Adoption Order is granted, the adoptive parents are instructed to register the adoption order with the National Registration Bureau in order to get obtain a birth certificate for the adopted child.
Procedure for Obtaining: Available from the High Court following a ruling. Orders are typically given to the attorney of record.
Certified Copies Available: Not available
Alternate Documents: Not available
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: The National Registration Bureau issues birth certificates to adopted children based on court orders produced by the adoptive parents.
Available: Limited availability (See comments)
Fees: None
Document Name: National Identity Card
Issuing Authority: National Registration Bureau
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: This information is unavailable
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief Director
Registration Criteria: Malawian citizens
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit to the National Registration Bureau an application form, proof of citizenship, and collection of biodata and biometric details.
Certified Copies Available: No
Alternate Documents: No
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: National ID Cards started being issued in limited quantities in early 2017. There is no estimate of when a full rollout will be complete.
Available
Fees:
Document Name: Police Certificate
Issuing Authority: Criminal Investigation Department (CID), National Police Headquarters, Area 30, Private Bag 305, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Special Seal(s) / Color: / Format: Printed on a white A4 paper with a black and white eagle with the words “CONFIDENTIAL” on top of the eagle. The eagle on the top center of the police certificate. A photo-digitized photograph of the bearer is in the middle of the certificate. On the bottom is the signature of the Police Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent, signed on behalf of the Inspector General of Malawi Police Service.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Inspector General of Police
Registration Criteria: N/A
Procedure for Obtaining:
Applicants in Malawi must apply in person at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe and are required to submit 2 recent color photos, a valid passport and/or other proof of identity.
Applicants outside Malawi are required to submit 2 fingerprints charts taken by a competent authority (i.e. local police and other government entities commissioned to take finger-prints), along with a notarized copy of the bio-data page of applicant’s passport. Applicants must also submit an individual statement giving reasons for requesting a Malawi police clearance certificate and indicate the dates and addresses lived in Malawi.
Applicants should contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), National Police Headquarters, Area 30, Private Bag 305, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi, telephone (265) 1-796-806.
Certified Copies Available: Unavailable
Alternate Documents: Unavailable
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: The certificate indicates whether a criminal record exists or not, and if so, particulars of the offenses, nature of punishment and/or period of imprisonment.
Comments: The Prison record is part of the Police Certificate. Please see Police Certificate
Available: Yes
Fees: 5,000.00, Malawi Kwacha
Document Name: Depends on nature of court record requested
Issuing Authority: High Court in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Zomba
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: High court impression seal (Color: white, blue or green)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: High Court Registrar
Registration Criteria: N/A
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply for a court record in person at the court or enlist an attorney to make an application on your behalf.
Certified Copies Available: NO
Alternate Documents: NO
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: N/A
Available: Yes
Fees: None
Document Name: Military Record
Issuing Authority: Malawi Defense Force (MDF)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: No information available
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Inspector General of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF)
Registration Criteria: Contact the Inspector General of the MDF to ask for specific registration procedures.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Commanding Officer, Malawi Army, Headquarters, Kamuzu Barracks, Private Bag 43, Lilongwe.
Certified Copies Available: NO
Alternate Documents: NO
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: N/A
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular, Diplomatic, and Service
Document Name: Regular passport (known as ordinary passport in Malawi)
Fees:
Registration Criteria: Malawi citizenship
Issuing Authority TITLE: Chief Passport Officer; Malawi Immigration Department (Blantyre and Lilongwe)
Special Seal (s) /Color/Format: Gold lettering on the cover. The words “REPUBLIC OF MALAWI” on the passport book cover with the words “UNITY AND FREEDOM” in a scroll at the bottom of the Malawi government emblem. The emblem is a shield franked by a lion and a leopard. The passport bio data is on page two. Malawi regular passport numbers begin with the alphabet letter “MA” followed by numerical numbers (e.g. MA123777).
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit and a completed and executed passport application endorsed by the District Commissioner along with 2 recent colors passport photographs to the passport office in Blantyre or Lilongwe. Pay the appropriate passport application fees. Have your finger-prints taken by immigration officer. The Affidavit part of the passport application form must be executed the District Commissioner of the applicant’s home district or town.
Document Name: Diplomatic passport
Color: Red.
Fees: 85,500.00 Malawi Kwacha; takes 5 days to process
Issuing Authority: Same as in ordinary passport
Special Seal (s) Color Format: Same as in ordinary/regular passports Malawi diplomatic passports numbers begin with the letters ‘MD” (e.g. MD111333)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Same as in ordinary/regular passports
Registration Criteria: Malawi diplomatic passports are issued to high ranking government officers, and other private important personnel in the private sector, including some distinguished religious personnel. You need a supporting letter from the Malawi government to request issuance of a diplomatic.
Procedure for Obtaining: Complete Malawi passport application form, and submit two recent color passport photographs, current government issued identity card and a letter from government requesting diplomatic passport issuance. Submit passport application form in person. Fingerprints and additional photographs are taken by immigration officer.
Document Name: Malawi Service (Official) passport
Color: Green
Fees: 55,000.00 Malawi Kwacha
Issuing Authority: Same as in Ordinary and Diplomatic passports
Special Seal (s) Color Format: Same as in Ordinary/Regular passport. Malawi Service passports (Official) number begins with “MS” (e.g. MS222444)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Same as in Regular/Ordinary passport
Registration Criteria: Malawi Serviced passports are issued to high ranking Malawi government officers and other private important personnel in the public sector, including some distinguished religious personnel. You need a supporting letter form the Malawi government to request issuance of a Service passport.
Procedure for Obtaining: Complete Malawi passport application form, and submit two recent color passport photographs, current issued identity, and a letter from Malawi government requesting official passport issuance. Submit passport application in person. Fingerprints and an additional photograph are taken by immigration officer.
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: Temporary Passports and temporary travel documents are NOT valid for immigrant visa processing.
Other Documents Available: YES/see below.
TEMPORARY PASSPORT: Valid for travel to Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and all African Countries.
Fee: 42,500.00 Malawi Kwacha
Procedure for Obtaining: Completed Malawi passport application form. Submit a government issued ID; i.e. Expired passport, a valid driving license, and/or other competent identity. Pay temporary passport application fees. It takes 5 working days to process a temporary passport. The Malawi Immigration Department is the issuing authority.
TEMPORARY TRAVEL DOCUMENT: Valid for travel to Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Fee: 10,000.00 Malawi Kwacha
Procedure for Obtaining: Same as temporary passport
Note: A Temporary Travel Document is issued on Malawi government paper with a photograph of the bearer/traveler affixed to. It takes from one to five days to obtain a temporary travel document. The Malawi Immigration Department is the issuing authority.
Not applicable
Post Title: Embassy
Address:
Street Address: Area 40, Plot no. 21, 16TH Jomo Kenyatta Road, City Center,
Lilongwe
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30016
Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Phone Number:
Tel: (265) 1-773-166, 1-773-342 and 1-773-367 (if dialing within Malawi, add "0" before the "1".)
Email: LILONGWECONSULAR @STATE.GOV
Visa Services: All visa categories for Malawi
Comments / Additional Information:
All visa categories for all of Malawi.
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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