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U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > South Africa
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 | 36 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 36 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 | Multiple | 12 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 | 36 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 36 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 | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-2R | $70.00 | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 36 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 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| R-2 | None | 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 | 60 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 60 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.
All citizens and permanent residents of South Africa must have an identity document.
Available
Fees: The first Unabridged Birth Certificate issued is free.
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4 paper with the Department of Home Affairs logo in the upper left corner. The border is green with an RSA watermark.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria: All children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth (required by the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992).
How to Get a Birth Certificate: Applicants must:
Certified Copies: Certified true copy available from the Department of Home Affairs.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: The first Unabridged Death Certificate issued is free.
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4 paper with the Department of Home Affairs logo in the upper left corner. The border is green with an RSA watermark.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria: The Births and Deaths Registration Act requires that a person’s death must be reported to any one of these people or organizations:
How to Get a Death Certificate: Complete Form BI-1663. These people must complete different sections of the form:
Certified Copies: Certified true copies are available from the Department of Home Affairs.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: The first Unabridged Marriage Certificate issued is free.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4 paper with Department of Home Affairs logo in the upper left corner. Green border with an RSA watermark.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria: There are three different laws that govern how a marriage may be formed in South Africa:
People can only be married under one of these laws at a time.
How to Get a Marriage Certificate:
To obtain a long-form marriage certificate, applicants must apply to the Department of Home Affairs: www.dha.gov.za, Private Bag X114, Pretoria 0001.
The request must state:
Note: If the marriage certificate is not in English, the applicant must also submit an English translation.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Only unabridged long-form marriage certificates are acceptable.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Fees can vary.
Document Name: The names of documents can be different.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of the High Court or at Regional divisions of the Magistrate's Courts
Registration Criteria: Vary
How to get a Divorce Certificate: The ways to get divorce certificate can be different.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: R70.00 (Seventy Rand)
Document Name: Amendment to Birth Registration
Issuing Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: See Birth, Death and Burial Certificates
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria: Certified copy of the adoption order
How to Get an Adoption Certificate:
Certified Copies: Certified true copies are available from the Department of Home Affairs.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Comments: Under section 25 of the Child Care Act, 1983 (Act No. 74 of 1983), the Department of Home Affairs must record the adoption of a child in the child’s birth register if requested by the adoptive parents.
Available
Fees: R140.00 (One hundred and forty Rand)
Document Name: Smart ID Card
Issuing Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Republic of South Africa Flag. Mostly white with a fine line background design printed as a rainbow image. Landscape layout.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria:
You must attach these documents to your application form:
How to Get an Identify Card:
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: R59.00 (Fifty-nine Rand)
Document Name: Clearance Certificate
Issuing Authority: South African Police Service
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White paper with a South African Police Service seal in the upper center of the page in blue/yellow.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: South African Police Service
Registration Criteria: Criminal records that have covered the entire Republic since 1901 are kept at the South African Police Headquarters, Pretoria.
The police authorities require applicants to present:
How to Get Police Records:
To get a certificate issued in single copy only, fingerprints must be taken by the local police in the applicant's place of residence.
Applicants living in the in the United States must forward:
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Unavailable
Document Name: Can vary
Issuing Authority: Can vary
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seal(s) or color/formats.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of the High Court or at Regional divisions of the Magistrate's Courts
Registration Criteria: Vary
How to Get a Court Record:
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Unavailable
Document Name: Prison Record
Issuing Authority: Department of Correctional Services
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seal(s), color or formats.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services
Registration Criteria: Vary
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply to the provincial office of the Department of Correctional Service.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Fees: Unavailable
Document Name: Varies
Issuing Authority: Unavailable
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There are no special seals, colors or formats.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Unavailable
Registration Criteria: Unavailable
How to Get Military Records:
People who have served in the armed forces after World War II:
Write to the regiment you were attached to. Give your:
People who served in World War II:
Non-officers received discharge certificates on Discharge Form D.D.342, size 6-1/4 x 8-3/4, written in English on both sides. They include a description of the final discharge signed by the appropriate military official.
Officers received release certificates on Release Form D.D.201, titled Release Certificate (Officer), size 8" x 6-1/2", written in English on one side, Afrikaans on the other. They include the dispersal office date stamp in the lower left-hand corner and were signed by the O.C., Dispersal Depot.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Available
Types Available:
Fees:
Document Name: Passport or Emergency Travel Certificate
Issuing Government Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Regular passports are Green, Official navy blue, and Diplomatic passports are maroon.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Department of Home Affairs
Registration Criteria: Applicants must have a South African identity number.
How to Get a Passport or Emergency Travel Certificate:
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: There are no exceptions.
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available.
Not applicable.
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
Address: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst
Phone Number: +27 (11) 290-3000
Visa Services: All visa categories (including all Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees)
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Cape Town
Address: 2 Reddam Ave, Westlake
Phone Number: +27 (11) 702-7300
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant visas only
Post Title: U.S. Consulate General Durban
Address: 303 Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street, 31st Floor, Delta Towers
Phone Number: +27 (31) 310-3300
Visa Services: Nonimmigrant visas only
Johannesburg provides all immigrant visas.
Nonimmigrant visas are provided according to this list:
Location
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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