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 | 48 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 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 | 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 | 48 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | $325.00 | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | $325.00 | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2R | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | $325.00 | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | $325.00 | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Available
Fees: KSh 250 (New Registration), KSh 500 (Late registration)
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Department of Civil Registration
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births & Deaths
Registration Criteria: Applicants can contact the Registrar of Births to make a late registration of birth. If the office is satisfied with evidence required, late registration will be authorized, and a birth certificate will be issued. Please contact the following address for more information:
Procedure for Obtaining: Please contact the following address for more information:
Director of Civil Registration
Nairobi Civil Registration
Births and Deaths
ACK Bishop’s Building
Nairobi
For upcountry births, applicants should contact the Registrar of Births (Upcountry) at the following address:
Director of Civil Registration
Department of Civil Registration
P.O Box 49179
Hass Plaza
Nairobi
Comments: Civil Registration services are available online through eCitizen: ecitizen.go.ke, the official government platform for obtaining services from the National Government.
Available
Fees: KSh 250
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Department of Civil Registration
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births & Deaths
Registration Criteria: Applicant must submit a burial permit or notification of death to the office of the Director of Civil Registration along with a completed Form D4 (Application for Death Certificate). In the absence of a burial permit or notification of death, the applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the date of death.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Registrar General for copies of death certificates at the following address:
Director of Civil Registration
Nairobi Civil Registration
Births and Deaths
ACK Bishop’s Building
Nairobi
For deaths that occur outside Nairobi, applicants should contact the Director of Civil Registration at the following address:
Director of Civil Registration
Department of Civil Registration
P.O. Box 49179
Hass Plaza
Nairobi
Comments: Civil Registration services are available online through eCitizen: ecitizen.go.ke, the official government platform for obtaining services from the National Government.
Available
Fees: Fees vary depending on whether the contracting parties are seeking a normal marriage license or a special license (where the parties cannot meet the 21-day notice period)
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Registrar of Marriages and Kadhi Court (for Islamic marriages)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Marriages (for civil/customary marriages) and Kadhi Court/Judiciary (for Islamic marriages)
Registration Criteria: Can now be applied on eCitizen: ecitizen.go.ke
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Registrar General for copies of marriage certificates at the following address
Registrar of Marriages
Sheria House 2nd Floor
Nairobi
Website: statelaw.go.ke
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: After August 1, 2017, all entities living together as husband and wife MUST register their marriages
Comments: All marriages MUST now be registered, including customary marriages.
Available
Fees: Prescribed by the court
Document Name: Decree Nisi/Absolute
Issuing Authority: Law Courts
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Magistrate of the Court
Registration Criteria: Draw a petition that clearly states the grounds for divorce. Petitioner required to serve the petition and the notice to appear in court to the respondent, either personally or through a post office. The respondent may also file another petition to dissolve the marriage, and after the papers have been exchanged, the registrar of the court sets the date for hearing. If the court is satisfied with the petition, marriage dissolution is granted. The dissolution takes full effect after six months, after which parties are allowed to remarry.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Registrar at the following address to obtain copies of divorce decrees
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary
City Hall Way
P.O BOX 30041-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
(020) 2221 221
info@judiciary.go.ke
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: You should have sufficient reasons to convince the court for a need to divorce, particularly if three years have not elapsed since the date of marriage.
Comments: Read The Marriage Act 4 of 2014 of the Laws of Kenya for more detail on the requirements for obtaining a divorce decree/Absolute. http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/TheMarriage_Act2014.pdf
Available: For local adoption only
Document Name: Adoption Certificate
Issuing Authority: High Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: High Court Judge
Registration Criteria: Please visit labour.go.ke
Procedure for Obtaining: Please visit labour.go.ke
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The Kenyan government imposed a moratorium on international adoptions in November 2014. The moratorium is still in place.
Available
Fees: KSh 1000
Document Name: National Identity Card
Issuing Authority: National Registration Bureau
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Second Generation (2011 onwards): Card Front: Government of Kenya shield hologram on right side of card; holder’s thumb print in bottom right corner; holder’s photo in bottom left corner; Holder’s signature on bottom center. Card Back: Holder’s photo in center; Principal Registrats signature below photo;
Registration Criteria: Please contact:
National Registration Bureau
NSSF Building, Block B 8th Floor
P.O. Box 57007, 00200
Nairobi.
Tel: +254-20-2722526, +254-20-2720069
Fax: 2716205
Email: director.nrb@kenya.go.ke
Procedure for Obtaining: Visit the official site for further information: immigration.go.ke
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Kenyans under 18 years of age
Comments: None
Available
Fees: KSh 1000 plus return postage fee
Document Name: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Issuing Authority: Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Note: Most PCC’s issued by the Kenyan DCI are computer generated, as and a such do not have special security features. Printed PCCs include the National Police Service seal at the top, above the title “Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” and beneath the “National Police Service” title. The certificate has a tri-border, consisting of navy blue, yellow, and maroon. The PCC includes the following:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Registration Criteria: Please visit https://dci.ecitizen.go.ke/
Procedure for Obtaining: Please visit https://dci.ecitizen.go.ke/
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Due to Government of Kenya policies, the U.S. Embassy Nairobi Consular Section considers police certificates unobtainable for refugees/asylees residing in Kenya, as well as for individuals in Kenya with no legal status. Once the Kenyan Department of Refugee Services (formerly the Refugee Affairs Secretariat) issues a police certificate, they will not issue another certificatefor U.S. immigration purposes, regardless of the certificate’s expiration date.
Available
Fees: No fees
Document Name: Prison Record
Issuing Authority: Prison of previous incarceration
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Prison
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the prison where the applicant was incarcerated. A written request should be addressed with details of the individual's full name, nationality, prison where incarcerated, and period imprisoned to the Commissioner of Prisons, P.O. Box 30175, Nairobi.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Court document or record
Issuing Authority: The court which handled the particular case
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The court magistrate or judge
Procedure for Obtaining: Applications letter should be addressed to the applicable court
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Comments: None
Available
Fees: No fees
Document Name: Military Records
Issuing Authority: Kenyan Defence Forces
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of the section or department
Procedure for Obtaining: Applications should be addressed to the applicable branch of the Kenyan Defence Force. Inquiries should include the service number of the individual and the period employed:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available: East African Countries passport (light blue cover), Diplomatic Passport (maroon cover)
Fees: Varies based on the number of pages
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Directorate of Immigration Services
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no Special Seal(s)/ Color/Format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Directorate of Immigration Services
Registration Criteria: Complete the passport application form online on eCitizen. Find out how to apply for a passport on eCitizen here ecitizen.go.ke
Procedure for Obtaining: You can apply for, renew, or replace your passport and pay for it online. You must print out a form at the end. You must sign and date the form, add any documents or photographs that are needed, and return it for processing.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: Refugee Travel Document
Other Documents Available: Refugee ID Card
Not applicable.
Post Title: Embassy
Address:
Phone Number:
Email: None
All visa categories for Kenya. U.S. Embassy Nairobi also processes immigrant visas for the following countries
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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