Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Malaysia

Malaysia
Malaysia

Reciprocity Schedule

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.

Explanation of Terms

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 Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 24 Months
A-2 None Multiple 24 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 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 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 Single 3 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

Country Specific Footnotes

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.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. 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:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

    Canadian Nationals

    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

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. 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.

  9. 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:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

General Documents

There is no general document information.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  There are no fees.

Document Name:  Birth certificate

Issuing Authority:  National Registration Department by Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak  

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Light green, beige or light brown

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: Normal registration of birth made within 60 days of the birth of a child in Malaysia.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Complete form JPN.LM01

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Extract of birth certificate or Certificate of Registration of Birth

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  For more information, visit The National Registration Department.

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name:  Death Certificate

Issuing Authority:  Hospitals, Police station or City hall

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  National Registration Department (NRD)

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Complete form JPN.LM02

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Extract of death certificate

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  For more information, visit The National Registration Department.

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees:  Non-Muslim: RM10.00 for issuance of certificate of marriage and RM20.00 for registration of marriage.

Muslim: Varies based on state.

Document Name:  Non-Muslims: Daftar Perkahwinan / Marriage Register.

Muslims: Surat Perakuan Nikah / Marriage Certificate. Both the bride and the groom will receive a copy of the marriage certificate.

Issuing Authority:  Non-Muslims: Marriages certificates must be issued by Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) / National Registration Department- Ministry of Home Affairs.

Muslims: Marriages between Muslims are registered by the Malaysian Islamic Authority, based on the state-specific rules governing the place of marriage under the Islamic Family Law Enactment/Act of Malaysia. Muslim marriages under Islamic welfare organizations or other non-governmental organizations are not recognized by the Malaysian Constitution and will not be considered as a valid marriage document.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Non-Muslims: Light blue/pink/light green with holographic seal. Older documents may vary.

Muslims: Light green with holographic seal. May vary based on issuing authority / State.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Non-Muslims: Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) / National Registration Department Ministry of Home Affairs.

Muslims: The Malaysian Islamic Authority, based on the state-specific rules governing the place of marriage under the Islamic Family Law Enactment/Act of Malaysia.

Registration Criteria:  None.

Procedure for Obtaining:  

Non-Muslim Marriage:  A full description of marriage procedures in Malaysia can be found on the website of the National Registration Department (Link Here). The site has a useful FAQ page.

Registration of marriage can only be solemnized at an Association / Temple / Church where the National Registration Department has appointed an Assistant Registrar of Marriages. The Assistant Registrar of Marriages is issued a Certificate of Appointment for a specific period to perform the marriage registration at the place specified in the certificate of appointment in accordance with Act 164 and must comply with the instructions of the Department.

Muslim Marriages:  There are different procedures for marriage with/between Muslims in Malaysia, including religious courses and different registration procedures that vary based on the state-specific rules governing the place of marriage under the Islamic Family Law Enactment / Act of Malaysia.

For residents of Kuala Lumpur, you may contact the Department of Federal Territory Islamic Affairs (Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan) directly for more information:

Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan
Kompleks Pusat Islam
Jalan Perdana
50676 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 60-3-2274 9333
Fax:  60-3-2273 1575
Web site:  https://www.jawi.gov.my/

For Residents of Selangor, you may contact Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS)/Selangor Islamic Religious Department for more information:

Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) / Selangor Islamic Religious Department
Sultan Idris Shah Building, No. 2 Persiaran Masjid, 40676 Shah Alam Selangor
Tel: 03-55143600/3400
Fax: 03-55103368
Email: info@jais.gov.my

For residents of other states, you may contact their Islamic Religious Department directly for more information.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Extract of marriage register

Exceptions:  None

Comments: Non-residents of Malaysia, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, are currently unable to register marriage in Malaysia with an appropriate authority. This includes individuals with refugee or visitor status. For these third-country nationals, a wedding ceremony performed at his/her country’s embassy in Malaysia will not be considered legally valid for immigration purposes. For more information, please refer to this website.

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees:  Fees may apply.

Document Name:  Non-Muslims: Decree Nisi / Divorce Decree

Muslims: Surat Perakuan Cerai / Certificate of Divorce

Issuing AuthorityNon-Muslims:  Malaysian High Court

Muslims: Malaysian Syariah Court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There are no special seals, colors, or formats.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:   Non-Muslims:  Malaysian High Court

Muslims: Malaysian Syariah Court

Registration Criteria:  None

Procedure for Obtaining:  You may refer to the following website (Link Here) for more detailed information.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: Non-Muslims: Pengemaskinian Rekord Perkahwinan / Update Record of Marriage.

Updates to the marriage records related to divorce or annulment can be done only at the counters of the National Registration Department Headquarters in Putrajaya or by post. Visit National Registration Department website for more detailed information.

Muslims: Registration of divorce shall be registered in the State Islamic Religious Departments after having received the Court Order / Judgment. Visit www.malaysia.gov for more detailed information.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Applicants are advised to make photocopies of the decree nisi absolute (divorced certificate) for future personal use. Non-Muslims Malaysian who registered their marriage under the laws of a foreign country and re-registered with the Malaysian Government (NRD or Malaysian Representative Office) then was divorced in foreign country, an order from a Malaysian High Court is required to endorse the divorced before it can be registered at National Register Department.

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees:  minimum RM5:00 on each certificate

Document Name:  Adoption certificate

Issuing Authority: National Registration Department (NRD)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There are no special seals, colors, or formats.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:

Registration Criteria:

Procedure for Obtaining: Application for adoption by court order is executed by the law firm appointed by the adoptive parents or by the Legal Aid Department. The application must be submitted to the NRD headquarters in Putrajaya. Adoption by court order is made in the High Court or the Sessions Court. This adoption process is applicable for non-Muslims only.

  • Form JPN.AA 04 that is completed;
  • Covering letter from court (original);
  • Court order and schedule of Section 25 (2) of Act 257 (original);
  • One (1) copy of the identity card or passport of each of the adoptive parents or of the single adoptive parent that has been certified by the law firm; and
  • Birth Certificate of the child (original and copy)

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: Extract copies available

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  For more information visit:

Identity Card

Available

Fees: Minimum RM10:00

Document Name: MyKad Application For Children Aged 12/ NRIC – National Registration Identity Card

Issuing Authority: National Registration Department (NRD)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Blue

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Registration Department (NRD)

Registration Criteria: Regulation 3 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007) states that a Malaysian child who has reached the age of 12 must register for the identity card.
Procedure for Obtaining:

  • The applicant must have attained 12 years of age but is below 16.
  • The applicant’s sponsor must be present, who is either the:
  • Parent; or
  • Guardian (the guardian could be the grandfather, grandmother, aunt, uncle, elder sister or brother who is over 21).
  • Application Form JPN.KP01 (obtainable from the NRD counter) must be completed.
  • The applicant must submit the application within 30 days of attaining the age of 12. Otherwise, a processing fee will be charged.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  For more information visit The National Registration Department.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Court/Prison Records

Unavailable:  If a police check develops evidence of the existence of a prison record, or if an applicant volunteers such information, the Embassy can obtain relevant particulars by official application to the Director General of Prisons. The name of the applicant, prison number, and the name of the prison where sentence was served are necessary information.

 

Police Certificates

Available/Unavailable :  Available

Fees: RM20:00

Document Name:  CERTIFICATE OF GOOD CONDUCT

Issuing Authority: Consular Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putrajaya/ Sarawak Regional Office Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuching and Sabah Regional Office Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kota Kinabalu

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Light brown

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria: Both Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have resided in Malaysia for a period of more than one year may apply for a Malaysian certificate of good conduct. The application form for the Malaysian Certificate of Good Conduct, as well as the addresses and telephone numbers of Malaysian Missions abroad, are available at Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Processing time for the certificate is one to two months from the date of submission.

Procedure for Obtaining: Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia website at this link: kln.gov

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  Not available to applicants on refugee status if their status in Malaysia is not legal or no valid records exist.  Also, Malaysia will not issue police certificates for anyone out of status in Malaysia.

  • Pre-Condition for Foreigners: Foreigners, who wish to apply for Certificate of Good Conduct, Must have resided in Malaysia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months under long term social visit pass – employment pass, student pass, spouse of Malaysian, expatriate pass.

Comments: For more information visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Military Records

Unavailable:  Military records are "privileged documents" which cannot be obtained by residents or former residents of Malaysia on personal application.  Information would not, as a matter of routine, be supplied to Embassy Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian military authorities. In special circumstances, however, consideration would be given to application by the Embassy for such records, each case being decided on its merits.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available:  Regular, Diplomatic and Official.  

Fees: RM200 for normal passport

Document Name:  Malaysian International Passport

Issuing Government Authority:  Malaysian Immigration Department

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Red

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria:  Appear in person at the Immigration office  

Procedure for Obtaining:  Submit national ID card (MyKad)  or NRIC

Alternate Documents:

  • Certificate of Identity – Issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. It meets the requirement of INA 101(a)(30) only when a Malaysian Reentry Visa and Reentry Permit are enclosed thereon.
  • Emergency Certificate – This certificate is issued by the local Malaysian Immigration Department or a Malaysian Diplomatic or Consular Representative overseas to a Malaysian citizen on an emergency basis when the citizen is unable to provide required documentary evidence for a Malaysian passport. The certificate is dark brown, 3 and 3/4 inches wide and 6 inches long, consists of 12 pages, and shows the name, date and place of birth, and nationality of the bearer. The document meets the requirements of INA 101(a)(30) of the Act. However, consular officers should ensure the document is endorsed to meet the requirements of INA 212(a)(7)(B).

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Other Documents Available:  For more information, click here.

Other Records

Not applicable

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title:  Kuala Lumpur (KLL)

Address:  376, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

Phone Number:  60 3 2168 5000

Comments / Additional Information:  IV Post notification Mailbox – kliv@state.gov

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of Malaysia. Immigrant visas for Brunei.  IV, NIV and ACS.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

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.