Travel.State.Gov >
U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Dominican Republic
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 | 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 | 24 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 24 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 | 25 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 25 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 21 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 | 25 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 25 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 | 25 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 25 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: $400 Dominican pesos for “Extracto de Acta” and $500 Dominican pesos for “Acta Inextensa”as of June 2019
Document Name: Acta de Nacimiento
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officer of the issuing Civil Registry Office or Director of the Central Office of the Civil Registry
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Birth certificates (Actas de Nacimiento, in Spanish) are available for all registered births in the Dominican Republic. Certified copies of birth certificates may be obtained by visiting the Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil) having jurisdiction over the place in which the birth occurred. Alternatively, birth certificates may be obtained by writing directly to the General Directorate of Civil Registry Offices of the Republic (Dirección General de las Oficialías del Estado Civil de la República) in Santo Domingo, giving the place and year of the person's birth. The address of the General Directorate is Calle Paul Harris esq. Horacio Vicioso.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Two types of birth certificates are available: a condensed version called an "Extracto de Acta" and a longer version, called an "Acta Inextensa," which contains more information. Both versions are legitimate civil documents; however, post requires the Acta Inextensa be submitted for immigrant, K and V visa purposes due to its more complete nature. Dominican civil documents used for visa purposes do not need to be legalized.
Available
Fees: $400 Dominican pesos for “Extracto de Acta” and $500 Dominican pesos for “Acta Inextensa” as of June 2019
Document Name: Acta de Defunción
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Delegation of Death Registration issues the certificates registered in Santo Domingo and the deaths that occurred after the division of provinces Division of Death Registration per jurisdiction in the Dominican Republic will issue all deaths prior to the division of the provinces.
Registration Criteria: National ID or passport of the deceased and the person that reports the death, Death Certificate issued by the Clinic or Hospital, and Birth Certificate of the deceased, if available.
Procedure for Obtaining: Certified copies of death certificates may be obtained by visiting the Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil) having jurisdiction over the area in which the death took place. Alternatively, such certificates may be obtained by writing directly to the General Directorate of Civil Registry Offices of the Republic (Dirección General de las Oficialías del Estado Civil de la República) in Santo Domingo. The address of the General Directorate is Calle Paul Harris esq. Horacio Vicioso.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Dominican civil documents used for visa purposes do not need to be legalized
Available
Fees: $400 Dominican pesos for “Extracto de Acta” and $500 Dominican pesos for “Acta In-extensa” as of June 2019
Document Name: Acta de Matrimonio
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officer of the issuing Civil Registry Office or Director of the Central Office of the Civil Registry.
Registration Criteria: National ID and Birth Certificates for both parties; Divorce or Death certificates if applicable for previous marriage, at least 2 witnesses, non-family or direct relatives, if parties have children in common, birth certificates must be presented. In case that both parties or either is of minor age, Birth certificates and parents’ consent to marry must be presented.
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained by visiting the Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil) having jurisdiction over the area in which the marriage took place. Alternatively, such certificates may be obtained by writing directly to the General Directorate of Civil Registry Offices of the Republic (Dirección General de las Oficialías del Estado Civil de la República) in Santo Domingo. The address of the General Directorate is Calle Paul Harris esq. Horacio Vicioso.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Two types of Marriage certificates are available: a condensed version called an "Extracto de Acta" and a longer version, called an "Acta Inextensa," which contains more information. Both versions are legitimate civil documents; however, post requires the Acta Inextensa be submitted for immigrant, K and V visa purposes due to its more complete nature. Dominican civil documents used for visa purposes do not need to be legalized.
Available
Fees: $400 Dominican pesos for “Extracto de Acta” and $500 Dominican pesos for “Acta Inextensa” as of June 2019
Document Name: Acta de Divorcio
Issuing Authority: Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officer of the issuing Civil Registry Office or Director of the Central Office of the Civil Registry.
Registration Criteria: Lawyer must file a Judgment to the court that will then be ruled by the same court. With the Ruled Judgment, the Civil Registry Office will pronounce the determination of divorce.
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained by visiting the Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil) having jurisdiction over the area in which the divorce took place. Alternatively, such certificates may be obtained by writing directly to the General Directorate of Civil Registry Offices of the Republic (Dirección General de las Oficialías del Estado Civil de la República) in Santo Domingo. The address of the General Directorate is Calle Paul Harris esq. Horacio Vicioso.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Two types of Divorce certificates are available: a condensed version called an "Extracto de Acta" and a longer version, called an "Acta Inextensa," which contains more information. Both versions are legitimate civil documents; however, post requires the Acta Inextensa be submitted for immigrant, K and V visa purposes due to its more complete nature. Dominican civil documents used for visa purposes do not need to be legalized
Available
Fees: May vary
Document Name: Sentencia de Adopción
Issuing Authority: Tribunal for Children and Adolescents (Tribunal de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: May be obtained by visiting the Tribunal de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes, having jurisdiction over the area in which the adoption took place.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Dominican civil documents used for visa purposes do not need to be legalized.
Available
Fees: Free for first and second issuance of identity card, $500 Dominican pesos for third card, $1,000 Dominican pesos for fourth or subsequent cards as of 2019
Document Name: Identity and Electoral Document (Cédula)
Issuing Authority: General Election Board (Junta Central Electoral)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: General Election Board (Junta Central Electoral)
Registration Criteria: Dominican nationals age 18 and over, some Dominican nationals age 16 – 18, and foreign legal residents.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants must appear in person at an ID Center (Centro de Cedulación) with their birth certificate and certificate of blood type from a reputable laboratory.
Certified Copies Available: If a cédula is lost, it can be replaced.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: $600 Dominican pesos as of March 2018
Document Name: "Certificate of No Judicial Records" (Certificación de No Antecendentes Penales)
Issuing Authority: Procuraduria General de la Republica
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title if the document is acquired over the official website. If the person requests the document in the local office, the person in charge of the center will sign the document.
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Dominicans and non-Dominicans 18 years or older who permanently reside in or have resided in the Dominican Republic may apply for the certificate through the Attorney General website: https://portal.servicios.pgr.gob.do/Home. They may also apply in person at any office of the Attorney General of the Republic (Procuraduria General de la Republica) throughout the country. They must present a Dominican national identification card (cédula) and a photocopy of both sides and the receipt showing the corresponding fee has been paid. The certificate is usually ready the same day and is handed directly to the interested party for presentation during the visa interview.
Certified Copies Available: None
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Send a copy of the police certificate to the National Visa Center.
Available
Fees: Basic fee, total may vary
Document Name: Certified Sentence (Copia de Sentencia Certificada), Certificate of No Appeal (Certificado de No Apelacion de Sentencia), Certified Copy of Resolution (Copia de Auto Certificado)
Issuing Authority: Lower Criminal Court (Tribunal Colegiado de la Camara Penal del Juzgado de Primera Instancia), Court of Appeals (Camara Penal de la Corte de Apelación), Preliminary Hearing Court (Juzgado de Instruccion)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Secretary General of the Lower Criminal Court (Secretaria General de la Camara Penal del Juzgado de Primera Instancia), Secretary General of the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeals (Secretaria General de la Camara penal de la Corte de Apelacion), Secretary General of the Preliminary Hearing Court (Secretaria General de los Juzgados de Instruccion)
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: The involved party must deposit a written request (Instancia) providing the decision number, date and criminal chamber where it was issued, through the Secretary General of the court along with the original receipts/stamps showing the corresponding service fee has been paid.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Applicant may request a full copy of the criminal file.
Available
Fees: $600 Dominican pesos
Document Name: Prison Certificate (Certificación de Prisiones)
Issuing Authority: General Directorate of Prisons (Dirección General de Prisiones)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director General of Prisons
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: A prison certificate may be obtained by submitting a request form in person at the General Directorate of Prisons.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Prison records are maintained on all current and former prisoners in the Dominican Republic 18 years of age or over.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Certificate of Discharge (Certificación de Baja)
Issuing Authority: Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Dominican Republic
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply in person at the appropriate military branch.
Certified Copies Available: Information not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Passports
Fees: Varies by type of passport
Document Name: Dominican Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministério de Relaciónes Exteriores)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Black with the Dominican coat of arms on the cover and the name
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Registration Criteria: Proof of Dominican nationality and proof of identity
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply in person at a passport office with proof of Dominican nationality and proof of identity
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available
There are no other records
Post Title: Santo Domingo (Embassy)
Address:
To send correspondence via the U.S. Postal Service:
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo
Office/Section
3470 Santo Domingo Pl
Washington, DC 20521-3470
To send correspondence via the Dominican Postal Institute:
Embajada de los Estados Unidos de América
Av. República de Colombia # 57, Arroyo Hondo
Santo Domingo, DN, República Dominicana
Phone Number: (809) 567-7775
Comments / Additional Information: None
All visa categories for all of Dominican Republic.
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.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit: