Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months ▲ |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months ▲◼ |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months ◼ |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| C-4/D-3 | None | Two | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 35 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 | 35 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 | 35 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 35 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 |
▲. Maximum validity for A-1 and A-2 TDY visas is 12 months.
◼. Please check with the Visa Chief at Embassy New Delhi for Indian citizens applying for A3 visas, or A2 visas where the position is designated as "service staff member" in the diplomatic note.
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.
Individuals residing outside of India may obtain documents from the state or local government entity with jurisdiction over the district of their previous residence. Indian relatives or friends may request issuance of documents on behalf of someone now living abroad. Relatives and friends should have specific written authorization from the interested party before they request official documents. Alternatively, persons in need of official documents can contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their residence abroad to ask for assistance.
Available: For persons born after April 1, 1970, birth certificates are available. For persons born prior to April 1, 1970, birth certificates are considered unavailable.
Fees: Fees vary from each municipal authority, or any office authorized to issue birth and death certificates by the Registrar of Births & Deaths.
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Municipal authority, or any office authorized to issue birth and death certificates by the Registrar of Births & Deaths.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies substantially from state to state.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: The registration criteria varies.
Procedure for Obtaining: Procedures vary from each authority.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: If an individual is born after April 1, 1970 and is unable to obtain a birth certificate, the individual must obtain a certificate of non-availability from the local authorities with jurisdiction over their place of birth. In addition to a non-availability certificate, the following documents can be accepted as secondary evidence:
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: For all births after April 1, 1970. It is mandatory under the law (as per the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969) to register every birth with the concerned state or union territory.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Appropriate state or municipal authorities.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Varies for each authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies for each authority.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: It is mandatory under the law (as per the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969) to register every death with the concerned state or union territory. Prior to April 1, 1970, reporting of deaths was voluntary.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Religious authorities and the offices of the Government Registrar of Marriages, which are located in the headquarters of each district.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies substantially.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Different for each state and religious authority that conducts the marriage.
Registration Criteria: Prior to 2006, marriages by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs were not required to be registered, but may have been voluntarily registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. As of 2006, it is mandatory to register all marriages. In India, a marriage can either be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or under the Special Marriage Act of 1954. For marriages registered at government offices under the Special Marriage Act, the certificate will be issued by the Registrar only if the bride and groom personally appear before the official and pay the required fee. For other marriages that are required to be registered with government authorities under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, registration criteria vary by authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies for each authority.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: See comments section.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Hindu Marriage Act is applicable to Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion. Please note that marriages by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs may be voluntarily registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.
A marriage certificate issued by a Christian church needs to be registered in the office of The Registrar of Marriages. The registration authority varies from state to state.
If the parties are married in an Islamic religious ceremony, the certificate issued by the religious authority (such as a Nikah Nama contract issued by the mosque, or a marriage certificate issued by the Waqf Board) is sufficient proof of the marriage, and an additional registration with government authorities is not necessary/mandatory. A document known as a “Marriage Agreement” or “Deed of Marriage” to live as man and wife (under the Registration Act of 1908) is not sufficient confirmation of a marriage. Such a document does not confer legal marital status under the law. The minimum age for a marriage to be legal is 18 for females and 21 for males.
Same-sex marriages are illegal in India.
Available
Fees: Varies by court and authority.
Document Name: Divorce Decree. For Islamic religious authorities, it is called the Talaqnama if initiated by the husband. If the wife initiates a divorce, it is called a Khulanama. A mutual divorce is called a Mubaratnama. Some Indian states recognize Talaqnamas issued by a Qazi or competent Islamic authority while others require a court order. In most cases, a court needs to issue a declaratory suit to recognize a Khulanama or Mubaratnama.
Issuing Authority: Courts of jurisdiction, Muslim religious bodies.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies. Divorce decrees should include official stamps from the court of jurisdiction.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Varies for each authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies for each authority.
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available.
Alternate Documents: See comments section.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Parties filing for divorce can obtain divorce decrees from their court of jurisdiction. For marriages that took place under Islamic religious authorities, in the absence of a court divorce decree, a divorce certificate from the religious officiant, called a “Qazi,” or the head of the mosque is acceptable only in the case of a Talaqnama. Muslims can also apply for a court divorce decree.
Some Hindu communities practice divorce by mutual consent outside of the judicial system, resulting in a “divorce deed”. However, only a final “divorce decree,” obtained through a court, is proof of the final dissolution of a Hindu marriage.
Available
Fees: $5000 for inter-country adoptions
Document Name: Adoption Order issued by the District Magistrate for all of India except for the state of Maharashtra, where the adoption order is issued by an Indian court confirming adoption. Adoption is legally concluded after obtaining an adoption order from the District Magistrate/court. No Objection Certificate (NOC) under Article 17 and Conformity Certificate under Article 23 are issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Issuing Authority: District Magistrate for all of India, except for the State of Maharashtra. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021, District Magistrates are authorized to issue adoption orders, replacing the previous role of courts. In the state of Maharashtra, a Competent Indian Court issues the adoption order. The court may be a Civil Court, District Court, Family Court or High Court.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: No specific format or color; but the District Magistrate order must be signed by a District Magistrate, and the adoption order from the court should be signed by a Judge and issued by a competent Indian Court. The adoption order should state that adoption is granted to the adoptive parents and confirm that any preexisting parental relationships have been terminated. The new name, as given by the adoptive parents, must be recorded along with the date of birth of the child.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Magistrate if the adoption order is issued by the District Magistrate. Judge if the adoption order is from the State of Maharashtra (the court may be City Civil Court, District Court, Family Court, or High Court).
Registration Criteria: Inter-country adoption means adoption of a child from India by a nonresident Indian citizen, a person of Indian origin, or a foreigner. All inter-country adoptions must follow the provisions of THE JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN) ACT, 2015 (JJ Act) and the Adoption Regulations framed by CARA.
Procedure for Obtaining: Contact an attorney.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: India is a member of the Hague Adoption Convention. CARA is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. It functions as the nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate inter-country adoptions. CARA is the Central Authority dealing with inter-country adoptions, in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003. CARA primarily deals with the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children through its associated/recognized adoption agencies.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name: Aadhar Card
Issuing Authority: Unique Identification Authority of India, Government of India
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seal/color/formats.
Registration Criteria: Must be a resident of India.
Procedure for Obtaining: Available from Aadhaar Enrollment Centers, Aadhar Camps, and other enrollment facilities. Please see for more information: uidai.gov
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: For proof of address that the Indian Passport Offices will accept, please see this link: portal2.passportindia.gov.in
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Residents of all states and union territories of India can obtain a National ID card, which bears a 12-digit unique identity number. Aadhar is a proof of residence, and not a proof of citizenship. Aadhaar does not itself grant any rights to domicile in India. The Aadhar number is linked to a resident’s basic demographic and biometric information such as a photograph, ten fingerprints and two iris scans, which are stored in a centralized database. The Aadhar project is also linked to some public subsidies and benefits. Aadhar enrollment is not compulsory.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name:
Issuing Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All police clearance certificates from regional passport offices have a similar format. The header bears the symbol of India’s Central government (three lions), and contains the contact information of the regional office, issuance date, file number, and applicant photograph. It is signed and stamped by the Ministry of External Affairs. Police clearance certificates issued by other authorities vary in format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Varies by authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies by authority.
Certified Copies: Applicants obtain original police clearance certificates from police authorities.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Police certificates are available for Indian nationals and non-Indian nationals currently living in India. Indian police certificates are often available for foreign (non-Indian) nationals applying outside India at the Indian Embassy of their country of residence.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name: Varies by authority.
Issuing Authority: Varies by authority.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies substantially, however, all court documents should bear some kind of official stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies by authority.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies by authority.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: In all states and union territories there are 24 high courts at the state and union territory level of India, along with the Supreme Court of India at the national level. Each high court has jurisdiction over a state, a union territory or a group of states and union territories.
Available
Fees: Varies by authority.
Document Name: Varies by authority.
Issuing Authority: Varies by authority.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies by authority.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Varies by authority.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: A person who has been incarcerated can obtain a prison record from the State Inspector General of Police, from the Police authorities of Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai, or from the Superintendent of the jail in which the sentence was served.
Unavailable
Types Available:
Identity Certificate: Yellow. Known as the IC, it is available to Tibetan Refugees and Stateless Persons. The IC is a valid travel document, which enables the bearer to travel internationally, and is the document in which to place a U.S. visa. It is valid for 10 years. Older ICs were paper booklets with a pasted photograph; the latest version (produced since 2007) is yellow and bears a digital photo. Only the Regional Passport Office in New Delhi can authorize Identity Certificates for Tibetan Refugees. Stateless persons can apply at the passport office within the jurisdiction they reside.
Fees: Fees range according to document and service. Those applying for a passport or identity certificate can use the fee calculator to determine costs.
Not applicable.
Post Title: Mumbai, India (Consulate General)
Address: C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
Phone: (022) 2672-4000
Fax: (022) 2672-4755
Visa Services: Immigrant visas, Nonimmigrant visas
Post Title: New Delhi, India (Embassy)
Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri 110021
Phone: (91) (11) 2419-8000
Fax: (91) (11) 2419-0017
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas, Adoptions, and Specialized Immigrant Visas
Post Title: Chennai, India (Consulate General)
Address: 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
Phone: (91) (44) 2811-2000
Fax: (91) (44) 2811-2027
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas ONLY
Post Title: Hyderabad, India (Consulate General)
Address: 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
Phone: (91) (040) 4033-8300
Fax: (91) (040) 4033-8301
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas ONLY
Post Title: Kolkata, India (Consulate General)
Address: 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
Phone: (91) (33) 2282-3611 through 2282-3615
Fax: (91) (33) 2282-2335
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant Visas ONLY
All posts process routine non-immigrant visas (NIV). Certain posts specialize in visa categories that can only be processed at those locations.
Visa Category |
Dedicated Posts |
Immigrant |
Mumbai |
Immigrant – Adoptions |
New Delhi |
H1-B and L |
Hyderabad, Chennai |
C1/D |
New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai |
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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