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 | 36 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| B-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-1/D | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-4/D-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | One | 3 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | One | 3 Months |
| D | None | One | 3 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | One | 3 Months |
| F-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| F-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| I | None | One | 3 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | One | 3 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | One | 3 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 | One | 3 Months |
| L-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| M-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| M-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| N-8 | None | One | 3 Months |
| N-9 | None | One | 3 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| R-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 3 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 3 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 3 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| U-2 | None | One | 3 Months |
| U-3 | None | One | 3 Months |
| U-4 | None | One | 3 Months |
| U-5 | None | One | 3 Months |
| V-1 | None | One | 3 Months |
| V-2 | None | One | 3 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | One | 3 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.
The rules and regulations regarding the maintenance of public records and the issuance of certificates in the 36 states of Nigeria are similar; however, those rules and regulations are often ignored. Except for a few Federal Government Agencies, no local or federal government body currently has a central database with digitized records. Most records exist on paper, filed by dates, location, and in regard to divorce cases, presiding courts.
Note: Since fraudulent documents are easy to obtain in Nigeria, the consular officer may wish to consider referring suspect documents to the Fraud Prevention Unit, U.S. Embassy Abuja or U.S. Consulate Lagos, for investigation.
In Nigeria the maintenance of public records and the issuance of certificates fall within the jurisdiction of local governments. Some exceptions apply to the following records:
The Federal Government handles these exceptions. However, Marriage Registries and the National Population Commission have offices in all local government Secretariats. Only State High Courts can dissolve civil marriages, and only these Courts can deal with legal cases about civil marriages. Customary and Islamic marriages and divorces are rarely recorded, but you still can get documents for them.
Available
Fees: Birth certificates are free for infants under 2 years of age. There may be fees for children who are more than 2 years old.
Document Name: Certificate of Birth
Issuing Authority: National Population Commission (NPC)
Registration Criteria: The birth of every child born in Nigeria must be registered by the Registrar of the National Population Commission or any person working under his authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: A Certificate of Birth is available from any National Population Commission office in any of the local government Secretariats or from designated Primary Health Care Centers. In most cases the birth registration and certificate are issued on the same day. Parents, heads of household, or any person 18 years or older who were present at the birth of a child may visit these centers with or without the child and supply the necessary information to register and obtain a birth certificate on their behalf.
Certified Copies: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: For people born prior to 1979 or in some cases prior to 1988, a birth certificate issued by a local government authority or a hospital or a baptismal certificate is acceptable. There is also the National Population Commission Attestation of Birth Certificate issued to people whose birth occurred before 1979 when the NPC-issued birth certificate was first introduced as a pilot program. Any of these are acceptable.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: The Compulsory Registration of Birth and Death Decree of 1979 was a pilot program involving 4 states only in Nigeria, namely – Anambra (Southeast), Oyo (Southwest), Plateau (Northeast) and Kaduna (Northwest) states. NPC birth and death certificates were issued under the 1979 Law in these states only. The 1992 Law (Births and Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, No. 69 of 1992 implemented NPC birth and death registrations countrywide.
Available
Fees: Registration is free.
Document Name: Certificate of Death
Issuing Authority: National Population Commission
Registration Criteria: Every death in Nigeria, as well as the cause of the death, must be registered as from the commencement of the Births and Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, No. 69 of 1992.
Procedure for Obtaining: When any person in Nigeria dies, details of the death are given to the Registrar for the area where the death occurred.
Certified Copies: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: A Medical Certificate of Death is acceptable for the death of any person which occurred before the commencement of Births and Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act, No. 69 of 1992. A sworn declaration or affidavit is also acceptable in lieu of a Medical Certificate of Death for cases where the death occurred before the commencement of the Act, and no Medical Certificate was issued, or the original certificate is missing.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Most deaths occur in a hospital where the Medical Certificate of Death is normally issued. Supporting hospital/medical records should also be available. In a case where a death occurs at home, a medical examiner performs an inspection, and a record of that should exist.
Nigerian law recognizes multiple types of legal marriage, each with its own requirements. The main types are registry marriages, customary marriages, and Islamic marriages. The majority of both customary marriages (also called Marriage Under Native Law and Custom) and Islamic marriages will have no written record.
Marriage Certificate - Registry Marriage
Available
Document Name: Certificate of Marriage
Issuing Authority: Marriage Registry
Registration Criteria: Must be a marriage celebrated between a man and a woman of consenting age, with no legal incapacity to marry under Native Law and Custom or according to the Marriage Act.
Procedure for Obtaining: A Certificate of Marriage is issued by the Marriage Registrar or Minister of Religion upon completion of the marriage process as provided for in the Marriage Act.
Certified Copies: There are no certified copies.
Marriage Certificate – Customary Marriage
A Registration of Marriage Certificate is sometimes issued by a local government official after presenting a court affidavit as provided for by the Registration of Customary Marriage bylaws.
Marriage Certificate – Islamic Marriage
While not required, a mosque or Muslim cleric may issue a Marriage Certificate when conducting an Islamic marriage. If the cleric did not provide a Marriage Certificate, the married couple may request one.
Available for Registry Marriages, Customary Marriages, and Islamic Marriages
Divorce Certificates – Registry Marriage
Document Name: Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute
Issuing Authority: The High Court of Justice
Registration Criteria: Must be a registry marriage completed according to the Marriage Act.
Procedure for Obtaining: Divorce proceedings in accordance with The Matrimonial Causes Act of Nigeria.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Divorce Certificates - Customary Marriage
Document Name: Affidavit of Divorce Dissolution. Customary Court divorce decrees are also available from local government courts.
Issuing Authority: High Court of Justice (for Affidavit of Divorce Dissolution) or Customary Court.
Divorce Certificates - Islamic Marriage
For Islamic marriages, a Sharia court may issue a divorce decree.
Exceptions: Many divorces for customary or Islamic marriages will have no written record. Marriages Under Native Law and Custom or Islamic marriages are dissolved by Native or Islamic custom. Many of these divorces are not recorded.
Available
Fees: Stipulated by the court during the adoption process.
Document Name: Adoption Order
Issuing Authority: The Family Court or The Chief Magistrate’s Court
Registration Criteria: By order of the court.
Procedure for Obtaining: A person who wants to adopt (called a Prospective Adoptive Parent or PAP) must tell the Ministry of Social Welfare in the state where they want to adopt. When a child is available and the request is approved, the PAP spends three (3) months caring for and bonding with the child. After this time, the PAP asks the Family Court or the Magistrate Court to approve the adoption in a hearing.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Only citizens of Nigeria can adopt under Nigeria’s Adoption Laws. The following states do not have adoption laws and cannot issue valid adoption orders: Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states.
Available
Fees: Free
Document Name: National Identity Card
Issuing Authority: National Identity Management Commission
Registration Criteria: Must be a Nigerian citizen who is at least 18 years old.
Procedure for Obtaining: Register at the approved centers set up by the National Identity Management Commission.
Certified Copies: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: Nigerian International Passport
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Who needs a Nigerian police certificate?
Submit a Nigerian police certificate if you are over the age of 16 and have lived in Nigeria for six months. If you are under 16, you don’t have to submit one.
You may need more than just one police certificate. In general, you must provide a certificate from every country you’ve lived in for six months or more. Visit the police certificate section of our Civil Documents page to make sure you have all the documents you need.
How to get a Nigerian police certificate
Apply online using this link: POSSAP Portal. Follow the instructions to receive your police certificate by email. You can also apply in person at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force.
What do Nigerian police certificates look like?
Police certificates in Nigeria are called “Police Character Certificates”. The Nigerian Police Issue them. They have an old format and a new format. We accept both. The old format is red with a black and white fingerprint page. The new format is blue with no fingerprint page.
How long are Nigerian police certificates valid for?
For immigrant visas, they’re valid for two years. When you attend your interview appointment, make sure that your police certificates have not expired.
Required Features
These are the features of a valid Nigerian police certificate:
Feature: |
What we accept: |
Document name |
Police Character Certificate |
Issuing Authority |
The Nigeria Police |
Title of Issuer |
Old Certificate: Central Registrar, Deputy Inspector-General “D” Dept., For Inspector-General of Police New Certificate: Central Registrar, Central Criminal Registry, “D” Department, Force C.I.I.D, Lagos |
Seal(s) |
Central Criminal Registry “D” Department, Force C.I.I.D, Lagos |
Color |
Old Certificate: Red with black and white fingerprint page New Certificate: Blue without fingerprint page |
Format |
Old Certificate: A3 and A5 paper New Certificate: A4 paper |
Available by direct request to the relevant court or prison by involved parties only.
Comments: The police record lists all prison sentences.
Available by direct request to the relevant court or prison by involved parties only.
Comments: The police record lists all prison sentences.
Available by request by former or active Nigerian military service members.
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): All are available
Fees: Diplomatic and Official Passports are free. For Regular Passports, fees vary.
Document Name: Diplomatic Passport, Official Passport, Standard Nigeria Passport, Pilgrim’s Passport, Seaman’s Book
Issuing Government Authority: The Nigeria Immigration Service
Registration Criteria: Must be a citizen of Nigeria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Pay the appropriate fee and provide the following:
Alternate Documents: Emergency Travel Certificate issued to Nigerians abroad who lose their passport for the purposes of traveling back to Nigeria. ECOWAS Travel Certificate issued to Citizens of ECOWAS countries for travel within the sub-region.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Primary school students complete the National Primary School Examination (NPSE).
Students in the third year of junior secondary/high school are eligible to register for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), previously known as the Junior School Certificate Examination.
Senior secondary school students complete the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or ordinary levels, also known as O levels. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) records results for the BECE, WASSCE, and WAEC.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination is mandatory for students attending Nigerian higher institutions and administered by the Nigerian government.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Abuja
Address: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Dr, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Phone Number: +234 201 227 8955
Visa Services: NIV only
Comments / Additional Information: All application reviews are by appointment only. See ng.usembassy.gov for more details.
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Lagos
Address: 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Phone Number: +234 201 227 8955
Visa Services: NIV and IV
Comments / Additional Information: All application reviews are by appointment only. See ng.usembassy.gov for more details.
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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