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

Nicaragua

Nicaragua
Republic of Nicaragua

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 24 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 $6.00 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

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

For Immigrant Visa purposes all civil documents must be issued by Nicaragua’s Central Registry “Consejo Supremo Electoral”, all documents with the exception of Birth Certificate, must be within the one year validity at the time of the interview.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  C$ 120.00

Document Name: Certificado de Nacimento and “Literal de Certificado de Nacimiento”. Managua requests both forms of Birth Certificate for each beneficiary.

Issuing Authority: Consejo Supremo Electoral – Central Registry of Nicaragua

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The signature and seal of the Civil Registrar/light blue or white paper (For Literal Birth Certificate on Long Form)

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Registrar

Registration Criteria: Born in Nicaragua; that at least one of the parents is Nicaraguan

Procedure for Obtaining:  

  • Present National ID card and pay fee; for minors present parent’s ID and pay fee.

Certified Copies Available: N/A

Alternate Documents:

  • In cases where a birth was never registered, a Civil Judge may, after a lawyer has executed the proper documents and testimony taken from witnesses, issue a birth certificate which is inscribed in the Civil Registry. Said Birth Certificate will include a “Reposicion” notice.

Exceptions: N/A

Comments:  Birth Certificates can be issued by the Municipality also; However, for the Immigrant Visa process the Consulate ONLY accepts those issued by the Central Civil Registry of Nicaragua “Consejo Supremo Electoral”.

 

Death Certificates 

Available

Fees: C$ 300.00

Document Name:  Certificado de Defuncion

Issuing Authority: Consejo Supremo Electoral - Central Registry of Nicaragua

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The signature and seal of the Civil Registrar

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Registrar

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:

  • Document from the cementery where the deceased person was buried
  • Present Birth Certificate or National ID card of deceased person and pay fee

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents:

  • In cases where a death was never registered, applicant will need negative death form; death certificate from Health Ministry, Local Health Center or Legal Medicine Institute; A document from the cemetery where the deceased was buried; ID card or Birth Certificate of the deceased person; Statement before a public Notary; ID card of the appearing party

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments:  

  • If destined for use abroad, the signature of a Civil Registrar appearing on a document may be authenticated by the Central Registry in Managua, Nicaragua. The signature of the Central Registry Director is authenticated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. If deemed necessary, the signature of the Minister for Foreign Affairs may be authenticated by the Embassy in Managua. Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates are not considered legal unless certified under the signature and official seal of the respective Civil Registrar.
  • Records in the Central Registry in Managua are maintained for the entire country and are stored on microfilm. These microfilm records were not destroyed during the 1972 earthquake nor the civil strife in 1979. Documents issued in Nicaragua by the ecclesiastical authorities are not considered government documents; in Nicaragua, the Church and State are separate. There is no limitation with respect to the availability of any document because of sex or age.

 

 

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees: C$ 70.00 + C$ 30 for stamp (Optional)

Document Name:  Certificado de Matrimonio

Issuing Authority:  Consejo Supremo Electoral - Central Registry of Nicaragua

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The signature and seal of the Civil Registrar

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Civil Registrar

Registration Criteria:  Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:  

  • One of the spouses or a person 21 or older with the required documents
  • At Central Civil Registry
  • Can also get it online on Civil Registry web page

Certified Copies Available: N/A

Alternate Documents: Unknown

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments:  Records in the Central Registry in Managua are maintained for the entire country and are stored on microfilm. These microfilm records were not destroyed during the 1972 earthquake nor the civil strife in 1979. Documents issued in Nicaragua by the ecclesiastical authorities are not considered government documents; in Nicaragua, the Church and State are separate. There is no limitation with respect to the availability of any document because of sex or age. Marriage Certificates can be issued by the Municipality also; However, for IVO cases the Consulate ONLY accepts those issued by the Central Civil Registry of Nicaragua “Consejo Supremo Electoral”.

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: C$ 40.00 + C$ 25 for stamp (optional)

Document Name:  Certificado de Divorcio

Issuing Authority: Consejo Supremo Electoral - Central Registry in Managua

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The signature and seal of the Civil Registrar

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Central Registrar

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:  

  • Original certificate of the divorce decree from corresponding court
  • Marriage Certificate
  • ID card original and copy of interested person

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents: Unknown

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments: Records in the Central Registry in Managua are maintained for the entire country and are stored on microfilm. These microfilm records were not destroyed during the 1972 earthquake nor the civil strife in 1979. Documents issued in Nicaragua by the ecclesiastical authorities are not considered government documents; in Nicaragua, the Church and State are separate. There is no limitation with respect to the availability of any document because of sex or age.  Divorce Certificates can be issued by the Municipality also; However, for IVO cases the Consulate ONLY accepts those issued by the Central Civil Registry of Nicaragua “Consejo Supremo Electoral”.

 

Unmarried Status Certificates

Available

Fees: C$ 300,00

Document Name:  Certificado de Solteria

Issuing Authority: Central Registry in Managua 

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The signature and seal of the Civil Registrar 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Civil Registrar 

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining: 

  • Singleness application form
  • Copy of ID Card of Interested party and appearing party if applicable
  • Birth Certificate of Interested party
  • Pay fee

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents: 

  • In cases of divorced person, must present a divorce certificate, and statement before a public notary
  • In cases of widowhood present death certificate, and statement before a public notary

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments: Nicaraguan citizens may obtain evidence of relationship status by obtaining a Certification of Unmarried Status (Certificado de Soltería). The Certification of Unmarried Status certifies that there are no marriages registered in Nicaragua. The individual must first make a statement before a public notary or attorney, attesting to their civil status. They then present the notarized statement with a request for the certificate at the municipal registry. Once the individual receives the certificate from the municipal registry, he must present it to the NCCR. The NCCR then issues the Certification. Only the NCCR-issued Certification is acceptable for visa-issuing purposes. Unmarried Status Certificates can be issued by the Municipality also; However, for the Immigrant visa process the Consulate ONLY accepts those issued by the Central Civil Registry of Nicaragua “Consejo Supremo Electoral”. 

Adoption Certificates

Available/Unavailable

Fees: Unknown

Document Name:  Unknown

Issuing Authority: Unknown

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Unknown

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Unknown

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:  The adoption process has an Administrative processing first led by ¨Ministerio de la Familia¨, then a judicial processing led by ¨Juzgados de la Familia¨, then adoptive parents must register the adopted child at the Central Registry

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents: Unknown

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments:

  • Nicaraguan law prevails over the law of other Countries
  • For visa related procedures, the adoptive parents must show the birth certificate of the adopted children issued by the Central Registry. The birth certificate does not say ”Adopted” and has the adoptive parents’ last names. If they do not yet have a birth certificate it means the adoption process is not done yet.

Identity Card

National ID Cards

Available

Fees: Nicaraguan citizens do not pay for the first ID Card issuing; from that must pay C$ 300.00

Document Name:  Cedula de Identidad

Issuing Authority: Consejo Supremo Electoral

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Signature and seal of ID General Director, and National Emblem

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Identification General Director

Registration Criteria:

  • Must be Nicaraguan
  • Must be in person
  • Must be 16 or older

Procedure for Obtaining:  

  • Present Birth Certificate or old ID Card
  • Pay fee

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents: For visa related procedures Consulate uses passport. When applicant is resident must show a valid Residence ID.

Exceptions:

  • Not needed to get married in cases of high death risk

Comments: Unknown

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees: C$ 30 (approximately 1 USD)

Document Name: Certificado de Conducta

Issuing Authority: Policía Nacional

Alternate Documents: N/A

Procedure for Obtaining: Available online at tramitesenlinea.policia.gob.ni or from the local police district. 

Exceptions: If the applicant left Nicaragua as a minor (under 16 years old) and is only returning for the visa interview, the local police certificate can be waived.

Comments: Police certificates are available for applicants 16 and over. A national ID (cedula de identidad) is required by the Police in order to issue the record. For immigrant visa processing purposes Police records are valid for one year after issuance (despite generally being valid for only 60 days). The police certificate should be issued according to the applicants last residence in Nicaragua, those issued at “Plaza el Sol” or “Faustino Ruiz” will not be accepted.

 

Prison Records

Unavailable

 

Court Certificates

Available/Unavailable

Fees: Unknown

Document Name:  Unknown

Issuing Authority: Unknown

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Unknown

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Unknown

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:  Unknown

Certified Copies Available: Unknown

Alternate Documents: Unknown

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments: Unknown

Military Records

Unavailable

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):  Unknown

Fees: Unknown

Document Name:  Unknown

Issuing Government Authority: Unknown

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Unknown

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Unknown

Registration Criteria: Unknown

Procedure for Obtaining:  Unknown

Alternate Documents: Unknown

Exceptions: Unknown

Comments: Unknown

Other Documents Available:  Unknown

Other Records

Not applicable

Visa Issuing Posts

Managua, Nicaragua (Embassy)

Address:
APO AA 3402l-3240

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of Nicaragua.

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.