Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 6 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 6 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 6 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | $15.00 | Multiple | 12 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 | 36 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 6 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 12 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 | 36 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 12 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 | 36 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | $545.00 | Multiple | 36 Months |
| R-2 | $545.00 | Multiple | 36 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.
Late registration is common for all life events as individuals often do not register births/deaths/marriages until there is a need to show the certificate.
General Issuing Authority Information:
Birth, death, national ID, and adoption certificates are handled by a central registry (National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)), while marriages must be registered with a central authority (Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)), though in practice customary marriages are often not registered. Divorces can only be obtained by court order.
Available
Fees: Foreigners: 40 USD; Ugandans: 5,000 UGX
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Typically printed on white paper with red/yellow/green/brown background. It has a circular dry seal that is embossed. The biodata is printed.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Birth/Death
Registration Criteria: One must present the certificate from the hospital of birth or the short form birth certificate from the sub-county of the place of birth.
Procedure for Obtaining: Schedule an appointment online at NIRA’s website.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents:
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: All births must be registered with NIRA. If a birth was not registered, Ugandan citizens can obtain certificates from sub-country chiefs by swearing an oath before these officials. Late registration of births is common as individuals might not register a birth until there is a need for the certificate. The short form birth certificate may be used in exceptional circumstances, but it is only valid for six months and, thus, not widely accepted.
Available
Fees: Foreigners: 40 USD; Ugandans: 5,000 UGX
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: They are typically printed on white paper with red/yellow/green/brown background. It has a circular dry seal. Seals are embossed. Biodata is typed.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Birth/Death
Registration Criteria: One must present a short-form death certificate from the hospital of death or a short-form death certificate from the sub-county where the death occurred.
Forms for Deaths registration can be found on NIRA’s website.
Procedure for Obtaining: Schedule an appointment online at NIRA’s website
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: No.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions
Comments: Registration of deaths is compulsory for all Ugandans and foreign nationals. Late registration of deaths is common as individuals may not register the death until there is a need for it. The short-form death certificate is valid for only 6 months and, thus, not widely accepted.
Available
Fees: Fee varies based on location and type of marriage.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Circular wet seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Marriage
Registration Criteria: For a civil marriage, one files a notice of intent to marry, pays a fee, and confirms that s/he has never been married to the URSB (some exceptions exist for Muslim polygamous marriages). A letter of single status from foreigners is required as proof of single status. A notice of marriage is pinned on the Registrar’s Notice Board for 21 days and if no objection is made, then the marriage is conducted, and a certificate is issued.
Religious and customary marriages are as valid as civil marriages, and they must also be registered with the URSB. Each district of Uganda has a Chief Administration Officer (CAO) who is the Registrar of marriages for that district. Couples must register either directly with the URSB or with the Chief Administration Officer in their district. The CAO is required to file monthly reports of registered marriages with the URSB.
Procedure for Obtaining: Contact the URSB
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: There are no exceptions. All marriages must be registered with the URSB in order to be legally recognized.
Comments: While there are different kinds of valid marriages in Uganda (customary, religious, civil), all of them must be registered with the URSB. Many Ugandan marriages take place according to customary tribal law and no official records exist. For such marriages, certificates are obtainable from the village chief and this certificate may be used to register with the URSB.
Available
Fees: Fee varies based on the court used.
Document Name: Decree Absolute
Issuing Authority: High Court of Kampala
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: It contains a dry seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar
Registration Criteria: One must petition the court for a dissolution of marriage.
Procedure for Obtaining: Petition the court
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Both marriage and divorce may be carried out according to customary tribal law, and if the couple does not register the customary marriage, then no records exist. In those cases, divorce may be agreed upon by the families without a document to confirm it. However, in order for a marriage to be recognized for legal purposes, including immigration, the couple must ensure their marriage is registered with the URSB and have the documentation to prove it. [RKM1] [PL(2]
Comments: None
A registered marriage needs a Decree absolute to be considered terminated, correct?
No. If the registered marriage was a customary one then they can divorce via customary means – the family agreeing to it. No court visit is necessary. So, proving divorces for customary marriages is very difficult.
Available
Fees: 8,000 UGX
Document Name: Adoption Certificate
Issuing Authority: National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A round imprinted dry seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Assistant Registrar
Registration Criteria: The original or certified copy of the final adoption order from the High Court, the national IDs or passports of the parents who are adopting the child, and the child’s birth certificate are required when registering an adoption.
Procedure for Obtaining: Schedule an appointment online at NIRA’s website.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions
Comments: Adoption of a Ugandan child by a non-Ugandan citizen is permitted in exceptional circumstances. However, the prospective adoptive parent(s) must reside in country and foster the child under the supervision of a local probation officer for 12 months. A final adoption order can only be issued by specific judges within the High Court’s Family Division, and the final adoption order is necessary before obtaining an adoption certificate.
Available
Document Name: National Identification
Issuing Authority: National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Hard plastic ID card.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar
Registration Criteria: Referral letter from the Local Council 1 (LC1) in one’s village of birth, and national IDs of parents.
· Procedure for Obtaining: Take the referral letter to a NIRA office.
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: All Ugandans 18 years and older must be registered with NIRA.
Comments: Obtaining a National Identity Card is now a rigorous and thorough process. It is difficult to replace an ID card when one is damaged or lost. Nonetheless, all adult Ugandans must be registered and retain their cards.
Available
Fees: 76,000 UGX
Document Name: Certificate of Good Conduct
Issuing Authority: Interpol
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Embossed by Interpol and on cream colored paper
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director, Interpol
Registration Criteria: Non-citizens must have a valid passport and must have been resident in Uganda for at least six months. Ugandan citizens must have their National ID or Passport.
Procedure for Obtaining:
Two Options:
1. Visit the Uganda Police website (https://www.upf.go.ug/) where one can access the application form before proceeding to pay fees to the bank or using mobile money and visa card. The applicant is then required to book an appointment and will be required to present two passport photos, a copy of their passport and proof of payment before appearing at the Interpol Uganda office in person to have their fingerprints captured. Interpol generally issues the certificate or letter of good conduct within 5-7 days.
-OR-
2. Submit a written request to the Director of Interpol, located at Plot 12 Mabua Road Kololo, PO BOX 43003, Kampala. The request must contain an explanation as to the need for the certificate, photocopies of the biodata pages of the passport for non-citizens and National ID for citizens, and fingerprints must be taken from Interpol Kololo. Processing time is approximately two (2) weeks.
Certified Copies: There are no certified copies
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Although Certificates of Good Conduct are valid for only 6 months according to Interpol, they are valid for two years for U.S. immigrant visa purposes.
Prison Records
Unavailable. There is no centralized database and though every district has its own records, those records are generally unreliable.
Available
Fees: Approximately 30,000 UGX
Document Name: Adoption Order
Issuing Authority: The High Court of Uganda Family Division
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An authentic adoption court order is normally issued on white paper and is printed in black ink. The issuing judge signs in blue or black ink with their name and date printed on the last page of the court ruling and order. A dry seal with the court name is always imprinted on the last page.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge
Registration Criteria: By court order
Procedure for Obtaining: A petition is filed at the High Court Family Division and an adoption hearing is scheduled and attended by the prospective adoptive parents.
Certified Copies Available: Available
Alternate Documents: Legal guardianship order; but only issued to Ugandan citizen parents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Adoption of a Ugandan child by a non-Ugandan citizen is permitted in exceptional circumstances. However, the prospective adoptive parent(s) must reside in country and foster the child under the supervision of a local probation officer for 12 months. A final adoption order can only be issued by specific judges in the High Court’s Family Division. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has the authority to request the Judiciary review and consider for rescission any intercountry adoption order that it deems to be issued in error or contrary to law.
Available
Fees vary
Document name: Court Records
Issuing Authority: The court of record
Special Seal(s) / Color/ Format: There is no special seal(s) / color / format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar
Registration Criteria: A proceeding must have taken place at the court where you make your request in order to receive a record of such proceeding.
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit a written request to the registrar of the court where the proceedings were held.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: There are no exceptions
Comments: All court records are public documents.
Available
Fees: Possible
Document Name: Military Records on Training and Discharge Certificates
Issuing Authority: Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: UPDF SEAL
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Personnel and Administration
Registration Criteria: Must be a Ugandan citizen who has served in the military.
Procedure for Obtaining: Military members receive their military records at the time of discharge. If lost, a replacement can be obtained from the office of Chief of Personnel Administration whose headquarters is in Bombo Military Headquarters / Ministry of Defense, Mbuya Hill, P O Box 3798, Kampala.
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: There are no exceptions
Comments: It may take several months to obtain.
Travel Documents
Types Available: Regular, Official, Diplomatic, and East African passports
Fees: Fees vary
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Government of Uganda, Ministry of Internal Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Passport Officers
Registration Criteria: See the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control’s website.
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: None.
Other Documents Available: Refugee Travel Documents, National ID card for regional travel only.
Not applicable.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Kampala
Address:
o 1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Phone Number:
o Tel: 256-41-234-142
o Fax: 256-41-258-451
Email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov
Comments / Additional Information: An appointment is required for all routine consular services for U.S. citizens.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Kampala
Address:
1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Email: KampalaVisa@state.gov
Visa Services: NIV and Adoption-related Immigrant Visas only
Comments / Additional Information: Please see https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ug/niv for information on scheduling an NIV appointment. Immigrant visas for Ugandans or those resident in Uganda are processed by U.S. Embassy Nairobi.
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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