Diplomats & Foreign Government Officials

A-1 (Ambassador, Public Minister, Career Diplomatic or Consular Officer, & Members of Immediate Family)

A-2 (Other Foreign Government Official or Employee, and Members of Immediate Family)

A-3 (Attendant, Servant, or Personal Employee of A-1 A-2

and Members of Immediate Family)

The A-1 diplomatic visa is a nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign officers of permanent diplomatic missions or consular posts to enter the United States in order to conduct official activities. It is usually considered a "Diplomatic Visa."

Diplomatic visas are utilized by diplomats and other government officials for travel to the U.S. With the exception of a Head of State or Government who qualifies for an A visa regardless of the purpose of his or her visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon their purpose of travel to the United States.

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, you must be traveling to the U.S. on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities for that government. The fact that there may be government interest or control in a given organization is not in itself the defining factor in determining if you qualify for an A visa. The particular duties or services that will be performed, must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the U.S. Dept. of State, in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Government officials traveling to the U.S. to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling, as tourists, require the appropriate visa, and do not qualify for diplomatic visa.

Local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political entity do not qualify for A visa status. They require a B visa. European Union (EU) officials, including members of the EU parliament and those attached to the Court of Justice although not members of a foreign government per

se, are eligible to receive A visas if traveling to the U.S. on EU business.

Embassies and consulates generally do not require an interview for those applying for A-1 and A-2 diplomatic visas; however, a consular officer can request an interview. Personal employees, attendants, and servants of A visa holders or applicants for A-3 visas, are required to be interviewed.  

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are members of the principal applicant’s household.  Immediate family also includes close relatives of the principal applicant or spouse who are related by blood, marriage or adoption and are not members of some other household, will reside regularly in the household of the principal applicant and are recognized as dependants by the sending government.  An unmarried partner, even if recognized as the principal applicant’s dependent by the sending government, would not be eligible for a derivative A visa, but may apply for a B visa, if otherwise qualified. B visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.

Personal employees, attendants, domestic workers, or servants of individuals who hold a valid A-1 or A-3 visa, may be issued an A-3 visa, if he/she meets the requirements. As part of the application process, an interview at the embassy or consulate is required. Proof that you will receive a fair wage, sufficient to financially support yourself, comparable to that being offered in the area of employment in the U.S. is required. In addition, you'll need to demonstrate that you will perform the contracted employment duties. The consular officer will determine whether you are eligible for the A-3 visa.