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 | 12 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-1 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| C-1/D | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| C-2 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 6 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 | 12 Months |
| F-1 | $280.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | $280.00 | 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 | 12 Months |
| H-1B | $98.00 | 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 | 18 Months 3 |
| H-4 | $98.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 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 | 24 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | One | 3 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 12 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 |
| 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: 20 MRU
Document Name: Extrait d'acte de naissance
Issuing Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed on security paper, with the Mauritania seal in the upper center of the document. The amount of the fee paid usually in the center bottom of the document. The document is available in both French and Arabic.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chef de centre de l’états civil (lists the name of the Centre) and the Administrative Directeur Général) the two signatures at the bottom of the certificate. If issued by an Embassy/Consulate abroad, it will have the signature of the Chef de Centre de: (Location of Embassy/Consulate) instead.
Registration Criteria: Parents must register births within 45 days at the Centre d'accueil des citoyens of the commune in which the child was born. Parents must provide the hospital birth record of the child and the marriage certificate of the parents. If the registration is not done within 45 days after the child is born, a court judgment is required before a birth certificate can be issued. The applying parent must go to the court with two witnesses who can confirm the birth of the child. The parent must then take this judgment to the enrollment center along with the hospital birth record and the marriage certificate to receive a birth certificate.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens of the commune where the birth was registered.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Recently, Mauritania changed their currency value. Older documents may list a significantly higher fee value than new ones.
Available
Fees: 20 MRU
Document Name: Extrait d'acte de deces
Issuing Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed on security paper, with the Mauritania seal in the upper center of the document. The amount of the fee paid usually in the center bottom of the document. The document is available in both French and Arabic.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chef de centre de l’états civil (lists the name of the Centre) and the Administrative Directeur Général) the two signatures at the bottom of the certificate. If issued by an Embassy/Consulate abroad, it will have the signature of the Chef de Centre de: (Location of Embassy/Consulate) instead.
Registration Criteria: To register the death, applicants must provide the hospital report of death and deceased's birth certificate.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens of the commune where the death occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Recently, Mauritania changed their currency value. Older documents may list a significantly higher fee value than new ones.
Available
Fees: 20 MRU
Document Name: Extrait d'acte de mariage
Issuing Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed on security paper, with the Mauritania seal in the upper center of the document. The amount of the fee paid usually in the center bottom of the document. The document is available in both French and Arabic.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chef de centre de l’états civil (lists the name of the Centre) and the Administrative Directeur Général) the two signatures at the bottom of the certificate. If issued by an Embassy/Consulate abroad, it will have the signature of the Chef de Centre de: (Location of Embassy/Consulate) instead.
Registration Criteria: Documents required to register a marriage include a declaration from an imam, court judgment delivered by the Cadi (judge) and identification paperwork for the spouses. Mauritanian citizen spouses must provide national identifications cards. Non-citizens must provide a residence card (carte de sejour)
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens of the commune where the marriage occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: All religious marriages are recognized as being full, legal marriages by the GIRM. However, to obtain marriage certificates (or birth certificates for children) the marriage must be declared by the Cadi and application made to an enrollment center. Same sex marriage is not recognized in Mauritania. Recently, Mauritania changed their currency value. Older documents may list a significantly higher fee value than new ones.
Available
Fees: 300 MRU
Document Name: Extrait d'acte de divorce
Issuing Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed on security paper, with the Mauritania seal in the upper center of the document. The amount of the fee paid usually in the center bottom of the document. The document is available in both French and Arabic.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chef de centre de l’états civil (lists the name of the Centre) and the Administrative Directeur Général) the two signatures at the bottom of the certificate. If issued by an Embassy/Consulate abroad, it will have the signature of the Chef de Centre de: (Location of Embassy/Consulate) instead.
Registration Criteria: To get a divorce certificate you must bring the divorce decree issued by the Cadi of the commune in which you were married.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens of the commune where the divorce occurred.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Unavailable
Comments: According to Article 72 of 2001 Family Code (La Code du Statut Personnel, promulgated by the Mauritanian Ministry of Justice), adoption has no “judicial value” in Mauritania and does not provide filiation. Legal guardianship or custody (Hadhana in Arabic or La Garde in French), however, may be allowed through the determination of a court or through, in certain cases, a contract with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Children, and Family.
Available
Fees: 100 MRU
Document Name: Carte d’identité nationale
Issuing Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Pink in color. Front of the card has the individual’s photo and biographic information (in English, French, and Arabic), as well as the seal of Mauritania in the background. Rear of the card contains the expiration date, date and place of issue, as well as the issuing authority. Also contains an integrated circuit chip.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Directeur Général de la Sûreté Nationale
Registration Criteria: To get a national ID you have to be registered first as Mauritanian citizen and to apply you have to bring the registration confirmation and copies of the national IDs of your parents
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Passports
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: 20 MRU
Document Name: Enquête de moralité/Casier Judiciaire
Issuing Authority: Tribunal
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed format with hand written information. Has a stamp over each signature.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Senior registrar (Le Greffier en Chef) at the court office
Registration Criteria: The applicant has to provide a copy of his national id and drop up his request at the court office.
Procedure for Obtaining: Police records may be obtained by contacting the court office closest to the applicants residence
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: 20 MRU
Document Name: Extrait de casier judiciaire
Issuing Authority: Tribunal Penal
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Printed format with hand written information. Has a stamp over each signature.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Senior Registrar (Le Greffier en Chef) of the court office
Registration Criteria: The applicant has to provide a copy of his national id and drop up his request at the court office.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Tribunal Penal in the administrative region where the applicant was born.
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Livret militaire individual/ certificat de bonne conduite
Issuing Authority: Chef de l'Etat Major National
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seal(s)/colors/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Senior registrar at the office of B1 de d’état major National
Registration Criteria: Everyone who served in a military can request for this certifacate when it is needed.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Chef de l'Etat Major National in Nouakchott
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular, Diplomatic, and Official
Fees:
Document Name:
Issuing Government Authority: Centre d'accueil des citoyens (Enrollment Center )
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chef de centre de l’états civil and Administrateur Direteur General de d’états civil.
Registration Criteria: The applicant has to be registered and has to have an issued national ID before he can apply for a passport
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Centre d'accueil des citoyens
Alternate Documents: National ID for national travel. for international travel ‘Laissez-passer’ issued by Mauritanien authorities. Neither of these documents is acceptable for immigrant visa purposes.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available
Education
Although Mauritania does have standardized testing, the results of these exams are not centrally filed. Middle school completion, which is known as the “brevet” and secondary education diplomas, also known as a baccalaureate, or just “bacc” may be verified with the Mauritanian Central Archives. All students who wish to attend university must have their baccalaureate on file with the Central Archives.
Post Title: US Embassy Nouakchott
Address:
PRTZ No 350
Avenue Al Quds
Nouadhibou Road
Nouakchott, Mauritania
Phone Number: Tel: (222) 45 25-26-60, 45 25-26-63, 45 25-11-41, or 45 25-11-45, Fax: (222) 45 25-15-92
Visa Services: All nonimmigrant visas for Mauritania.
All immigrant visas for Mauritanians are processed by US Embassy Dakar, Senegal
Comments / Additional Information: None
Nonimmigrant Visas for all of Mauritania. Immigrant visa applications for nationals of Mauritania are processed by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
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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