The US official and diplomatic visas are designed as such that the people holding them cannot travel with the Visa Waiver Program.
What are the Types of Diplomatic Visas for the US?
Since there are multiple levels of diplomacy and there can be various officials of government, the US made the following visa types:
- A visas. For foreign government officials visiting the US on official duties.
- A-1 visa, which is for Diplomats, Consular Officers, Public Ministers, Ambassadors, and their families.
- A-2 visa, which is for other government officials or staff as well as their families.
- A-2, NATO1-6 visa, which is for military staff from other countries who will be serving in the US.
- A-3 visa, which is for government personal employees, attendants, or servants of A-1 and A-2 visa holders, as well as their immediate family.
- G visas. For officials and employees of international organizations visiting for official duties.
- G-1 visa for permanent mission members of a recognized government who work for an international organization and their dependents.
- G-2 visa for representatives of a recognized government travelling to the US for meetings of an international organization and their dependents.
- G-3 visa for representatives of a non-recognized or non-member government and their dependents.
- G-4 visa for individuals travelling to the US to be appointed to an international organization including the United Nations, and their dependents.
- G-5 visa for personal employees or domestic workers of G-1 to G-4 visa holders.
- NATO visas. For officials of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization visiting for official duties.
- NATO-1 visa for permanent members of NATO or any of its subsidiaries, or for staff members of principal NATO representatives.
- NATO-2 visa for representatives of members states of NATO or any of its subsidiaries, or advisors/technical experts to a NATO delegation;
- NATO-3 visa for a member of the official clerical staff accompanying representatives of member states to NATO or any of its subsidiaries.
- NATO-4 visa for foreign nationals classified as NATO officials.
- NATO-5 visa for foreign nationals classified as NATO experts.
- NATO-6 visa for members of a civilian component of NATO.
- NATO-7 visa for attendants or personal employees of NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas.
Who is Exempt From NATO Visa?
Some officials are exempt from having to get a NATO visa. This is applicable only if the person travelling belongs to the armed forces personnel and is:
- Attached to the NATO Allied Headquarters in the US. and is on official duties;
- Entering the US under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement
Requirements for the US Official and Diplomatic Visas
A visa requirements
The following people are eligible for the A1 visa:
- High level officials such as head of state or ministers, as well as judicial officers and legislative leaders.
- Ambassadors or consular officers which visit the US for diplomatic purposes.
- All representatives of foreign states which have diplomatic relations with the US.
- Representatives of countries which do not have diplomatic relations with the US could be allowed to get the A-1 visa if it is determined that visiting the US is in the interest of the country.
NATO visa requirements
- Proof of Delegation: Officials must provide proof of being sent by NATO.
- Evidence of Duties: Documentation detailing the duties the officials will perform while in the US to confirm eligibility.
- Entry Requirement: Armed forces personnel must generally enter the US on a military aircraft or naval vessel.
- Identification: Present military ID at the point of entry.
- Supporting Documents: Provide supporting documents from NATO.
- Family Members: Family members accompanying armed forces personnel must possess valid NATO visas to enter the US.
G visa requirements
- Proof of Delegation: Officials must provide proof of being sent by their respective international organizations.
- Evidence of Duties: Documentation detailing the duties the officials will perform while in the US to confirm eligibility.
- Recognition of the International Organization: Applicants for G visas must demonstrate that their international organization is recognized by the US government and president.
How to Apply for a US Official Visa?
The steps to apply for the US official visas visas are similar and are as follows:
File Form DS-160 or Form DS-1648
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is the main application form for visas in the US. You can access it online and answer the questions it has. The form mostly asks for background information and the purpose of travel. You must use Form DS-160 only if you are applying for a G-1 to G-4 visa or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa for the first time.
After you complete Form DS-160 online, save the confirmation page that it gives you. You will need the page later to attach it to your documents.
Alternatively, if you have held a G-1 to G-4 or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa before, use Form DS-1648, Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas.
Submit supporting documents
In addition to the main application forms, you must also attach supporting documents. They will be used by the US Embassy to evaluate your application and eligibility of the visa.
Besides the Form DS-160 and the supporting documents, applicants of the A visas, G-1 to G-4 or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa will not need to go through other procedures. Visa interviews which are usually held for other types of US visas, but are not required for the A-1 and A-2 visas. Only those who are applying for a G-5 or NATO-7 visa will have to attend a visa interview at the US Embassy where they are applying.
What are the Fees for Official and Diplomatic Visas?
Most official and diplomatic visa applicants are exempt from visa application fees. The US Embassy though decides on a case-by-case basis whether someone should pay the fees or not.
How Long is the Processing Time?
The official visas have quick processing times. If the officials do not make a decision within a few days, they will do so within a few weeks. The US Embassy will send you a notice on whether you got the visa or not.
If you got an approval, they will mail your passport back within a few days or you can go and pick it up. If you did not get an approval, the notice will let you know why your visa was denied.
Validity Period of Official Visas
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Renewal Process | Conditions for Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Visa | Valid for the intended travel dates or indefinitely. | Extension can be requested from the Department of State (DOS). | Must submit a letter from your government outlining the reasons for extension. |
| G-1 to G-4 Visa | No time limit. Issued for a few years, renewable in the US. | Renewable while in the US as long as duties within the US are ongoing. | Extension granted as long as the individual continues working for the same international organization. |
| G-5 and NATO-7 Visa | Valid for up to 3 years. | Cannot be renewed in the US. Must return to home country for renewal. | Extension granted in 2-year increments if staying with the same employer. |
| G or NATO Visa (General) | No validity once the person is no longer an official of the organization or NATO. | Must apply for a different visa type if status is lost. | Must change status or return to home country if no longer qualifying for the G or NATO visa. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Green Card with an A-1 visa?
Getting a Green Card with an A-1 visa is quite difficult, but not impossible. In order to become a lawful permanent resident of the US, A-1 visa holders will have to give up their diplomatic status. This means that they will not have the privileges that they had with an A-1 visa. To do this, they need to file Form I-508 – Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities.
Afterwards, A-1 visa holders can apply to get a Green Card through marriage, investment, or if they can prove that they cannot return to their home country safely.
Can my dependents accompany me with an A-1 visa?
As mentioned, A-1 visa holders can have their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old to come in the US. In addition, they can also bring their immediate family or close relatives too. The dependents are allowed to work after getting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, and they are also allowed to study and enroll in an academic program in the US.
Can I Bring my Family to the US With a G or NATO Visa?
Officials with G or NATO visas can bring their dependents to the US with them. They can only bring their immediate family members though. Immediate family members are:
- The spouse of the primary visa holder who will live in the same household;
- Any unmarried legal sons or daughters of the primary visa holder who will live in the same household if:
- They are under 21 years old;
- Under 23 years old and full-time students at post-secondary educational institutions.
If the son or daughter of the primary visa holder does not qualify based on the conditions above, they can still get a visa if:
- They will live in the same household as the primary visa holder;
- They are not part of another household;
- The international organization or NATO guarantees that the person qualifies as an immediate family member through supporting documents.
People who are related to the primary visa holder by blood, adoption, or marriage can also get a visa if they fulfill the conditions above.
The immediate family members of G-1 to G-4 or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa holders may be allowed to work in the US. They must apply for an employment authorization by filing Form I-566, Interagency Record of Request – A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization. The form must be filed to the Department of State by the international organization that the primary visa holder is working for or NATO.
Can I Bring my Personal Employees With a G or NATO Visa?
As explained above, the G-5 and NATO-7 visas are for personnel or domestic employees of the G-1 to G-4 and NATO-1 to NATO-7 officials. They can get these visas through supporting documents that their employers provide. They must submit the following documents to the US Embassy:
- Proof that they can speak English or a language that their employer understands;
- Employment contract which must include these sections:
- Description of the duties the employee will perform;
- The hours of work;
- The hourly wage that the employee will be paid which must be higher than the minimum wage specified in the US Federal and State law;
- The conditions for any overtime work;
- The way the salary will be paid to the employee in a US bank account and the request that the employee save all payment records for 3 years after their employment ends;
- The transportation of the employee to and from the US;
- Other terms such as:
- The employee’s passport must not be in the possession of the employer;
- The employee is not required to stay in the employer’s residence except during working hours;
- The employee must not work for any other employer during their time in the US.
- Other conditions as per US laws
Can I Get a Green Card With a G Visa or a NATO Visa?
The primary G or NATO visa holder and their dependents may be eligible to get a Green Card if they fulfill any of the following conditions:
- If you are a retired officer or employee of an international organization who has been in the US for at least 50% of the last 7 years before you applied for a Green Card. Also, you must have lived in the US for at least 15 years before you retired and have filed for special immigration status (Form I-360) at least 6 months after retirement.
- If you are the spouse of a deceased officer or employee of an international organization who has been present in the US for at least 50% of the last 7 years before you applied for a Green Card. Also, you must have lived in the US for at least 15 years before the death of your spouse and have filed for special immigration status (Form I-360) at least 6 months after the death of your spouse.
- If you are an unmarried son or daughter of a current or former officer or employee of an international organization who has been present in the US for at least 50% of the last 7 years before you applied for a Green Card. Also, you must have lived in the US for at least 7 years between ages 5 and 21 and have filed for adjustment of status before or on your 25th birthday.