The U.S. Department of State has updated its visa reciprocity schedules for citizens of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, drastically shortening the validity and entry privileges of key work and dependent visas previously issued with long-term terms.
Under the updated schedule, several work, dependent, and visitor visa categories for both countries — including H‑1B, H‑1C, H‑2R, H‑3, H‑4 (work and dependent visas), as well as B‑1, B‑2, and B‑1/B‑2 (business and tourist visas) — will now generally be issued with just a three‑month validity period and a single entry into the United States.
Previously, some of these visas could be issued with multi‑year validity, sometimes up to 10 years, allowing holders to enter the U.S. multiple times without reapplying. The new change significantly shortens both the length of the visa and the flexibility for multiple entries.
Under the new terms:
Reciprocity Fee: None — applicants do not pay an extra issuance fee beyond the standard visa application charge.
Number of Entries: One — the visa holder may use the visa to enter the U.S. only once.
Validity Period: Three months from issuance — the visa must be used within that timeframe, though length of stay once admitted is set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and not by the visa itself.
These updates come amid broader U.S. scrutiny of citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programs in the Eastern Caribbean, including those operated by Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, which grant citizenship in exchange for investment. Caribbean CBI programs have drawn international attention over the past several years, with critics arguing that some variants lacked residency requirements and comprehensive vetting, potentially creating security and identity verification concerns.
Earlier in 2026, the U.S. expanded travel and entry restrictions toward several countries, citing national security and public charge concerns. As part of that effort, additional requirements and limitations — such as higher financial bonds for Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica passport holders applying for certain visas — have also been introduced.
Antigua and Barbuda’s government acknowledged the evolving visa environment and announced efforts to “align” its biometric systems with U.S. requirements within a 90‑day window to improve predictability for applicants.
These changes represent a major reversal from the longer‑term, multiple‑entry U.S. visa access that Dominicans and Antiguans were previously accustomed to.
Travelers who already hold valid visas issued under the older terms can continue to use them for entry, but new applicants may see more limited validity and must plan accordingly.
Applicants from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda should check the U.S. State Department’s official website for the full list of affected visa categories and detailed requirements.
caribbeannationalweekly
