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U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Congo the Democratic Republic of the
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 | 24 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-1 | None | One | 1 Month |
| C-1/D | $75 | One | 1 Month |
| C-2 | None | One | 1 Month |
| C-3 | None | One | 1 Month |
| C-W-1 11 | None | One | 3 Months |
| C-W-2 11 | None | One | 3 Months |
| D | $75 | One | 1 Month |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Month |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Month |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 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 | Multiple | 3 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 1 Month |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 1 Month |
| N-8 | $125 | One | 3 Months |
| N-9 | $125 | One | 3 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 3 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 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 | 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 |
| T-D 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.
General Issuing Authority Information: DRC Government
· Civil documents issued prior to 1997 by the Republic of Zaire are still considered valid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Available: Yes
Fees: No Fee if filed within 90 days of birth. Otherwise, fee may apply and the cost depends on the field office processing the case.
Document Name : Acte de Naissance
Issuing Authority: Officier de l'État Civil (Civil Status Officer)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: From the issuing office
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Bourgmestre/Bourgmestre Adjoint + Préposé de l’État Civil (Civil Status Registrar)
Registration Criteria: Be a native of one of the DRC territories.
Procedure for Obtaining: Within 90 days of birth, at least one of the parents takes the child’s identity to the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office with evidence of birth such as the hospital’s birth certificate. After about two weeks, the parent goes back to the same office to pick-up the Birth Certificate.
Certified Copies Available : Copie Intégrale d’Acte de Naissance
Alternate Documents : Extrait d’Acte de Naissance/Extrait du Registre des Déclarations des Naissances
Exceptions:
Comments: The first registers were inaugurated on January 7, 1886. They do not include natives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo still living in tribal conditions. Civil documents issued prior to 1997 by the Republic of Zaire are still considered valid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Available: Yes
Fees: No fee if filed within 30 days of death. Otherwise, fee may apply and the cost depends on the field office processing the case.
Document Name: Acte de Décès
Issuing Authority: Officier de l'État Civil (Civil Status Officer)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: from the issuing office
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Bourgmestre/Bourgmestre Adjoint + Préposé de l’Etat Civil (Civil Status Registrar)
Registration Criteria: Death occurred in one of the DRC territories.
Procedure for Obtaining: Within 30 days of birth, family members or friends take the identity of the deceased at the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office with evidence of death such as the hospital’s death certificate or witnesses. After about two weeks, the applicant goes back to the same office to pick-up the Death Certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Copie Intégrale d’Acte de Décès
Alternate Documents : Extrait d’Acte de Décès
Exceptions:
Comments: Civil documents issued prior to 1997 by the Republic of Zaire are still considered valid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Available: Yes
Fees: Fees depends on the field office processing the wedding.
Document Name: Acte de Mariage
Issuing Authority: Officier de l'État Civil (Civil Status Officer)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: From the issuing office
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Bourgmestre/Bourgmestre Adjoint + Préposé de l’Etat Civil (Civil Status Registrar)
Registration Criteria: Marriage occurred in one of the DRC territories.
Procedure for Obtaining: At least one spouse books seats at the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office at least two weeks before the planned wedding date. Some richer families are now inviting the Civil Status Officer at their house to celebrate the wedding. After the civil ceremony, the couple is issued the Marriage Certificate right away upon signing the official register.
Certified Copies Available: Copie Intégrale d’Acte de Mariage
Alternate Documents : Extrait d’Acte de Mariage
Exceptions: The Customary Marriage Certificate (Attestation de Mariage Coutumier Monogamique) is valid for immigration purpose when the customary wedding is filed within 30 days of the event. Beyond this timeframe, the couple can file a request at the nearest Peace Court in the city where the wedding occurred, and be issued a Supplemental Court Order for Marriage Certificate (Jugement Supplétif à l’Acte de Mariage) so they can get a Marriage Certificate from the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office.
Comments: Customary marriages are usually celebrated in remote areas where there is no presence of a Commune’s Civil Status Office, but some couples who don’t have the means for a big event, or who have already started their life as a couple/family many years ago may always decide to limit themselves to the customary ceremony. Civil documents issued prior to 1997 by the Republic of Zaire are still considered valid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Available: Yes
Fees: Fees depend on the field office processing the wedding.
Document Name: Acte de Divorce
Issuing Authority: Officier de l'État Civil (Civil Status Officer)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: from the issuing office
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Bourgmestre/Bourgmestre Adjoint + Préposé de l’Etat Civil (Civil Status Registrar)
Registration Criteria: Divorce occurred in one of the DRC territories.
Procedure for Obtaining: At least one spouse files a complaint at the nearest Peace Court in order to obtain the Divorce. After the court is convinced that all means to save the couple failed (this may take several years), the couple is issued a Divorce Court Order (Jugement de Divorce). Any of the spouses may take that court order to the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office so they can be issued the Divorce Certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Copie Intégrale d’Acte de Divorce.
Alternate Documents : Extrait d’Acte de Divorce
Exception: The Jugement de Divorce itself can be sufficient as proof of divorce.
Comments: Civil documents issued prior to 1997 by the Republic of Zaire are still considered valid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Adoption Certificates
Available: Yes
Fees: Fees depends on the field office processing the wedding.
Document Name: Acte d’Adoption
Issuing Authority: Officier de l'État Civil (Civil Status Officer)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: from the issuing office
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Bourgmestre/Bourgmestre Adjoint + Préposé de l’Etat Civil (Civil Status Registrar)
Registration Criteria: Adoption occurred in one of the DRC territories
Procedure for Obtaining: Prospective Adopting Parents file a request at the nearest Children’s Court where the child resides. After the court is convinced that adoption is nothing but a way to save the child’s life or give the child a chance for a better life, the adopting couple is issued an Adoption Court Order (Jugement d’Adoption). Any of the spouses may take that court order to the nearest Commune’s Civil Status Office so they can be issued the Adoption Certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Copie Intégrale d’Acte d’Adoption.
Alternate Documents : Extrait d’Acte d’Adoption
Exception: The Jugement d’Adoption itself can be sufficient, as proof of adoption and it is not always retroactive.
Available: Yes
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Carte d’électeur
Issuing Authority: CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Be a national of the DRC
Procedure for Obtaining: Provide proof of identity to the nearest CENI post such as old photo IDs or two witnesses with valid National IDs; fill out the application form. The document is printed on a spot after the photo capture.
Certified Copies Available: Carte d’électeur - Duplicata.
Alternate Documents : There are no alternate documents
Exception: None
Comments: This document is issued during enrollment for elections and is only valid until the next nationwide elections. It is the sole National ID card available at present.
Available: Yes
Fees: Equivalent of $50 - $100, depending on whether or not it’s an expedite case.
Document Name: Extrait du Casier Judiciaire
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Justice
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Inspecteur Judiciaire en Chef.
Registration Criteria: Be a resident of the DRC
Procedure for Obtaining: Physically provide proof of identity to the nearest Judiciary Police Field Office either in Kinshasa or in Goma. As part of the application, the applicant must provide their 10-digit fingerprints. The waiting time is between 3 days and two weeks.
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available
Alternate Documents : There are no alternate documents
Exception: Applicants living abroad may get the clearance from the nearest DRC Embassy prior to mailing their application to the Kinshasa Judiciary Police Field Office. The waiting time can be longer than in-country applications.
Comments: This document is commonly known as a 3-month valid document even though there is no legal reference known. For immigration purposes, post accepts it for two years, just as many other countries in the world.
Available: Yes
Fees: May vary from one court to another
Document Name : Acte de signification d’un jugement
Issuing Authority : Tribunal de Paix/Tribunal de Grande Instance/Parquet/Court Suprême de Justice
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/ color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title : Président du Tribunal/Procureur de la République
Registration Criteria: Be involved in a trial at one of the DRC courts.
Procedure for Obtaining: Once the trial is concluded, the document is issued to both concerned parties.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents : Acte de Jugement /Jugement Supplétif
Exception: None
Comments: This document is printed on regular paper and has no security features. However, authenticity can be verified at any time with the issuing court’s authorities in case of doubt. It should always be accompanied with a Certificat de Non-Appel (Non-Appeal Certificate) to prove that the Court Order was never attacked.
Available: Yes
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Acte de Libération
Issuing Authority: There is no issuing authority
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: There is no procedure for obtaining
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Acte de Liberation is issued to all former prisoners upon their release, listing the crime for which they were convicted and the sentence imposed.
Unavailable.
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Service
Fees: $185 for the Regular Passport
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Be a DRC national
Procedure for Obtaining:
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: DRC citizens living overseas may apply at the nearest DRC Embassy. The waiting time can be longer than 1 week and the cost higher due to mailing charges that may apply.
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cancelled all non-biometric passports effective December 31, 2009. All passports with handwritten biographic pages are no longer valid, even if the validity date extends beyond December 31, 2009. Semi-biometric diplomatic/service passports are invalid if they are issued outside of Kinshasa, and/or have an issuance date before February 25, 2000.
Semi-biometric passports will also be cancelled effective January 16, 2018. Only biometric passports (containing a chip) will be considered passports. The DRC Government launched biometric passport with a chip since November 10, 2015. None of this new version is valid if issued prior to this date.
Not applicable.
Post Title: Embassy
Address: U.S. Embassy, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, C. Gombe, Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Phone Number:
Email: AEKinshasaConsular@state.gov
Visa Services: All visa categories for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Comments / Additional Information: None
Visa Services:
Available: Yes
Fees:
Document Name: Visa
Issuing Authority: DGM/DRC Embassy
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: See DGM/Embassy
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Passports and visas requirement can be waived for Foreigners under the age of 15, provided that their identity is indicated on the passport of the tutor, ascendant or guardian accompanying them; and Aliens who are members of the air and sea transport crews calling at the DRC, provided that they carry a valid license or a valid crew member's certificate.
Comments: Specific details about Settlement Visas are available on the DGM website: http://dgm.cd/visas.html. Be prepared to practice your French as site is only in French Language.
The Entry Visa does not authorize the exercise of a remunerated activity in the DRC. The validity of this visa is 6 months maximum. This visa may be extended by the Directorate General of Migration for a period of one, two or three months to reach the six months.
The Exit-Return Visa is granted for one or more trips to any foreigner holding an Establishment Visa who would like to travel outside the country. Its validity is 7 months from the first outing and 11 months for the liberal professions philanthropic, Missionaries and non-profit organizations.
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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