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How to Find Issuance Fee, Validity, or Country Document Information

Use the dropdown menu above to select a country to view information regarding visa validity and issuance/reciprocity fees by visa classification, and country documents. Visa issuance fees are not based on where a visa is issued, but on the applicant’s nationality.

Reading the Reciprocity Table (Schedule) Information by Country

Once your country’s information is displayed, locate the visa category (classification) for which you are applying in the first column of the chart. In this row, you will find the issuance fee, number of applications, and visa validity period associated with the classification.

• Visa Classification – Nonimmigrant visa category. For more information on these classifications, see Visa Types for Temporary Visitors.
• Fee - The amount charged for visa issuance (or reciprocity).
• Number of Applications - The maximum number of times the nonimmigrant visa holder can travel to the United States and apply for admission at the port of entry (usually an airport). This number will be printed on your visa under “Entries.”
• Validity Period – The maximum length of time (in months) for which the type of visa (classification) can be issued.

Click here for more information on reading and understanding a visa.

What Is a Visa Issuance Fee?

Nonimmigrant visa issuance fees are based on the principle of reciprocity, and vary for applicants from different countries and by visa classification. Visa issuance fees correspond to the total of similar visa fees charged to U.S. citizens by a particular country. If the amount charged to U.S. citizens exceeds the U.S. visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, then a visa issuance fee is charged.

The Difference between Visa Issuance Fees and Visa Application Fees

The visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by all applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application. Current nonimmigrant visa application fees can be found on our Fees – Visa Services webpage. (This webpage also lists the few visa categories for which application fees are not required.)

While all visa applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, the visa issuance fee is only charged to an approved nonimmigrant visa applicant after the visa interview, and only if the applicant is from a country that is subject to visa issuance fees based on the concept of reciprocity.

Country Documents and How to Use Them

Each country-specific page provides detailed information about the government-recognized and -authorized entity or agency(ies) within that country for obtaining civil documents, for example, birth, marriage, or divorce certificates, adoption decrees, police or prison records. This information details the availability of each document, and how and where it can be obtained within that particular country. Nonimmigrant visa applicants do not routinely need to submit civil documents in support of visa applications. Immigrant visa applicants are required to submit certain civil documents as part of the supporting documentation for their visa applications. For information about civil document requirements for immigrant visa cases, see civil documents.

Additional Information

See the right side of this page for links to more information about reciprocity, two of which are outlined in more detail below:

• Treaty Countries - Countries participating in the Treaty Trader (E-1) or Treaty Investor (E-2) visa programs. See Treaty Trader/Investor Visas for more information.
• Visa Issuing Posts - List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates (also called posts) locations and visa services provided.