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. They cannot travel using visitor visas or under the Visa Waiver Program. With the exception of a Head of State or Government — who qualifies for an A visa regardless of the purpose of travel — your position within your country’s government and your purpose of travel determines whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa. Immediate family members of diplomats and government officials receive A-1 or A-2 visas, with few exceptions. Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers for diplomats and government officials (holding a valid A-1 or A-2 visa) may be issued A-3 visas. In short there are three types of A visa. These are A-1, A-2, A-3.
Person eligible for A-1 Visa:
- 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
Person eligible for A-2 Visa:
- 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
- Government officials coming to perform non-official or non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, must apply for the appropriate visa category for the specific travel purpose, such as a B-2 visa for tourism. (Note: A Head of State or Government must travel on an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of travel.)
- Local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political entity require visitor (B) visas.
Required Documents
- Passport
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Photo
- A diplomatic note – This note is written confirmation from your country’s government of your status and official purpose of travel. A-3 applicants also require diplomatic notes to confirm the official status of their employers. Beginning July 1, 2014, the sending government must provide the following information in the diplomatic note submitted with any A-1 or A-2 visa application outside the United States, and for any request for a change into such visa status in the United States:
- the government official’s or employee’s name, date of birth, position and title, place of assignment or visit, purpose of travel, a brief description of his or her duties, travel date, and the anticipated length of the tour of duty or stay in the United States, and
- the names, relationships, and dates of birth of any dependents and other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the government official or employee.
- For an immediate family member applying separate from the principal visa applicant – A copy of both the visa and the I-94 (both front and back) for the principal visa holder is required.
Visa Application Procedure:
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Complete the online visa application Form DS-160
- Print the application form confirmation page.
- Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
Attend an Interview
Embassies and consulates generally do not require interviews for those applying for A-1 and A-2 visas, although a consular officer can request an interview.
Person eligible for A-3 Visa:
Personal employees, attendants, domestic workers, or servants of individuals who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa may receive an A-3 visa.
Application Procedure:
- Complete Online Visa Application and
- Gather Required Documentation and
- Obtain Employment Contract from Employer – The contract must be in English and signed by both you and your employer. (If the personal employee does not understand English, then a translation of the contract in a language the employee understands is required to ensure that the employee understands the job duties and rights regarding salary and working conditions.)
Attend an Interview:
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa based on your purpose of travel and other requirements. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive an A-3 visa.
Visa Fees
Individuals who qualify for an official visa for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials (A) are exempt from paying visa fees.
