The "G" visas are issued to individuals employed directly by an international organization or representing a foreign government to international organizations. "A" visas are issued to representatives of a foreign government traveling to the U.S. to engage in official activities for that government.
What is a G visa and who can apply?
G visas may also be issued to immediate family members of the principal visa holder. G visas are issued by the United States Department of State. G visas are not issued to heads of state, who are instead granted an A-1 visa.
What is the difference between a G1 and G visa?
G visas are issued by the United States Department of State. G visas are not issued to heads of state, who are instead granted an A-1 visa. The G-1 visa is for permanent members of a diplomatic mission from a recognized government, who are visiting a specific international organization (and for eligible family members).
What is the difference between a G3 and G4 visa?
The G-3 visa is for representatives of a government not officially recognized by the United States (and for eligible family members of the principal visa holder). The G-4 visa is for persons who have been appointed to a position at an international organization in the United States, including the United Nations (and for eligible family members).
How to obtain a G-2 visa for the United States?
Law Group can help obtain a G-2 visa for such visitors to the United States as: 1 Military officers assisting the UN with peacekeeping matters; 2 Attendees of course at IMF and World Bank. 3 Other accredited representative and 4 Staff of principal representatives of recognized foreign governments 5 Immediate family members of G-2 visa holders.
What does visa type A mean?
An A Visa is a category of non-immigrant visas allowing travel to the United States issued to ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, and their support staff.
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How long does G visa last for?
G4 visa holders have a 30-day period, until September 15, in which you must leave the country. If you stay longer than 30 days, you will be in violation of your visa agreement. There is a 3- to 10-year bar on future entry into the US if you remain here beyond the authorized period of stay.
What is V visa type?
The V visa is a temporary visa available to spouses and minor children (unmarried, under 21) of U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPR, also known as green card holders). It allows permanent residents to achieve family unity with their spouses and children while the immigration process takes its course.
What is the most common type of visa?
US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)
Which US visa is easy to get?
For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code §? 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
What is G visa USA?
The G-1 Diplomatic Visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to designated principal resident representatives of foreign governments recognized by the U.S. to enter the U.S. to work for an international organization like International Monetary Fund, World Bank, etc. and not for personal business or pleasure.
How long can you stay in America with a visa?
six monthsWhen you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.
How long can you stay in America without a green card?
The Normal Rule. The quick answer to the question of how long a visitor can lawfully stay in the United States for most people is six months.
What K visa means?
Overview: What Is a K-1 Visa? The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
What is H or L visa status?
Overview. Individuals who hold H-1B and L-1 nonimmigrant status need to be aware of their “max-out” date – the date by which they will no longer be eligible for that visa status. These visa classifications have a fixed limit on how long a person may stay in the United States.
What is b1 visa USA?
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).
What is the highest level visa?
Visa Infinite benefitsVisa Infinite benefits Visa Infinite is the highest tier you can get and comes with all of the benefits from Traditional and Signature. Many of the Visa Infinite perks offer higher levels of protection compared to the Visa Signature version of the benefits.
What is B1 and B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as “B visas”, and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly traveling for tourism purposes.
What does visa Type R B1 B2 mean?
The U.S. nonimmigrant visa Type B1/B2 is a temporary visa for business and tourism. When you see 'R B1/B2' as your Visa Type, the letter 'R' simply means a regular visa instead of a Diplomat or other visa type. If you are traveling for temporary business, it may be conducted with a U.S. B1 Visa.
What are the levels of visa?
There are three types, or levels of Visa: Traditional. Signature. Infinite.
DS-1648: Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas
Welcome to the DS-1648: Online Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only).
Next Steps: Before Completing Online the DS-1648
Review the Photograph Requirements so that you take an acceptable photo which meets requirements, prior to completing the online application.
Apply: Online DS-1648
Please click Online DS-1648 to begin your application when you are ready. This form is limited to A, G and NATO visa applicants applying in the United States.
Who issues the G visa?
G visas are issued by the United States Department of State. G visas are not issued to heads of state, who are instead granted an A-1 visa.
What is a G-1 visa?
The G-1 visa is for permanent members of a diplomatic mission from a recognized government, who are visiting a specific international organization (and for eligible family members). G-2.
Is there an exception for G-1 visa?
There is an exception for G-1, G-2, and G-3 visas in the case of countries where same-sex marriage is not legally available, but the sending nation accepts accreditation of U.S. same-sex spouses with the same privileges and immunities as opposite-sex spouses. There is no such exception for G-4 visas because the individual is sent by an ...
Can a G visa be used for a child?
A family member with a G visa is eligible for work authorization only if the individual is a married spouse, an eligible domestic partner, an unmarried child under age 21, an unmarried child under age 23 who is a full-time student at a college or university, or an unmarried child of any age who is physically disabled or mentally disabled.
What is a G visa?
The G nonimmigrant visa classification is for representatives of international organizations and their immediate (dependent) family members. To qualify for a G visa, the purpose of your intended travel to the United States must be pursuant to official duties. Permanent mission members of a recognized government ...
Who is eligible for a G-2 visa?
Representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization are eligible for G-2 visas and representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments are eligible for G-3 visas.
How to apply for a NATO visa?
An application for A, G, and NATO Visa, Form DS-1648 (ONLY for G1-4 and NATO1-6 visa applicants applying in the U.S., including in cases of change of status, or those working at the United Nations, the DS-1648 should be submitted, not the DS-156). This application must be completed and submitted online by selecting DS-1648 Online: New Application for A, G, or NATO Visa (Applying in the United States only), and then submitting the confirmation page generated at the end of the application, affixed with the Embassy, mission, or organization seal. The non-electronic form DS-1648 is NOT accepted.
How long is a passport valid for?
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
Do I have to pay visa fees for a diplomatic passport?
Individuals who establish entitlement to an official visa classification (e.g., A, G, C-3, NATO) are exempt from paying visa fees. Additionally, individuals holding diplomatic passports may also be exempt from visa fees regardless of visa classification and purpose of travel, if they meet one of the qualifying categories defined in 22 CFR 21.26 (c) (1) (i) through (xvi). Possession of a diplomatic passport or the equivalent is not by itself sufficient to qualify for a no-fee diplomatic visa. The consular officer will make the determination whether the visa applicant qualifies for an exemption of fees under U.S. immigration laws. Official passport holders are not charged for official visas, but are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable, for all non-official visas.
What is the I-94 form?
If allowed to enter, the U.S. immigration official will authorize the traveler's admission to the U.S. with a Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure. The Form I-94 documents authorized stay in the U.S. and notes the length of stay permitted; it is very important to keep the Form I-94 in one's passport.
Is a G1-4 visa exempt from US visa?
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - G1-4 and NATO 1-6 visa holders are exempt from entry into the US-VISIT program. In addition, some G-5 and NATO-7 travelers will also need to register their entry into the U.S. and departure. Select Special Registration program.
What is a G-3 visa?
Immediate family members of G-2 visa holders. G-3 Visas (International Organization Staff): G-3 visitors are defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act as aliens who qualify for a G-1 or G-2 visa “except for the fact that the government of which such alien is an accredited representative is not recognized de jure by the United States, ...
What is a principal representative of a recognized foreign government?
Principal representatives of recognized foreign governments entering the U.S. to work for such an international organization as United Nations, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, Organization of African Unity or an International Mission
Where to get an A or G visa?
If the individual is already in the United States, he/she must depart the United States and request the proper A or G visa at a U.S. embassy or consular post outside the Unit ed States or in limited circumstances determined by consultation with the Office of Visa Services seek a change of nonimmigrant visa status to an A or G status in the United States.
Who must hold a visa for the principal official?
All members of the immediate family forming part of the household of the principal official or employee, unless they are U.S. citizens or LPRs, must generally hold a visa that matches the visa classification of the principal official or employee whom they are accompanying or following to join, though certain exceptions exist for dependents working for a foreign mission, mission to an IO or on the staff of an IO.
Can a US citizen be employed as a consular officer?
U.S. citizens and LPRs may be employed in any position except as a diplomatic agent or career consular officer. They do not require a visa for this employment and are otherwise not entitled to any nonimmigrant visa classification, though their family members may be entitled to a nonimmigrant visa classification if the family member does not have U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
How long can a diplomatic note be sent?
Where an official or employee is traveling to the United States for official activities for less than 90 days, the diplomatic note may be submitted by an appropriate foreign government office, such as the governmental office that employs the official or employee. All such notes should come from the relevant office of the sending government, ...
Where do you send a diplomatic note?
For foreign government officials and employees who are assigned to an embassy, consulate, or miscellaneous foreign government office in the United States for 90 days or more and who will be accredited by the sending government, the “place of assignment or visit” must be the embassy, consulate, or miscellaneous foreign government office where the individual will be serving. The diplomatic note submitted on behalf of such accredited officials or employees must generally originate from the sending government’s foreign ministry, and not from an embassy, consulate, or miscellaneous foreign government office located in the United States.
Where do diplomatic notes originate?
The diplomatic note submitted on behalf of such accredited officials or employees must generally originate from the sending government’s foreign ministry, and not from an embassy, consulate, or miscellaneous foreign government office located in the United States. In the case of a career official or employee currently assigned outside ...
Can an individual take up his or her duties?
Therefore, such individual is not permitted to take up his or her duties until the correct visa is obtained from a U.S. embassy or consular post or a change of status to the appropriate A or G nonimmigrant status in the United States has been approved by USCIS.
What is a G4 Visa?
Technically, a G4 visa is a diplomatic visa that is issued to officers or employees of international organizations to enter into the US for a short period with the sole aim of engaging in their activities.
How Much Does a G4 Visa Cost?
Most G visas, including G4 visa, are exempt from visa application fee. Additionally, if you hold a diplomatic passport, you might be exempted from paying visa fee irrespective of your visa type and purpose of travel. However, the final decision is taken by the US embassy on a case-by-case basis.
How to be recognized as a diplomat?
Once the appointment is scheduled, notify the concerned international body you are recognized as a diplomat by to send a request for a G4 visa to the appropriate US consular office
How long does it take to get a passport if you have a visa?
If you have been provided with a visa, your passport will be mailed to you within a few days. You can also choose to pick it yourself. If approval is not provided, the US Embassy will contact you with the probable reasons behind the denial.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Due to the nature of the visa, these visas have a quick processing time. A decision normally come within a few weeks, if not a few days. You will also be informed by the US Embassy if you have received the approval or not.
How long do you have to be in the US to get special status?
You must also have applied for special immigration status (Form I-360) at least 6 months before your spouse died. If you are a retired officer of an international organization who has been in the US for at least 50% of the last 7 years. Also, you must have been living in the US for at least 15 years before you retired.
How long do you have to file for special immigration status?
Also, you must have filed for special immigration status (form I-360) at least 6 months before you retired. You are an unmarried son or daughter of a current or retired officer or employee of an international organization who has been in the US for at least 50% of the last 7 years.
What is a foreign government related individual?
A foreign government-related individual is an individual (or a member of the individual's immediate family) who is temporarily present in the United States:
What is an exempt individual?
Exempt Individuals: Foreign Government-Related Individuals. The term "exempt individual" does not refer to someone exempt from the U.S. tax, but rather to someone who does not count their days of physical presence in the United States in determining whether they are a U.S. resident under the Substantial Presence Test.
Is an A-3 visa considered a domestic worker?
Caution: An individual present in the United States under an "A-3" or "G-5" visa as a personal employee, attendant, or domestic worker (i.e., in a household staff position) for either a foreign government or international organization official is not considered a foreign government-related individual and must count all their days of presence in the United States for purposes of the substantial presence test.
Is a foreign government considered a temporary resident of the United States?
A foreign government-related individual is considered temporarily present in the United States regardless of the actual amount of time present in the United States.
Is a G visa considered a diplomatic visa?
Note: Generally, an individual who is present in the United States under an “ A ” or “ G ” class visa is considered a foreign government-related individual (with full-time diplomatic or consular status). None of their days count for the purposes of the substantial presence test.
Who is responsible for issuance of G-4 visas?
(U) The Secretariat for Management, through the Department of Human Resources (Personnel Office) of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Secretariat , is responsible for requesting the issuance of visas for persons appointed to, or under contract to serve in, the General Secretariat of the OAS. You must accept requests for G-4 visas on behalf of such persons (including immediate family members (also classifiable as G-4) and domestic employees (classifiable as G-5)) only from the Secretariat for Management or from the Department of Human Resources of the OAS.
What is a diplomatic visa?
(U) A diplomatic type visa is depicted on the visa foil under "Visa Type" with the letter "D", followed by the visa classification. Regardless of visa classification an applicant would qualify for a diplomatic type visa if he/she possesses a diplomatic passport or the equivalent of a diplomatic passport and is within one of the categories listed in 22 CFR 41.26 (c).
What is a C-2 visa?
(U) C-2 Visas: C-2 visas are appropriate for an applicant who qualifies as a person entitled to pass in transit to and from the United Nations Headquarters District and a foreign country, under the provisions of paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 11 of the Headquarters Agreement with United Nations.
What is an OAS travel document?
(U) The official travel document of the OAS is issued to an employee of the OAS General Secretariat or other agency of the OAS. The purpose of the document is to identify the holder as an officer or employee of an agency of the OAS, and to facilitate travel compatible with the interests of the OAS. The document is not considered a "passport" as defined in INA 101 (a) (30), and therefore, visas must not be placed in this document. See also 9 FAM 403.9-3 (A) (2).
What is the equivalent of a diplomatic passport?
(U) Equivalent of a Diplomatic Passport: Equivalent of a diplomatic passport is defined in 22 CFR 41.26 (a) (3) as a passport that “ (i) is issued by aa competent authority that does not issue diplomatic passports and (ii) has been designated by the Secretary as the equivalent of a diplomatic passport.”.
Does a visa waiver include fingerprints?
c. (U) Waiver of personal appearance does not automatically include waiver of fingerprints; these are two separate requirements. Only certain classes of nonimmigrants are exempt from fingerprinting requirements under 9 FAM 303.7-4 (B) . A-1, A-2, C-3 (except domestic workers), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa applicants are exempt from fingerprint requirements. Qualification for a diplomatic type or official type visa (of any other nonimmigrant visa classification) does not provide waiver or exemption from fingerprinting requirements. (See 9 FAM 303.7-4 (B) for additional information regarding fingerprint waiver or exemption.)
What is an attendant in NATO?
Attendant, Servant, or Personal Employee of NATO1, NATO2, NATO 3, NATO4, NATO5, and NATO6 Classes, or Immediate Family
NATO
A G visa is a category of official visas issued to diplomats, government officials, and international organization employees who are visiting the United States temporarily for a governmental purpose.
G visas may also be issued to immediate family members of the principal visa holder. G visas are issued by the United States Department of State.
G visas are not issued to heads of state, who are instead granted an A-1 visa.
How to Apply - Required Documentation
Visa Processing and Issuance Fees
Immediate Family Members
Personal Employees
- An applicant is classified under the symbol NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 if seeking admission to the United States under the applicable provision of the Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters Set Up Pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty. This includes national repres…
Entering The U.S. - Port of Entry
- As part of the visa application process, when applying abroad, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for most visa applicants. For those applying for G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5 and NATO-6 visas, embassies and consulates generally do not require an interview; however, a consular officer can request an interview. Additi…
Government Links
- Individuals who establish entitlement to an official visa classification (e.g., A, G, C-3, NATO) are exempt from paying visa fees. Additionally, individuals holding diplomatic passports may also be exempt from visa fees regardless of visa classification and purpose of travel, if they meet one of the qualifying categories defined in 22 CFR 21.26(c)(...