- 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
What is an A-1 visa?
The A-1 visa is a special type of visa for government officials and diplomats entering the United States for official government business. The A-1 visa is one of four different visas within the A visa category:
Can a government official work on an A1 visa?
Because of the A-1 visa and other A visas, government officials can enter the United States to conduct business. A-1 visa holders can be accompanied by their staff members, their immediate family members, and other personnel. A-1 visa applications are highly specialized.
How long can you stay in the US on an A-1 visa?
If you receive an A-1 visa with an indefinite period of validity, then you are permitted to stay in the United States for as long as you continue to occupy your official government position. If you resign from your government position, or if your visa expires, you are required to return to your home country.
How do I extend my A-1 visa?
If your A-1 visa is expiring but you need to remain in the United States for official government purposes, then you can apply for an A-1 visa extension. Typically, getting a visa extension requires a letter from your government explaining why you need an extension. You will also need to submit Form I-566 to the Department of State.
What is an A1 visa?
The A-1 visa is the only non-immigrant US visa which allows high government officials to enter the US for purposes which relate to the development of diplomatic relations between the US and a foreign country. Because of this, local government officials are not eligible for the A-1 visa.
Who gets A1 visa?
A-1. The A-1 visa is for foreign dignitaries representing their country and conducting official business on behalf of the home country in the United States, including heads of state, ministers, cabinet members, delegates from the European Union and African Union, ambassadors, and consuls.
Can I work with A1 visa?
The spouse and dependent family members of A-1, A-2, G-1, G-3, and G-4 visa holders are eligible for work authorization in the United States, however they must affirmatively apply for work authorization status.
Can A1 visa apply for green card?
Applying For A Green Card This includes their A-1 status privileges. The process requires filing Form I-508. After the completion of this process, A-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for a Green Card by way of marriage, investment or evidence that it is dangerous for them to return to their country.
What is a1 or A2 visa?
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.
How much does an a1 visa cost?
He or she will file Form DS-160 which includes a nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of $265.
What is A2 visa status?
What Is an A2 Visa? An A2 visa is given to government employees, officials, or their families, as well as the support and technical staff. Included are also military personnel, as long as they are traveling for specific reasons, and nothing NATO related. An A2 Visa lasts for 5 years, and renewal is not possible.
Can A2 visa apply for green card?
Eligibility Criteria You may be eligible to receive a Green Card under Section 13 if you can establish that: You entered the United States as an A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 nonimmigrant.
What is C1 visa for USA?
C1 Visas – Transit C1 transit visas are non-immigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions. If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States.
How long does it take to go from L1A to green card?
Processing Time from L-1A to EB-1C Permanent Resident Status This entire process typically takes around eight months to a year. Once approved, the EB-1 permanent residence card takes around six months to be issued.
Is L1A visa easy to get?
However, despite all of these benefits, the L-1 is not the easiest work visa to obtain. This is because the USCIS is becoming stricter with who qualifies as a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge. The L-1A category is for managers and executives.
How can I apply for US A1 visa?
A1 Visa application requires applicants to hold special Government positions in their respective countries. Additionally, they must be traveling to the United States for an official or diplomatic purpose. The requirements are based mainly on government positions held.
What is an a1 visa in Israel?
A Temporary Resident (A-1) Visa is a special tourist visa that is granted only to those who are eligible to make Aliyah according to the Law of Return. It is a visa that allows individuals to experience Israel before making the commitment of becoming Israeli citizens.
What is A Visa type A?
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 is C1 visa for USA?
C1 Visas – Transit C1 transit visas are non-immigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country, with few exceptions. If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States.
What Is An A1 Visa?
A1 Visa is a special type of visa that can be held by certain Government employees only. These include:
What Are The Requirements Of The A1 Visa?
A1 Visa application requires applicants to hold special Government positions in their respective countries. Additionally, they must be traveling to the United States for an official or diplomatic purpose. The requirements are based mainly on government positions held. These include:
How Long Is The Processing Time For The A1 Visa?
The processing time for A1 Visa is very less as compared to other Visa applications. Once the form is filled up and the necessary documents are submitted to the US Embassy, visa applications could be approved in as less as one day. This is an immediate response. All you will need is a stamp on your passport from the concerned official in the Embassy. Once that is done, you are good to go and can make travel arrangements from your home country to the US.
What is the Validity of an A1 Visa?
In the first situation, the visa is approved for only the intended period of stay. This could be for one month or two months. If you are nearing the end of the visa period, you could go ahead and request for an extension with a note from your country’s government stating the reasons for this extension. On the other hand, the visa could be approved for an indefinite period of time. In that case, you are permitted to stay in the country for as long as your Government position is eligible in the A1 visa.
Can My Dependents Accompany Me With An A1 Visa?
Yes, the dependents of the A1 visa holders can actually accompany them to the United States. This would include the spouse of the diplomat and their children under the age of 21 years. In addition, this privilege could be extended to the immediate family or close relatives as well.
What are the requirements for a diplomat to travel to the United States?
Additionally, they must be traveling to the United States for an official or diplomatic purpose. The requirements are based mainly on government positions held. These include: High-level government officials including heads of states, legislature heads or judicial heads.
Can a representative from a country not holding diplomatic relations in the US but are still visiting for the interest of the?
Representatives from countries not holding diplomatic relations in the US but are still visiting for the interest of the country are also granted A1 visa
What is the A1 Visa?
An A1 Visa is available for you in case you travel to the United States on behalf of your national government. The A1 visa only allows you to engage in official activities during your time in the US. The activities in the US must be governmental in character or nature. The US Department of State determines these activities according to US immigration laws.
Who can travel on an A1 visa?
These activities could be tourism or commercial nature. Only a Head of State or Government can travel on an A1 Visa for any travel purpose.
What is an official who will work at a foreign embassy or consulate?
Official who will work at a foreign embassy or consulate. It could be an ambassador or consul.
How long does a passport last?
Passport. The validity of your passport must be at least 6 months after your stay in the United States.
Is a visa under A category exempt from payment?
Any visa under the A category is exempt from any payment. Still, you could have some expenses for the procedure.
What is an A-1 visa?
The A-1 visa is a special type of visa for government officials and diplomats entering the United States for official government business.
Who can use an A-1 visa?
Some of the people who would use an A-1 diplomatic visa include: Heads of state like Prime Ministers and Presidents. Consular officers serving within a country’s consulate or embassy within the United States.
How Long Does It Take to Process the A-1 Visa?
visa. Typically, the A-1 visa application can be completed and authorized on the same day. While other visas take 3 to 6 weeks to process, the A-1 visa is typically authorized almost immediately.
When Does the A-1 Visa Expire?
The A-1 visa will be valid for your intended travel dates if you’re visiting the United States for official government business. Certain A-1 visa applicants, however, will receive a visa for an indefinite period of time. Heads of state, for example, may receive a visa with an indefinite period of validity. If you receive an A-1 visa with an indefinite period of validity, then you are permitted to stay in the United States for as long as you continue to occupy your official government position.
Is an A-1 visa a non-immigrant visa?
Applying for the A-1 visa is straightforward and surprisingly similar to an ordinary non-immigrant visa application. Here’s the basic process:
Can a head of state get an indefinite visa?
Heads of state, for example , may receive a visa with an indefinite period of validity. If you receive an A-1 visa with an indefinite period of validity, then you are permitted to stay in the United States for as long as you continue to occupy your official government position.
Do I have to give up my diplomatic status to become a permanent resident?
If you wish to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. a green card holder), then you will have to give up your diplomatic status. To do that, you’ll need to file form I-508, Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities.
What is an A1 visa?
An A1 visa is used for a foreign dignitary who represents their own country and does official business representing their own country in the US. They could be head of a state, cabinet minister, minister, delegate from the European Union and African Union, consul, and ambassador.
What are the categories of A visas?
The A visas have three categories A1, A2, and A3 under USA Immigration. These visas are issued to a diplomat, consular staff, any foreign government official, their family members, and personal employees. A spouse or minor child is eligible for the same A visa category as a principal worker. And, a domestic servant, attendant, and a personal employee are eligible for an A3 visa. The individual holding an A type visa can only use this visa to do any official business on behalf of their own country.
How to get in touch with immigration professionals?
For availing more information about the USA immigration and US visas , feel free to get in touch with the Immigration professionals, call the corporate hotline + 91-7042 184 185 / email your queries on [email protected]. You can directly walk-in to our nearby office for more details and inquiry.
Can a minor child get an A3 visa?
The individual holding an A type visa can only use this visa to do any official business on behalf of their own country .
What does a consular officer determine when applying for a visa?
When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate. ALL / ALL /.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate.
What is a K visa?
K nonimmigrant visas – For U.S. citizen fiancé (e) and spouse for immigration related purposes. Refer to Immigrant Visa Categories.
How long does it take for USCIS to process a change of status?
Mission to the UN, so the processing times for change of status requests may be a few weeks.
Who must notify the State Department of Foreign Missions of leaving your assignment?
A and G visa holders - Your foreign mission or international organization must notify the State Department, Office of Foreign Missions or the UN Protocol and Liaison Services that you are leaving your assignment.
What is a diplomatic mission?
diplomatic mission. A. G. international organization, including the UN. permanent or observer mission to the UN. G or B. NATO . NATO. All of your immediate family members should apply for a change to the same status at the same time as you.
Where to submit a change of status request?
Requests Submitted in Person – Change of Status requests may be submitted at the Diplomatic Liaison Division's Diplomatic Reception Area , Mondays and Thursdays, excluding holidays, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).
What is an I-94 form?
Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, which you received when you entered the United States;
Who coordinates with USCIS for change of status?
The Diplomatic Liaison Division and the U.S. Mission to the UN coordinate with USCIS on processing change of status requests. If USCIS approves a change of status, the Diplomatic Liaison Division or U.S. Mission to the UN will issue your visa reflecting the change of status.
Who to contact for change of status?
For questions about change of status, the foreign mission, international organization, or NATO Headquarters may contact the Diplomatic Liaison Division or the U.S. Mission to the UN. See Further Questions for contact information.
What is a Visa?
A visa, or visa stamp, is a physical stamp or sticker in your passport that is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. It indicates that you are eligible to apply for entry to the U.S. in a specific immigration category such as F-1 or J-1 student. Please note that Canadian citizens are not required to have a U.S. visa, but are required to have all other documentation.
What If My Visa Expires While I Am in the U.S.?
Therefore, you may stay in the U. S. beyond the expiration date of a visa as long as you are maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status and the immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) remains valid.
What is an Entry Stamp?
Upon entering the U.S. a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will:
