IMPORTANT: For a step-by-step guide for applying for A and G visas please click here. Frequently asked questions about the visa application process can be found here.
Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials
Diplomats and other foreign government officials traveling to the United States to engage solely in official duties or activities on behalf of their national government must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas prior to entering the United States.
Diplomats and Officials Requiring A-1 Visas – Examples:
- Head of State or Government, regardless of the purpose of travel
- Official coming to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States, such as an ambassador or consul
- Government minister or cabinet member coming for official activities
- European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) delegation representatives
- Immediate family members of an A-1 visa holder
Officials and Employees Requiring A-2 Visas – Examples:
- Full-time employee assigned by that government, coming only to work at a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States, to perform duties which take place at an embassy
- Government official representing your government, coming to the United States based on written request of your country to perform official, government related duties for not more than 90 days
- Foreign military members stationed at a U.S. military base or assigned to a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States
- Staff of European (EU) and African Union (AU) delegation representatives
- Immediate family members of an A-2 visa holder
For additional information about A visas please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-diplomats.html
Employees of International Organizations
Diplomats, government officials, and employees who will work for international organizations in the United States need G visas.
To receive a G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa, you must be traveling to attend meetings at, visit, or work at a designated international organization. If you are entitled to a G visa, under U.S. visa law, you must receive a G visa. The exceptions to this rule are extremely limited. International organization officials and employees requiring visas include:
- G-1 – Permanent mission members of a recognized government to a designated international organization and their immediate family members
- G-2 – Representatives of a recognized government traveling temporarily to the United States to attend meetings of a designated international organization and their immediate family members
- G-3 – Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments and their immediate family members
- G-4 – Individuals coming to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations, and their immediate family members
- G-5 – May be issued to personal employees or domestic workers of a G-1 – 4 visa holders. Select Personal Employees to learn more.
Designated Organizations List – Review the authorized list of designated International Organizations in the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.3-7(N)).
For additional information about G visas please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visa-employees-nato.html
