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 | 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 | One | 12 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.
Fees: The fee varies depending on the city but ranges from USD $3 to $5.
Document Name: Birth Certificate (Partida de Nacimiento)
Issuing Authority: Family Registry (Registro del Estado Familiar) of the city where the birth took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Please note that City Halls may issue handwritten versions of birth certificates.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the Chief of the Family State Registry (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate
Registration Criteria: The applicant should submit their full name, date of birth, and names of parents to the appropriate Civil Registry. Requests should be addressed to the Chief of the Family State Registry of the city.
Procedure for Obtaining: Verbal or written request should be addressed to the "Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar” (name of city).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: In El Salvador, when a birth certificate is cancelled for any legal reason, the original or ‘Year of Birth Certificate’ may still be requested from the Family State Registry and must be submitted as part of the immigrant visa application. The document that originated the cancellation does not replace the original/Year of Birth Certificate.
Available
Fees: Fees varies depending on municipality - from USD $3.00 to $5.00.
Document Name: Death Certificate (Partida de Defunción)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the death occurred or where the deceased lived.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the Chief of the Family registry of the city (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate.
Registration Criteria: Full names of persons involved and place and date of event must be included in request.
Procedure for Obtaining: Through a verbal or written request to the Civil Registry where the death was registered.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: Extracts from civil records may be typed or handwritten on stamped paper (papel sellado) or may consist of photocopies of registry books. Either type of extract should be signed by a Civil Registry Official (Jefe Del Registro del Estado Familiar) and should bear the rubber stamp seal of that office.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Fees varies depending on municipality - from USD $3.00 to $5.00.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate (Partida De Matrimonio)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the marriage took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Please note that City Halls may issue handwritten versions of marriage certificates.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the Chief of the family registry of the city (Jefe Del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate.
Registration Criteria: Full names of persons involved, and date of event must be included in request.
Procedure for Obtaining: Through a verbal or written request to the Civil Registry where the Marriage occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: In El Salvador, Birth Certificates are usually annotated with every change in marital status if parties notify and follow the complete process to record the marriage. These annotations DO NOT replace the certificate of the registry that originated them.
Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in El Salvador. Religious weddings are not considered legal in El Salvador; therefore, church marriage certificates should not be accepted. Also, El Salvador has two different marriage documents - an "ACTA MATRIMONIAL" is the equivalent of a marriage license and does not constitute marriage.
Available
Fees: The fee varies depending on the city but the price range is from USD $3 to 5.
Document Name: Divorce Certificate (Partida de Divorcio)
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry (Family Registry) of the city where the marriage was registered.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the City Hall to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Usually issued by the Chief of the family registry of the city (Jefe del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate
Registration Criteria: Full names of parties involved, and date of event must be included in request.
Procedure for Obtaining: Through a verbal or written request to the Civil Registry where the marriage occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Yes
Alternate Documents: Extracts from civil records may be typed on stamped paper (papel sellado) or may consist of photocopies of registry books. Either type of extract should be signed by the Chief of the Family Registry of the city (Jefe Del Registro del Estado Familiar) or a delegate and should bear the rubber stamp seal of that office.
Exceptions: None
Comments: The divorce certificates are registered through the notification from the court that decreed the divorce. They also send notifications to the Civil Registry where the birth certificate was registered so it can be annotated with the divorce.
Available
Comments: In El Salvador, after an adoption has occurred a new birth certificate is registered with the name of the new parents without adding anything that shows that the birth certificate was originated through an adoption process. The old birth certificate will include an annotation that will mention the cancellation but will not stablish the reason as adoption itself, they will record the adoption only on a different and private record of the Family State Registry which can only be requested with a court order.
Available
Document Name: The National ID card of El Salvador is called DUI (Documento Único de Identidad)
Issuing Authority: National Registry of Natural Persons (Registro Nacional de las Personas Naturales)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Registrar of Persons (Registrador Nacional de Personas Naturales)
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicant must apply in person to one of the Bureaus of the National Registry of Natural persons. If it is the first time, they must bring their birth certificate.
Available
Fees: USD $3.50
Document Name: Police Certificate (Solvencia de la Policía Nacional Civil)
Issuing Authority: National Civilian Police's (PNC) Department of Certifications (Departamento de Solvencias).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The certificate includes a photo of the subject and the signature of the Chief of the Department of Certifications.
If the certificate was obtained online, a QR code is included to validate such document.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Jefe de la Unidad de Registro y Antecedentes Policiales.
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Regardless of their country of residence, applicants can request a Police Certificate online through the following website: http://simple.sv. In addition, if the applicant is in El Salvador they can apply in person at the PNC's Departamento de Solvencias. The applicant must bring their original Documento Unico de Identidad (DUI) and a photocopy of the DUI. The applicant must be 18 years or older to receive a police certificate.
If the applicant is outside of El Salvador they may
a – Visit the nearest Salvador Consulate: the applicant must provide Original Documento Unico de Identidad (DUI) or passport and 2 passport size photographs. This process usually takes between 3 to 4 months for the applicant to receive the certificate in the United States. The applicant must be 18 years or older to receive a police certificate.
b – Obtain a power of attorney issued by a Salvadoran consulate or Salvadoran notary. The applicant will have to submit a request to the closest Salvadoran consulate to take their fingerprints and send them via physical correspondence to El Salvador along with the power of attorney and 2 passport size photographs. The applicant must be 18 years or older to receive a police certificate.
Certified Copies Available: The U.S. Embassy does not accept certified copies of this document.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: It is important to note that individuals cannot currently obtain records of their criminal history from the Department of Certifications. Visa applicants with prior arrests in El Salvador are responsible for returning to the police department where they were detained or the court where their trial was held to obtain arrest and court records required for their visa interview.
If an applicant has a criminal record they may request a copy of the court record (Copia simple) from the court where they followed the process, which will include all documents that were presented by the Attorney’s General Office (Fiscalia General de la Republica), documents provided by National Police (Policia Nacional Civil) and copies of the hearings and any judicial notice. These Court docs will also be provided at the immigration process.
If an applicant had an arrest that did not finish under a judicial process they can request a copy of their records at Attorney’s General Office (Fiscalia General de la Republica) which will include the resolution of the district attorney and the reason why they dismissed the charges.
Fees: USD $3.00
Document Name: Certificate of Criminal Records (Constancia de Antecedentes Penales o Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
Issuing Authority: General Prisons Directorate (Dirección General de Centros Penales)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round seal of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security to which the Registry belongs with the shield of El Salvador.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Arms Registration Branch (Encargado de Sucursal de Registro de Armas).
Registration Criteria: N/A
Procedure for Obtaining: Verbal or written request to the nearest branch office.
Certified Copies Available: The U.S. Embassy does not accept certified copies of this document.
Alternate Documents: N/A
Exceptions: N/A
Comments: This document is valid for a period of 90 days after its issue.
Available: In El Salvador, Military records are not requested because the military service is not mandatory.
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Discharge certificate
Issuing Authority: Personnel office of the general staff of the appropriate service.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seals, color or format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no specific issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: There are no procedures for obtaining.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Military Service is not mandatory in El Salvador. While records are available by contacting the personnel officer of the general staff of the appropriate military service, they are NOT required for immigrant visa processing.
Types Available: Diplomatic, Regular
Fees:
Document Name:
Issuing Government Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining:
Alternate Documents:
Exceptions:
Comments:
Other Documents Available:
Not applicable.
San Salvador, El Salvador (Embassy)
APO AA 34023-3114
All visa categories for all of El Salvador.
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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