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 | 120 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 | $79.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-2 2 | $79.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 28 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 28 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 28 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 | $207.00 | Multiple | 40 Months |
| L-2 | $207.00 | Multiple | 40 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 1-6 10 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO-7 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| 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 | $207.00 | Multiple | 40 Months |
| R-2 | $207.00 | Multiple | 40 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.
Civil Documents such as birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates are issued by the Civil Registrars (supervised by the State-owned Institute of Notary and Civil Registrars Services). Citizens’ cards are issued by the Department of Identification Civil (supervised by the State-owned Institute of Notary and Civil Registrars Services). Police certificates are issued by the Ministry of Justice.
Available: There two formats:
Fees: 20 Euros for a printed copy or 10 Euros online
Document Name: Assento de Nascimento. The validity is six months from the date of issuance.
Issuing Authority: Any Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria do Registo Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White, A4 paper format with an embossed seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar (Conservador) or any official from the Civil Registry
Registration Criteria: The birth of a citizen either in Portugal or abroad is subject to mandatory registration within twenty days of birth.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available. Copies are signed and stamped with the embossed seal of the Civil Registry.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Comments:
Processing Time: walk-in requests are issued immediately. Mail requests take a minimum of eight days. Online requests are immediately accessible
Regarding online requests: Private citizens must use the passcode to access the contents of the certificate, which is equivalent to a printed version of the certificate
Birth Certificates contain “Averbamentos”, which are the transcripts of changes that occur to the citizen’s civil status, such as name changes, pre-nuptial marital agreements, marriage, divorce, death establishment of paternity, adoption, cancelation or suspension of parental rights, and child custody. “Averbamentos” are often displayed on the back of birth certificates.
Available: There are two formats.
Fees: 20 Euros for a printed copy or 10 Euros online
Document Name: Assento de Obito
Issuing Authority: Any Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria do Registo Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White, A4 paper format with an embossed seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar (Conservador) or any official from the Civil Registry
Registration Criteria: Registration of death with the civil registry is mandatory and is normally performed by the funeral home. In accordance with data protection laws, the Civil Registry Office does not have access to the cause of death therefore death certificates do not include this information.
Procedure for Obtaining: Funeral homes or the Next of Kin may request the certificate. The certificate must be picked up by a family member:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available. Signed and stamped with the embossed seal of the Civil Registry
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments:
Walk-in requests are immediately issued. Mail requests take a minimum of eight days.
Online requests: Any citizen can use the passcode to access the contents of the certificate, which is equivalent to a printed version of the certificate
Available: There are two formats:
Fees: 20 Euros for a printed copy or 10 Euros online
Document Name: Assento de Casamento
Issuing Authority: Any Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria do Registo Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White, A-4 paper format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar (Conservador) or any official from the Civil Registry
Registration Criteria: A religious marriage must be registered within three days after its celebration with the Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria de Registo Civil) that issued the license.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available. Signed and stamped with the embossed seal of the Civil Registry
Alternate Documents There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Certificates are immediately available. As to online requests, the registered citizen must use his/her passcode to access the contents of the certificate, which is equivalent to a printed version of the certificate. Electronic access requires authentication with the creation of an account, “username” and “password”. For instruction please follow the government website link PORTAL DO CIDADAO
Available
Fees: 30 Euros (up to 10 pages)
Document Name: Certifico
Issuing Authority: Any Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria do Registo Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White, A4 paper format with embossed seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar (Conservador)
Registration Criteria: It is the government’s responsibility to register all divorces with Civil Registrar Offices.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requests must be submitted in person by the party/parties to the divorce or by someone with a power of attorney to represent them. The certificates are immediately available.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The Divorce Certificate (Certidao de Divorcio) for mutually agreed divorces is issued by any Civil Registry Office (Conservatoria do Registo Civil). Divorce certificates pertaining to a contested divorce decreed by a court is obtained from the Civil Registry Office where the divorce sentence was filed.
Unavailable
Comments: The general requirements for adoptions are:
After completion of all stages of the adoption process, the court decrees full adoption and the child becomes the son or the adoptive parent. The adoption is registered at the civil registry. A new birth certificate is made but it does not state the adoptee’s original filiation. The adoptee is regarded as if he or she were the biological child of the adopter. Family ties with the previous relatives are dissolved unless the child is adopted by a relative. The adoptee receives the family name of the new parents. A decreed adoption is irrevocable. Only under exceptional circumstances laid in the law can an adoption decree be repealed (through a review process). Exceptional circumstances are related exclusively to questions about the validity of the required consents.
Under the law of the country, conclusion of the adoption process creates a legal, permanent parent-child relationship between the child and the adoptive parent(s) and it terminates the legal parent-child relationship with the prior legal parent(s). Therefore, it meets the definition of child in section 10l(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided that the age limitations are met.
Processing time in either category is six months to one year.
Available
Fees: 15 Euros to 53 Euros. Fees are dependent on delivery site (domestic or abroad), if it is a request for expeditious processing, or if the card is valid for 5 or 10 years. Citizens under 25 are issued cards with a 5 year validity. Recipients 25 years old and above are issued cards with a 10 year validity.
Document Name: Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão)
Issuing Authority: Government of Portugal
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The citizen card is the national identity card. It is similar to a credit card in appearance, with a computer chip and a magnetic strip storing personal information and biometric data. The front of the card has the card holder's photo, surname, given/first name, gender, height, nationality, date of birth, document number, expiration date, and card holder's signature. The back of the card displays the parents' names, tax number, social security number, and National Health Service number. There is an optical reading area on the back of the card in the machine readable zone. The chip stores digital certificates (card's authentication and electronic signature), the optical reading area in a digital format, the holder’s address, and other information. The new model of citizen card was introduced in February 2007 (Citizen Card Exemplar). Prior to 2008, the National ID card was called “Bilhete de Identidade”. Citizens over 55 were issued a ID card “Vitalicio” without and expiration date. These older cards are printed on colored paper and laminated with an embossed seal over the photo.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Registration is required of all citizens within 20 days of birth.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The Citizen Card is required of all Portuguese citizens either living in Portugal or abroad. Citizens under 25 are issued cards with 5 year validity. Citizens who are 25 years old and above are issued cards with a maximum validity of 10 years.
Available
Fees: Online - 5 Euros; Walk-in – 5 Euros; Email - 5 Euros; Registered mail – 8,25 Euros
Document Name: Certificado de Registo Criminal
Issuing Authority: Serviços de Identificação Criminal, Ministry of Justice,
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White, A4 paper format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Director General of the Administration of Justice (Direcção Geral de Administração da Justiça)
Registration Criteria: Only final judgements rendered by courts are subject to registration in the citizens’ criminal history registry
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Criminal records display information of Portuguese citizens and foreign aliens residing in Portugal who are over the age of 16 and who were the subject of convictions and subsequent decisions handed down by Portuguese Courts. Certificates also contain convictions and subsequent decisions handed down by foreign courts that are transmitted to Portugal by foreign authorities pursuant to a convention or international agreement. Police certificates are issued to people 16 years of age and over, regardless of nationality, place of birth, or in-country residence status. Certificates are valid for three months as from the date of issuance. If records indicate previous convictions a complete record may be obtained from the Presiding Judge of the Court where the sentence was imposed.
Unavailable
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Folha de Matricula or Caderneta Militar
Issuing Authority: The three branches of the armed forces.
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: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Issued to male Portuguese citizens who are currently serving or formerly served in the Portuguese armed forces.
Types Available : Regular (Comun); Special (Especial); Diplomatic (Diplomático); Temporary (Temporário)
Fees: Normal €65 + €10 if delivered by mail ; Express €85; Urgent €95; Urgent (issued at Lisbon Airport) €100; External service €50; Temporary Passport €150;
Document Name: Passaporte
Issuing Government Authority: Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF); VPGR – Madeira; VPGR -Acores; Portuguese Consulates
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Portuguese passport is an e-passport that includes a microprocessor. The color is maroon with golden print and is written only in Portuguese. Following European Union Standards the passport bears the title União Europeia above the country name and the title of Passaporte.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining:
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Second Passport: The granting of a Second Passport to a holder of a valid passport may only take place in exceptional circumstances, duly justified and where it is concluded that its granting corresponds to the national interest or to a legitimate interest of the applicant as a result of relations between other states. (Art. 27 (1) of DL 138/2006, of 26JUL). Without prejudice to other documents that might be required by the issuing authorities, if necessary and appropriate, the applicant must always submit:
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available
Available and known as Certidão de Baptismo. Certificates are usually obtainable from the Catholic or Protestant church in which the baptism occurred. Normal processing time by Catholic Church is two days; by the Protestant church, processing is immediate. Baptismal certificates do not replace birth certificates.
Available and known as Atestado de Residência. Certificates are issued to resident nationals and non-nationals by the parish board (Junta de Freguesia) of the area of residence. Certificates may be issued to former resident nationals or non-nationals. Subjects who have not been registered with the parish board must bring two witnesses or show documentary evidence of residency. Normal processing time is one to three days.
Post Title: Embassy
Address: Avenida das Forças Armadas
1649-044 Lisboa
Phone Number: (351) 21 727 33 00 or (351) 21 770 21 22
Fax: (351) 21 727 23 54
Visa Services email: Visaslisbon@state.gov
Comments / Additional Information: website is pt.usembassy.gov
Lisbon provides nonimmigrant visa services for all residents of Portugal. Nonimmigrant visa applications for nationals of Guinea Bissau are processed by the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon.
All immigrant and diversity visa interviews and adjudications for residents of Portugal and France take place at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France. Permanent U.S. residents visiting Portugal can apply for returning resident status or for an emergency replacement of their green card at Embassy Lisbon. Note, however, that the processing of the returning resident application will occur through Embassy Paris. For more complete information, please visit the Embassy Lisbon web site pt.usembassy.gov.
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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