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 | 60 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 | 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 | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| 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: 1st time, Free, for replacement 2 Kuwaiti dinars
Document Name: Birth Certificate - شهادة ميلاد
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Health, Department of the Central Registry of Births and Deaths, located in the Maidan Hawalli area on Hamod Al-Nasser Street (Phone: +965 2562-2716)
Special Seal(s) /Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Birth Registration
Registration Criteria: The birth must have occurred in the territory of Kuwait. The physical presence of the father is required for issuing the certificate. The notice of birth is issued by the hospital. For Kuwaitis the original citizenship and original marriage certificates are required of the husband and wife. For non-Kuwaitis, the original passports of husband and wife are required. The original Kuwaiti marriage certificate or non-Kuwaiti marriage certificate must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the country of marriage. If the father is not present in Kuwait, the father will need to grant a power-of-attorney to a representative in Kuwait to register the child’s birth. If the father is in prison, a letter from the head of the prison must state the child's name.
Procedure for Obtaining: Provide Kuwait Civil ID card, passport, and photocopy of the original birth certificate. If no photocopy is available, the date, place of birth, hospital name, parents’ names, and the name of the birth certificate issuing/registry center must be provided. Kuwaiti citizens should also provide their nationality certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Children born out of wedlock cannot be documented in Kuwait.
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately one week. If the applicant is unable to apply in person, then s/he may provide a friend or relative with a Special Power of Attorney to apply on his/her behalf. The Special Power of Attorney must first be notarized by a Kuwaiti Embassy. It then must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department located in the Shuwaikh area of Kuwait City adjacent to the Kuwait News Agency (Phone: +965 2484-2099). After these two authentications are complete, it must be translated into Arabic and taken to the Ministry of Health where the friend/relative can apply for certified copies of the birth certificate on behalf of the applicant.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Death Certificate - شهادة وفاة
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Health, Department of the Central Registry of Births and Deaths, located in the Maidan Hawalli area on Hamod Al-Nasser Street (Phone: +965 2562-2716)
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Death Division
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Provide the deceased’s original Kuwaiti Civil ID card, the original death notice from a Kuwaiti hospital, and either the original marriage contract/certificate (for spouse of deceased) or original birth certificate (for child of deceased).
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately one week. If the next-of-kin is unable to apply in person, a friend or relative may apply with a Special Power of Attorney and adequate supporting documents demonstrating their relationship to the deceased. The Special Power of Attorney must be notarized by a Kuwaiti Embassy.
Available
Fees: 1 Kuwait Dinar for Muslims, 2 Kuwaiti Dinars for non-Muslims
Document Name: Marriage Certificate/Contract / شهادة زواج عقد زواج
Issuing Authority: For Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Legal Authentication Department, Courts Complex in the Regae Area or Ahmadi. Building B, 2nd Floor. Phone: +965 188-2200 ext. 4208. For non-Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Authentication Department, Ministries Complex in Murqab area. Address: Murqab Area, Ministers Complex, Ministry of Justice Bldg, Ground Floor, Archives. Phone: +965 2248-6444
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: For Muslims: Judge., For non-Muslims: Authentication officer
Registration Criteria: Physical presence of bride, groom, guardian of the bride with two male witnesses. Required documents: Civil ID card for Kuwaitis, civil ID card or passport for residents, divorce certificate for bride or groom, if any. In addition, for non-Muslims, (Christians & Jews) applicants are required to complete separate "Free to Marry" affidavits issued by the Embassy of the country of citizenship of the groom/bride, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Arabic translation of the “Free to marry”.
Any foreigner who wishes to marry in Kuwait is required by the Government of Kuwait to demonstrate his other eligibility to marry. The U.S. Government does not maintain a central marriage registry. Therefore, the embassy is unable to provide verification of a U.S. citizen’s eligibility to marry. U.S. citizens seeking to marry in Kuwait may choose to complete an affidavit declaring he or she is eligible to marry. However, the Government of Kuwait may not find the document acceptable and may refuse to accept the document. Please note the embassy cannot make changes to the document. U.S. citizens seeking to marry in Kuwait may need to contact the custodian of records or the respective state agency to identify vital records in the U.S. that may meet the criteria for the Government of Kuwait. U.S. citizens obtaining certified vital records from the custodian of such records will need to follow the process for the authentication of documents in the United States.
Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant must bring copies of the bride’s and groom’s passports, copies of the bride’s and groom’s Kuwait Civil ID card, and supply the date of the marriage. If the applicant is unable to apply in person, s/he can provide a friend or relative with a Special Power of Attorney and copies of the required documents.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Marriage certificates are only available in the Arabic language. Kuwaiti law allows only Christians, Jews, and Muslims to marry in Kuwait.
Available
Fees: 3 Kuwaiti Dinars
Document Name: Divorce Certificate شهادة طلاق
Issuing Authority: For Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Legal Authentication Department, Courts Complex in the Regae area or Ahmadi. Building B, 2nd Floor. Phone: +965 188-2200 ext. 4208. For non-Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Authentication Department, Ministries Complex in Murqab area. Address: Murqab area, Ministers Complex, Ministry of Justice Bldg, Ground Floor, Archives. Phone: +965 2248-6444
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: For Muslims: Judge. For non-Muslims: Authentication officer
Registration Criteria: Physical presence for husband and wife, Civil ID cards for both and original marriage certificate
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of any of the parties or legal representative, with proof of identity, and supplying the date of divorce
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Divorce certificates are only available in Arabic language.
Unavailable: Adoption is non-existent in Kuwait.
Available
Fees: 2 Kuwaiti Dinars
Document Name: Civil I.D. card البطاقة المدنية
Issuing Authority: Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI)
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: Child’s birth certificate, child’s passport with Kuwait residency permit (for non-Kuwaiti), parents’ civil id and PACI envelope. Citizenship certificate (for Kuwaitis)
Procedure for Obtaining: For non-Kuwaitis: through phone or internet plus valid Kuwait residence visa. For Kuwaitis: through phone or internet
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Good Conduct Certificate- صحيفة الحالة الجنائية
Issuing Authority: Kuwait Ministry of Interior, General Director of General Department for Criminal Evidence
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Kuwait Ministry of Interior General Director of General Department of Criminal Evidence
Registration Criteria: Available only to applicants who have legal residencies in Kuwait. A police clearance certificate is required for U.S. immigrant visa applicants age 18 and over who are currently residing in Kuwait for 6 months or more. This is not available for former residents of Kuwait.
Procedure for Obtaining: A police certificate, or “Good Conduct Certificate,” can be obtained from the Sahel Mobile Application (سهل), which is available on both the App Store and Google Play. The electronic certificate will have a QR code for verification purposes.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Good Conduct Certificates may also be available from the Ministry of Interior, General Department for Criminal Evidence, located in Farwaniya (Dhajeej area), Airport Road 55, opposite the Kuwait Airways main office building (Phone: +965 2434-6101; Fax: +965 2434-5790)
Each applicant must provide the following:
Exceptions: None
Comments: U.S. Citizens and other individuals: Available only to those residing in Kuwait; age 18 and above must get the police clearance certificate if they resided in the country for 6 months or more.
U.S. citizens and other individuals seeking Kuwait police clearances should obtain a letter of request from his/her local sponsor, or if seeking employment in another country, contact the corresponding embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait does not issue such letters.
Available
Fees: Free
Document Name: To Whom it May Concern إلى من يهمه الأمر
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior, Criminal Provision Implementation Department, Sulaibiya
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Any officer from that Department
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant with his passport and civil id number
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately 2-3 days. Available to individuals residing in Kuwait who apply in person to the Ministry of Interior, Prison Section. Not available by mail. Police records will include prison records. Address: 4th Ring Road, Al-Jabriyah area. Phone: +965-2531-8341. Fax: +965-2533-1359
Available
Fees: ½ Kuwaiti Dinar
Document Name: Service Certificate- شهادة الخدمة
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defense, Administration and Manpower Authority, Building # 7, located in Mubarekiya Camp, Jahra Road (80)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Director of Administration and Manpower Authority
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant with his civil id
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available : Regular, Diplomatic, Special, Article 17
Fees: Free for Diplomatic & Official; For Regular, KD3 for 5 years & KD6 for 10 years.
Document Name: Passport جواز سفر
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents
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 are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant. Required documents: Birth certificate, Civil ID card , (4) photos 4 x 6 cm with blue background, last school certificate for Article 17 travel document (for stateless residents) [case by case basis]
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available
Not applicable.
Post Title: Embassy
Address: Block 13, Masjed al Aqsa Street, Bayan, Kuwait
Mailing Address: PO Box 77, Safat 13001, Kuwait
Phone Number: 965-22591-1001
Visa Services: NIV (consularkuwaitm@state.gov) , IV (kuwaitiv@state.gov)
Comments / Additional Information: None
All visa categories for all of Kuwait
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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