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

New Caledonia

New Caledonia
New Caledonia

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

 

For visa fees and validity, please refer to the reciprocity table for France

Country Specific Footnotes

  • The fee schedule for B-1 and B-2 does NOT affect the eligibility of French citizens to participate in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP). France does not require visas for U.S. citizens visiting France for business or pleasure for a period of up to 90 days, nor are visas required for French citizens visiting the U.S. for up to 90 days and who meet the other VWPP requirements.
  • Tiered Fee Schedule: For petition valid up to 90 days
Fee Number
of Applications
Validity
Period
$35.00 Multiple 3 Months

 

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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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.

 

 

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General Documents

Acte de Naissance (original birth certificate) and Copie D’acte de Naissance (copy of birth record); Extrait De L’acte de Mariage (Extract of Marriage Certificate) or Certificat de Celebration de Mariage (Marriage Certificate); Jugement de Divorce (Divorce Decree)

General Issuing Authority Information:  Civil documents are issued by competent government offices, First Instance Courts, or town halls throughout the territory.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name:  Acte de Naissance (original birth certificate) and Copie D’acte de Naissance (copy of birth record)

Issuing Authority:  First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:   The certificates are usually printed on sage green/gray paper with geometric wavy horizontal lines.  The official seal of Noumea Town Hall – New Caledonia – Civil Status or the official seal of the Registrar of the Central Civil Status, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is located at the bottom right of the certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title Executive Council Civil Servant or Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Registration Criteria:  The parents of the child, grandparents of the child, or any person having charge of the child are deemed qualified to register the birth of a child with Registrar of the Central Civil Status.

Procedure for Obtaining: Available by mail from the First Instance Court at the place of birth. Two documents are available, an extract and a copie integrale.  The extract only lists the name of the subject and the names of his parents.  The copie integrale also lists other data such as marriages and divorces.  Applicant must furnish the full names of his or her parents.

Certified Copies Available: Yes. Individuals can obtain a Certified True Extract of the entry of birth in the register of births kept by the Registrar of the Central Civil Status.

Alternate Documents:  Family Records including Epouse (Extract from Death Certificate), Premier Enfant (Extract from Birth Certificate N0# First Child), Deuxieme Enfant (Extract from Birth Certificate N0# Second Child), etc. will show details including name, gender, place and date of birth or death and the date of registration of birth or death; the signature of the Civil Registrar; and Seal of the Town Hall.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Acte de Naissance has two columns. The left column will have the applicant’s full name. The right column contains the applicant’s gender; date and place of birth; parents’ names; parents’ dates and places of birth, occupations, and address; signatures of the informant and the registrar; the sentence “certified true copy to the original according to computerized process;” date of issuance; signature of the Executive Council Civil Servant; and seal of the Noumea Town Hall, New Caledonia Civil Status.
 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name:  Acte De Deces (Death Certificate)

Issuing Authority:  First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Executive Council Civil Servant or Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Registration Criteria:  The attending physician registers the death with Registrar of the Central Civil Status.

Procedure for Obtaining: Death and Burial Certificates can be requested from the local town hall.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternative documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments:  Acte de Deces has two columns. The left column will have applicant’s full name.  The right column will contain the applicant’s full name; date and place of demise; parents’ names, occupations, and address; signatures of the informant and the registrar; the sentence “certified true copy to the original according to computerized process;” date of issuance; signature of the Executive Council Civil Servant; and seal of the Noumea Town Hall, New Caledonia Civil Status.

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees: There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name:  Extrait De L’acte de Mariage (Extract of Marriage Certificate) or Certificat de Celebration de Mariage (Marriage Certificate)

Issuing Authority:  First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The certificates are usually printed on sage green/gray paper with geometric wavy horizontal lines.  The official seal of Noumea Town Hall – New Caledonia – Civil Status or the official seal of the Registrar of the Central Civil Status, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is located at the bottom right of the certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Executive Council Civil Servant or Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Registration Criteria:  The marriage is registered by the city official who solemnized the marriage in the Town Hall.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Available at Court of the First Instance in the town in which the marriage took place.

Certified Copies Available:  Extract of Marriage Certificate is available from the First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The Extract of Marriage Certificate contains the groom’s name, place and date of birth and parents’ names at the top left of the certificate.  The bride’s name, place and date of birth, and parents’ names are located at the top right of the certificate.  The signature and seal of the Noumea Town Hall, Civil Status, is located at the bottom right of the certificate.  The marriage certificate will have a registration number. 
 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name:  Jugement de Divorce

Issuing Authority: Tribunal de Premiere Instance de Noumea/Civil Tribunal Noumea

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The certificates are usually printed on sage green/gray paper with geometric wavy horizontal lines.  The document registration number is at the top left of the first page; the signature of the Clerk of the Court and official seal and signature of the Judge for Marital Affairs is at the end of the judgement.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Judge for Marital Affairs

Registration Criteria: Both parties can request for divorce.  Once the divorce is finalized, the Clerk of the Court registers the divorce with the Civil Tribunal Noumea.

Procedure for Obtaining: Available at Court of the First Instance in the town in which the divorce was granted. Usually marriages and divorces are noted on the birth certificate, in which case individual marriage and divorce certificates are not usually necessary.

Certified Copies Available:  Available from Tribunal de Premiere Instance de Noumea/Civil Tribunal Noumea

Alternate Documents:  Divorce and marriage certificates may be issued as one document and will have the official seal and signature of the Executive Council Civil Servant or Registrar of the Central Civil Status.

Exceptions:  Applicants can ask for the issuance of a separate marriage certificate and a separate divorce certificate.

Comments:  The Extract of Divorce Certificate has two columns.  The left column shows the registration number, date of divorce, judgement that will state joint request for divorce, and the names of the parties.  The right column shows the judgement narration. The signature and seal of the Clerk of the Court and the Judge for Marital Affairs is located at the bottom of the certificate.

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee charged for this service.

Document Name: Section Detachee Du T.P.I De Noumea, Juge Aux Affaires Familiales (French Republic in the Name of the People of France, Detached Section of the Court of First Instance of Noumea)

Issuing Authority:  First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The certificates are usually printed on sage green/gray paper with geometric wavy horizontal lines.  The official seal of Noumea Town Hall – New Caledonia – Civil Status or the official seal of the Registrar of the Central Civil Status, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is located at the bottom right of the certificate.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge for Family Matters

Registration Criteria:  An adopting party can request an adoption certificate.  Once the adoption is finalized, the Clerk of the Court registers the adoption with the Civil Tribunal Noumea.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Available by mail from the First Instance Court at the place of adoption. Two documents are available, an extract and a copie integrale.  The extract only lists the name of the subject and the names of his/her parents.  The copie integrale lists additional data such as Composition of the Court and Grounds for Adoption.  Applicant must furnish the full names of his/her parents.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The adoption document contains information about the adopters, the adoptee, composition of the court, the grounds for adoption, and final ruling.

Identity Card

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee charged for this service in New Caledonia; however, this service is free of charge at French consulates abroad.

Document Name: Carte nationale d’identité or CNI

Issuing Authority:  First Instance Court, Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  A laminated plastic card bearing a photograph, name, and address. While the identity card is non-compulsory, all persons must possess some form of valid government-issued identity documentation.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Executive Council Civil Servant or Registrar of the Central Civil Status

Registration Criteria Any French national can request a French national identity card.  

Procedure for Obtaining: French nationals abroad may apply for an ID card at a French embassy or consulate.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Passport

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The card measures 105 x 74 mm.  The paper card is laminated and has rounded corners. All the information on the card is given in the French language only.  While fingerprints are collected as part of the application process for the card, fingerprint images are neither printed on the card nor stored in an RFID chip embedded within the card.  The front side features the words "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" across the top, and the following information below:

  • Card number
  • Nationality (French)
  • Photograph of the holder
  • Surname
  • Given name(s)
  • Sex
  • Date of birth (dd.mm.yyyy)
  • Place of birth (If born in France, only the name and number of the département)
  • Height (in metres)
  • Signature of holder

At the bottom of the front side is a two-line machine readable zone.

The rear side contains the following information:

  • Residential address of the holder
  • Date of expiry (dd.mm.yyyy)
  • Date of issue (dd.mm.yy)
  • Issuing authority
  • Signature of the issuing authority

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee for this service.

Document Name: Casier Judiciaire

Issuing Authority: The Clerk of Court (Greffier du Tribunale de Grand Instance) at the applicant's birthplace

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The Casier Judiciaire or Criminal Record Certificates are usually printed on blue paper with geometric lines.  The document registration number appears at the top middle of the page.  The issuance date is located at the top left of the form.  The applicant’s details including name, date, and place of birth are located at the left of the form.  The applicant’s address is located at the right of the form.  The official seal of the magistrate in charge of the National Criminal Record Service is located at the bottom right of the form.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Magistrate in charge of the National Criminal Record Service.

Registration Criteria:  Registered by Clerk of Court (Greffier du Tribunale de Grand Instance)

Procedure for Obtaining: It is issued only to a magistrate or to the party concerned; it may not be issued to a third party.  Applicants outside of New Caledonia should appear at a French diplomatic mission and request that their signatures be authenticated on their letters of request.  The mission also will provide an application form.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments: The form is divided into two parts: the top part of the form has the applicant’s details and the bottom part of the form has the geometric lines.  The bottom border of the form has partial spiral designs.



Court/Prison Records

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee charged for this service.

Document Name:  Grosse De Jugement

Issuing Authority:  Greffe du Tribunal or Palais de Justice where the conviction took place.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Records are usually printed on blue paper with geometric lines.  The document registration number is at the top middle of the page.  The issuance date is located at the top left of the form.  The applicant’s details including name, date, and place of birth is located at the left of the form.  The applicant’s address is located at the right of the form.  The official seal of the magistrate in charge of the National Criminal Record Service is located at the bottom right of the form.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Clerk of Court (Greffier du Tribunale de Grand Instance) at the applicant's birthplace.

Registration Criteria:  Registered by Clerk of Court (Greffier du Tribunale de Grand Instance)

Procedure for Obtaining:  It is issued only to a magistrate or to the party concerned; it may not be issued to a third party.  Applicants outside of New Caledonia should appear at a French diplomatic mission and request that their signatures be authenticated on their letters of request.  The mission also will provide an application form.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: Not available for convictions which have been amnestied.

Comments:  The "Jugement" states the essential facts of the case and gives the conviction and sentence imposed, but is not a description of the entire court proceedings.  If further information is required, the "grosse de jugement" should be requested.  Both documents may be obtained from the Greffe du Tribunal or Palais de Justice where the conviction took place.

Military Records

Available

Fees:  There may be a fee charged.

Document Name:  Certificat De Pratique Professionnelle or Professional Practise Certificate

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defense

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The certificates are usually printed on sage green/gray paper.  The Corps and Address are located at the top left of the form.  The official seal of the Government of France, Ministry of Defense, and the signature of the Chief De Corps are located at the bottom right of the form.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Chief De Corps or Chief of Corps, Ministry of Defense.

Registration Criteria:  Not applicable.

Procedure for Obtaining:  It is issued only to the party concerned; it may not be issued to a third party.  The certificate is issued once only and is signed by the Officer or Second in Command of the Military or Airforce Base.  Requests for military records can be made through the French military’s website.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents:  Military Service Certificate is issued once only at the time of the person’s discharge from the military or air force base.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The Professional Practice Certificate and Military Service Certificate will list the defense body (military or air force) base and address and the applicant’s details including full name, enlistment date, and discharge date.  The certificate will bear the official defense seal and signature of the officer in charge.

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic and Official

Fees:  There may be a fee charged.

Document Name:  Passeport français

Issuing Government Authority: Government of France

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Optical passports (older) have no sign under the word "Passeport" on the front page.  Electronic passports contain an embedded chip and have the chip logo under the word "Passeport." Biometric passports are the most recent ones and are decorated the same as the electronic passports, but the word "Passeport" is underlined.  Unlike those from most other EU countries which are burgundy, ordinary passports have a Bordeaux-red front cover, with the national emblem of France emblazoned in the center of the front cover.  The word "PASSEPORT" (Passport) is inscribed below the coat of arms and "Union européenne" (European Union), "République française" (French Republic) above.  The e-passport cover has a microchip symbol at the bottom.  On the biometric variant of e-passports, the word "PASSEPORT" is underlined.  The data page is printed in French and English with translation of the fields on the bearer's page in the other languages of the European Union elsewhere in the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

Registration Criteria: French nationals over 18 can apply for a passport with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.  Parents or guardians can apply for a passport for their child if the child is under 18 and the parents have “legal parental responsibility” for them.  Parents who are applying for a child must come with him or her for the application of the new passport. Children over 12 years old have to be present for the application and the collection of their new passport.

Procedure for Obtaining:  French nationals over 18 can apply for a passport with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.  Parents or guardians can apply for a passport for their child if the child is under 18 and the parents have “legal parental responsibility” for them.  Parents who are applying for a child must come with him or her for the application of the new passport. Children over 12 years old have to be present for the application and the collection of their new passport.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments: Passports are valid for 10 years for applicants aged 18 or over and five years for applicants under the age of 18.  French passports use the standard EU design, with the standard passport containing 32 pages. 

Other Records

Not applicable

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Suva, Fiji (Embassy)

Address:

158 Princes Road
P.O. Box 218
Suva, Fiji

Phone Number:  (+679) 331 4466

Visa Services: U.S Embassy Suva processes all visa categories for countries in its consular district including Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna.

Comments / Additional Information: 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.

Visa Services

The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji provides all visa services for New Caledonia and the following areas:

  • Fiji
  • French Polynesia
  • Kiribati
  • Nauru
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Wallis and Futuna Islands

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.