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 | 48 Months A |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months A |
| 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 |
| BBBCC | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 24 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 | 48 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| F-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 48 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 | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| 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 | 48 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 48 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 | 48 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| M-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | 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 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| TN | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| 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. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y 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 Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
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.
In Mexico the maintenance of public records and the issuance of certificates fall within the jurisdiction of the 31 states and Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), which comprise the Republic. An exception applies to military certificates, which are issued by the Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional (Ministry of National Defense) or by the Secretaria de Marina (Ministry of the Navy.)
The rules and regulations regarding the maintenance of public records and the issuance of certificates in the 31 states are similar, with slight modifications to those prevailing in Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX). Non-residents are urged to use the Spanish language in their correspondence with Mexican authorities. In order to avoid undue delay, they may also find it advisable, if feasible, to enlist the aid of a resident of Mexico to secure a copy of a public record.
Records of birth, marriages, deaths and divorces are normally recorded in the state capitals and are available from the state Central Civil Registry. Each Central Civil Registry in Mexico can issue birth, death and marriages certificates from other states around the country through the Interconnection Database. The Central Civil Registries are a depository for duplicate copies of documents made at the local registrar in the town, city, or municipality in which the event occurred. In those rare cases where such records are not available, church copies of baptismal and burial certificates are acceptable, as well as certificate of non-existence which can be obtained through the Central Civil Registry. Church marriage certificates are not normally acceptable, as they have no validity in Mexico without a civil ceremony. Frequently a couple will marry in church without the benefit of a civil ceremony.
Available. Birth certificates for births since 1870 are generally available. Births since 1930 have been captured in a central database for most states in Mexico. A letter may be obtained certifying that no record is available, if such is the case (certificate of non-existence). Birth certificates are issued by the appropriate civil registry official. A charge may be made for searching the records.
Civil registries receive delayed birth registrations, based upon the testimony of witnesses. If of recent date, and especially if long delayed, these may be open to question. Baptismal certificates issued by religious authorities are not considered by the Mexican government to be official documents. In cases in which the delay of a birth record raises serious questions regarding identity, however, baptism certificates may be offered as secondary evidence. The most reliable baptism record is a photocopy of the entire page of the baptism book issued under the seal of the parish where the baptism in question is recorded.
Available
Fees: The fees for this document vary by state.
Document Name: Acta de Defuncion
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Registro Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal and signature from Registro Civil, varies by state and by the year when the document was issued.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title Civil Registry Officer (titles may include: Oficial, Coordinador General, Director, or Jefe de Archivo Estatal del Registro Civil)
Registration Criteria: Presentation of the one of the following: medical/forensic doctor’s certificate, burial or cremation order or municipal death certificate. Additional documentation may vary by state.
Procedure for Obtaining: The procedures for obtaining vary by state.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: The fees for this document vary by state.
Document Name: Acta De Matrimonio
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Registro Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal and signature from Registro Civil, varies by state and by the year when the document was issued.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Registry Officer (titles may include: Oficial, Coordinador General, Director, or Jefe de Archivo Estatal del Registro Civil)
Registration Criteria: Completion of marriage application, presentation of the couple’s birth certificates and IDs, blood test, witnesses, and some states require completion of a pre-marriage course.
Procedure for Obtaining: The procedures for obtaining vary by state.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Only civil marriage is legally recognized in Mexico. A religious ceremony may be considered proof of a bona fide relationship, but it is not legally binding.
Exceptions: None
Comments: In June 2015, Mexico's Supreme Court declared unconstitutional any law prohibiting same-sex marriage. While the court did not explicitly say that same-sex unions were legal, the decision is seen as having the effect of modifying Mexican states’ civil codes concerning same-sex marriage in Mexico, which may vary from state to state. We recommend individuals contact specific state governments for up - to - date information.
Currently, same-sex couples may apply for an “acta de convivencia" (cohabitation certificate) from the Civil Registry in Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX). This cohabitation certificate is only available in Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX). Most Mexican states will require a family judge to determine if a common law spouse is entitled to receive benefits after the death of the other spouse.
Available
Fees: The fees for this document vary by state.
Document Name: Acta de Divorcio
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Registro Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal and signature from Registro Civil, varies by state and by the year when the document was issued
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Registry Officer (titles may include: Oficial, Coordinador General, Director, or Jefe de Archivo Estatal del Registro Civil)
Registration Criteria: Presentation of the family court’s decree for registration of this document at the Civil Registry. Exception, if the married couple is over the age of 18 years old, childless, and is in mutual agreement to divorce, they may file for an administrative divorce at the Civil Registry and no family court decree is necessary.
Procedure for Obtaining: The procedures for obtaining vary by state.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: Divorce certificates are available in all states and may be obtained at the Civil Registry Office. Marriage Certificates with an annotation noting divorce are obtainable in some states and are also acceptable proof of marriage termination. Some states may also make annotations on birth certificates which list the marriages and divorces.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Document Name: Adopcion Plena
Issuing Authority: Family Court
Comments: “Adopcion simple” is not acceptable for immigrant visa adoptions.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: INE voting card. Previously known as an IFE voting card issued by the Federal Electoral Institute (Instituto Federal Electoral (“IFE”)). In 2014 the agency name changed to the National Electoral Institute (Instituto Nacional Electoral (“INE”)).
Issuing Authority: National Electoral Institute (Instituto Nacional Electoral)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Photo ID with biometrics and a hologram
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Electoral Institute (Instituto Nacional Electoral)
Registration Criteria: Mexican nationals over the age of 18 years old are eligible. Mexican nationals age 17 and over may be eligible during the year of a presidential election.
Procedure for Obtaining: Present a photo ID, proof of residence and Mexican nationality (such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.) at an INE office of Mexican consulate overseas.
Certified Copies Available: If an INE card is lost, it can be replaced at no cost.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Other national IDs are:
Available
Fees: The fees vary by state.
Document Name: Carta or Certificado de No Antecedentes Penales
Issuing Authority: State Police (Fiscalía General del Estado)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The seals, colors and format vary by state.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The issuing authority title varies by state.
Registration Criteria: The registration criteria vary by state.
Procedure for Obtaining: Contact the individual State Police for instructions.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: If the state police record is unavailable, visa applicants must provide a federal record called a “Carta de No Antecedentes Penales” from the Dirección General de Ejecución de Sanciones, Comisión Nacional de Seguridad. To make the request, applicants must provide the following documentation:
For Mexican Nationals:
For Foreign Nationals:
If the applicant is not able to make the request in person, a family member can do so in the applicant’s name by taking a power of attorney signed by the interested party to:
Dirección General de Ejecución de Sanciones, Comisión Nacional de Seguridad
Calzada de Tlalpan No. 2962
Col. Espartaco, Deleg. Coyoacan, C.P. 04870
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For inquiries about the process, applicants may call the institution at: 011-52-55-5128-4100 and 011-52-55-5599-2000, exts. 18992, 18993, 18994 y 18733.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Versions of the police certificates vary from state to state. Police certificates from the local town halls or cities are unacceptable. Do not send the document to the National Visa Center (NVC).
In Mexico police certificates are only available for applicants 18 and over. A police certificate from every state in Mexico is generally not required for an IV application. A single police certificate is sufficient. Only when an IV applicant has lived in Mexico for six months or more and after the age of 18 is a police certificate required.
However, consular officers may request a state police certificate where an individual was resident for more than six (months) on a case by cases basis.
Available
Fees: The fees for this document vary by state.
Document Name: Certified copy of the trial
Issuing Authority: Court which presided over their trial.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Mexican court of arms on each page, usually with a wet stamp in purple or blue ink to demonstrate that it is an original, not a photocopy, printed on legal size paper, and pages are numbered and signed by the court certifier.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge who presided over the trial.
Registration Criteria: The Court keeps copies of all documents used during proceedings. Once the case is closed the file is stored at the main archive of that court.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants or their legal representative must contact the court which presided over their trial.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available. The cost is usually calculated by the number of pages in the file.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: The fees for this document vary by state.
Document Name: Carta de Liberación (certificate of time served) or Constancia de Salida (certificate of time served).
Issuing Authority: Prison where the sentence was served.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Certificates of time served are usually typed on stationary bearing a faint round seal containing the Mexican coat of arms. The certificate will also bear a rubber stamp seal which includes the coat of arms, date of issue, and issuing entity.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The issuing authority title varies by prison.
Registration Criteria: Court decree that indicates time to be served in prison.
Procedure for Obtaining: The procedures for obtaining vary by state.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies vary by prison.
Alternate Documents: Yes, court documents from legal proceedings may be presented instead of prison records. Court documents include the full legal proceedings, in addition to the prison sentence. Please see the “Court Records” section for more additional information.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Military Records
Available
Fees: The first military card is free. As of September 2017, a replacement is 193 pesos (Approx. $10 USD).
Document Name: Cartilla Militar
Issuing Authority: Ministry of National Defense (Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional) in Mexico City.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Green cardboard cover with Mexican coat of arms in front. First page contains biographical information and bearer’s thumb print.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: General of the Recruitment Office
Registration Criteria: Persons who have served in the military or who have registered for the military and who have lost their records may apply for replacement online or in person at any municipal recruitment office.
Procedure for Obtaining: See the registration criteria for more information.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Registration with the military is mandatory for Mexican men over 18 and optional for women. However, no fines or prison time are imposed if men do not comply. To be registered the applicant must be fingerprinted at the municipal recruitment office and present the following documents: original birth certificate, proof of residence, 4 photos, school diploma and national identification number (“CURP”).
Travel Documents
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Passport
Fees: The fees vary depending on passport validity (1, 3, 6, or 10 years)
Document Name: Mexican Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (“SRE”).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All have the Mexican coat of arms and “Mexico” on the cover.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs Officer (Delegado)
Registration Criteria: Proof of Mexican nationality, which could include a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, and proof of identity, which could include INE card, school diploma, consular ID, etc.
Procedure for Obtaining: Present proof of Mexican nationality and identity proof at any SRE office in Mexico or Mexican consulate abroad.
Alternate Documents: Travel Document (Documento de Identidad y Viaje)
Exceptions: If a person has an outstanding warrant for their arrest, they will not be issued a Mexican passport.
Comments: Both parents consent is necessary for issuance of the passport to a minor. A minor’s passport with the code 4.1 means that only one parent was present and a parental authorization form from the absent parent was completed prior to issuance.
Other Documents Available: Foreigners in Mexico who cannot obtain a travel document from their home country may obtain an Identity and Travel Document (Documento de Identidad y Viaje) from SRE. It will be a booklet with a red cover and will be valid for six months under the following circumstances:
1. Foreigners in Mexico who have lost their nationality without acquiring another and consequently, they are considered with undefined nationality or stateless.
2. Foreigners in Mexico who have a defined nationality that does not have a diplomatic or consular representation (office) that can issue a passport.
3. Foreigners in Mexico who can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the SRE, that their diplomatic or consular representative refuses to issue a passport.
Not applicable
| Post | State | Visa Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad Juarez (Consulate General) | Chihuahua | IV and NIV, except E1 visas |
| Guadalajara (Consulate General) | Jalisco | NIV except E visas |
| Hermosillo (Consulate) | Sonora | NIV, except E visas |
| Matamoros (Consulate) | Yucatan | NIV, except E visas |
| Merida | Yucatan | NIV, except E visas |
| Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX) (Embassy) | Mexico | NIV, except E visas |
| Monterrey (Consulate General) | Nuevo Leon | NIV, except E2 visas |
| Nuevo Laredo | Tamaulipas | NIV, except E visas |
| Nogales | Sonora | NIV, except E visas |
| Tijuana (Consulate General) | Baja California Norte | NIV, except E2 visas |
Visa Services
All categories of immigrant visas for nationals of Mexico are processed by the consulate in Ciudad Juarez. E2 applicants are reviewed exclusively in Ciudad Juarez. E1 visa applicants may apply in Monterrey and Tijuana.
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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