Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
---|---|---|---|
A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 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 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-2A | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices.
Document Name: officially called a Birth Registration Form
Issuing Authority: A certified, computer generated copy of a birth certificate, officially called a Birth Registration Form, may be obtained from any Local District Registrar, the local branches of the Registrar General's Department (RGD). A child’s birth is registered in the Parish, where he/she was born. The full name of the subject, the exact date of birth, the name of the father (if it appears on the birth certificate) and the full name of the mother should be furnished. Requests may also be made through the RGD's website.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The current format is computer generated and printed on A4 size security paper. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011, a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable. Older, handwritten documents, which are typically produced on paper measuring 8 x 6.5 inches or 3 x 14 inches, are no longer accepted at Post.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining May be obtained from any Local District Registrar or the local branches of the Registrar General's Department (RGD)
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: If a child was formally adopted in Jamaica, a birth certificate would no longer be available for that child. He/she would be issued an Adopted Child Register, which is used in lieu of a birth certificate and in cases where a full and formal adoption was completed in Jamaica. See “Adoption Certificates” for more information.
Comments: Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices.
Document Name: Officially called a Death Registration Form
Issuing Authority: Death certificates are obtainable from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as birth and marriage certificates. The following information will be required:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The current acceptable format is computer generated and printed on A4 size security paper. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011 a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: All deaths must be registered within 5 days after the person has died. However, you may send the Local District Registrar a written notice that the person has died, along with the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and provide additional information within 14 days after the death. In cases of a sudden or violent death, contact the nearest police station.
Procedure for Obtaining: Obtainable from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as birth and marriage certificates.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices.
Document Name: Officially called a Marriage Register
Issuing Authority: A certified copy of a marriage certificate, officially called a Marriage Register, may be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as described for the birth certificate. The following information will be required;
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Post only accepts computer generated marriage certificates printed on A4 size security paper of the type described for birth and death certificates. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011 a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable. Post no longer accepts the older, handwritten version, which typically appeared on paper measuring 3.5 x 14 inches.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Marriages are registered by the Marriage Officer or Civil Registrar, who performed the wedding ceremony. There are 13 Civil Registrars and over 1300 Marriage Officers island wide.
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as described for the birth certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: While Jamaican law accords some rights to cohabitants, cohabitation does not create a marital relationship that is valid for purposes of immigration.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Jamaica. Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.
This document is available and it is required by post for all Jamaica-resident immigrant visa applicants over age 18 in categories requiring them to be unmarried. The certificate may be obtained from the RGD in the same manner as described for a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The document is computer generated and appears on the same A4 security paper. Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices. Post no longer accepts the 8.5 x 11 inch sized certificates or the older, typed version, which appeared on RGD letterhead.
Available
Fees: Fees may vary. Please see the Supreme Court’s website for further information: http://supremecourt.gov.jm/.
Document Name: Officially called a Divorce Decree.
Issuing Authority: A true copy of a divorce decree may be obtained from the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kingston. The name of the petitioner and the name of the respondent should be furnished, as well as the date of the divorce.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The form of this document may vary in accordance with the type of decree given. To be valid, it must be printed on Supreme Court letterhead and bear the stamps "Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica" and "True Copy." Only a “Decree Absolute” demonstrates a full, finalized divorce.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: A petition for the Dissolution of Marriage may be submitted by a Jamaican national; someone domiciled in Jamaica at the commencement of proceedings; or someone residing in Jamaica and who has for the past 12 months. If there is not challenge to the divorce, a Decree Nisi can be issued. After six weeks, a Decree Absolute can be issued.
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained from the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kingston.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Please contact the Supreme Court for further information.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices.
Document Name: Officially called an Adopted Children Register
Issuing Authority: A certified copy of an Adopted Children Register, which indicates that the child has been adopted pursuant to an Adoption Order issued by a Jamaican court, may be obtained from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in the same manner as a birth, marriage, or death certificate. An Adoption Order is available from the Family Court or Resident Magistrate's Court, where the adoption took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The current acceptable format is computer generated and printed on A4 size security paper. From October 11, 2010 through January 31, 2011 a different type of security paper was used, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. If the document was issued during that time period, it is also valid and acceptable.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: A certified copy of an Adoption License, issued by a Family Court or Resident Magistrate's Court, is available from the court where the adoption took place or from the Child Development Agency.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The Adoption License allows adoptive parents to take the prospective adoptive child to a "scheduled country" (the United States is one such scheduled country) for finalization of the adoption.
More information is available on the Child Development Agency’s website: http://www.cda.gov.jm/
Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.
Available
Currently, there is not a standardized national identification card. Many Jamaicans are holders of an Elector Registration Identification Card, which is sometimes referred to as a national ID. A Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) is a driver’s license number, which is also used as an ID in all government and the majority of private sectors transactions.
For more information regarding the Elector Registration Identification Card, please contact the Electoral Commission of Jamaica at http://www.eoj.com.jm/. For more information about registering for a TRN, please contact the Tax Administration of Jamaica at https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm/web/guest/home.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Ministry of National Security’s website for further information: http://www.mns.gov.jm/content/how-obtain-police-record
Document Name: Officially called a police record
Issuing Authority: Jamaican Constabulary Force (Jamaican Police)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The issued certificate measures 11 x 8.5 inches with a heading of "The Jamaican Constabulary Force." A photograph of the applicant is digitally printed on the left-hand side of the document and a hologram is located on the right-hand side of the document. It is printed on security paper and bears the digital signature of the Assistant Commissioner of Police and/or his/her authorized signing officials.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Residents of Jamaica should first pay for a police certificate at any Tax Office in Jamaica. They must present a passport, two passport-sized photographs, Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), and evidence, such as a form letter of instructions to visa applicants, that the Embassy requires them to obtain police certificates for immigration purposes. There are next day, express and regular services available.
After the fee is paid, the applicant should take the receipt and documents to the Technical Services Division of the Criminal Records Office at 34 Duke Street in downtown Kingston, where the applicant is fingerprinted. At the end of the specified return period, applicants should return to 34 Duke Street to collect their police certificate.
Jamaicans living abroad and former residents of Jamaica may also obtain police certificates, but will need someone in Jamaica to act on their behalf. The applicant should furnish the person applying for the record on their behalf with fingerprints (notarized), two passport size photographs, a copy of the biographic page of their passport, and a letter of consent authorizing the application. If the applicant has a TRN number, then the fee can be paid at any Tax Office in Jamaica as described above. If the applicant does not have a TRN number, then the fee should be paid at the Ministry of National Security, 2 Oxford Rd., Kingston 5. After the fee is paid, the documents are to be taken to 34 Duke Street in downtown Kingston for processing.
In the absence of a “clean” police certificate, a Conviction Letter from the Criminal Investigation Branch will outline an applicant’s conviction(s), as long as these convictions are not spent or expunged from his/her criminal records.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: More information can be found on the Ministry of National Security’s website: http://www.mns.gov.jm/content/how-obtain-police-record.
Available
Fees: Fees may vary, depending on the court and the record requested.
Document Name: Court record
Issuing Authority: Persons may obtain copies of the indictment and the disposition from the court before which he or she was charged.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Court records may differ in appearance, depending on the court house from which they come. Only court records printed on a court’s particular letterhead, affixed with the court seal, and signed by the proper court official will be accepted at Post.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Persons may obtain copies of the indictment and the disposition from the court before which he or she was charged. A court record may be obtained for convictions, as well as dismissals.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Legal information and contact details for local court houses can be found on the Ministry of Justice’s website: http://moj.gov.jm/.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Military records
Issuing Authority: Jamaica Defense Force
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Persons who served in the Jamaica Defense Force may obtain a copy of their Military Service Record from the Records Office, Headquarters, Camp Area, Up Park Camp, Kingston 5.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: More information can be found on the below websites:
Jamaica Defence Force: https://opm.gov.jm/opm_agency/jamaica-defence-force/
Ministry of National Security: https://www.mns.gov.jm/
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Ordinary, Diplomatic, and Official
Fees: Fees vary depending on document type and processing time. Please see the Passport immigration and Citizenship Agency website for further information: http://www.pica.gov.jm/passport/fees/.
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Passport immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All passports are affixed with the Jamaica seal and the Caribbean Community insignia. Ordinary passports are navy blue. Diplomatic passports are dark red. Official passports are dark green.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Information not available
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Please see PICA’s website for detailed instructions on obtaining the travel document you need: http://pica.gov.jm/.
Alternate Documents: PICA also issues entry and work permits, permanent residency status, and emergency temporary passports. PICA manages the island’s immigration processes and handles citizenship matters, including the renunciation of Jamaican citizenship.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Please contact the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency for further information.
Other Documents Available: None
Deed poll provides the legal documentary evidence that a person has changed his or her name. The Island Record Office, a division of the Registrar General’s Office (RGD), stores deed polls. Certified copies may be obtained by application to the RGD. Requests may also be made through the RGD's website.
A deed poll is legal once it is stamped at Jamaican Government Stamp Office, as well as stamped and dated by the Registrar General’s Department with its tracking Liber and Folio number. A certified copy of the deed poll includes ribbon and a red seal. The paper is not security paper and is approximately legal size.
Fees vary depending on location and processing time. Please see the Registrar General’s Department’s website for further information: https://www.rgd.gov.jm/index.php/products-and-service/prices. Please contact the Registrar General’s Department for further information.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Kingston
Address: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica
Phone Number: 876-702-6000
Fax Number: 876-702-6348
Website: https://jm.usembassy.gov/
Visa Services: U.S. Embassy Kingston services Jamaican and the Cayman Islands for visa services.
Comments / Additional Information: None
U.S. Embassy Kingston services Jamaican and the Cayman Islands for visa services.
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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