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Diplomats & Other Government Officials Visa (A Visa)

The A visa category is designed for diplomats, government officials, and their dependents who need to travel to the United States for official duties. This visa type is not for personal travel but strictly for governmental work on behalf of a foreign nation.

Government officials at podium with flags

Types of A Visas

There are three primary types of A visas:

Diplomatic meeting with flags

A-1 Visa (Top-Level Officials)

Who Qualifies?

  • Heads of state or government
  • Ambassadors & ministers
  • Diplomats
  • Consular officers
  • Immediate family members of A-1 visa holders
Government officials in meeting

A-2 Visa (Other Government Officials)

Who Qualifies?

  • Other government officials and employees traveling for official government work
  • Military personnel assigned to U.S. embassies or military bases
  • Immediate family members of A-2 visa holders
Personal staff and attendants

A-3 Visa (Attendants, Servants & Personal Employees)

Who Qualifies?

  • Personal employees, servants, and attendants of A-1 or A-2 visa holders
  • Must be employed in an official capacity

Eligibility & Requirements

Purpose of Travel

The applicant must be traveling to the U.S. strictly for official government work.

Diplomatic Note

A formal request from the foreign government or international organization is required.

Employment Verification

A-3 visa applicants must provide an employment contract.

No Change of Status

A visa holder cannot switch to another visa category in the U.S.

Application Process

  • Complete Form DS-160:

    Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

  • Obtain a Diplomatic Note:

    Issued by the applicant's government, confirming official duties

  • Schedule a Visa Interview:

    Required for most applicants (except certain high-ranking officials)

  • Submit Required Documents:

    • Valid passport
    • Visa application fee (if applicable)
    • Diplomatic note
    • Proof of employment (for A-3 visa holders)
    • Recent photograph (as per U.S. visa photo requirements)
  • Attend the Interview:

    Explain the purpose of travel and role in government

Visa applicants at embassy

Privileges & Restrictions

Diplomatic meeting

Benefits

  • No visa fee for A-1 and A-2 visa holders
  • Eligible for diplomatic immunity (depending on rank)
  • No requirement to maintain a residence abroad
Official ceremony

Restrictions

  • Cannot work in the U.S. outside official duties
  • A-3 visa holders must only work for their employer
  • No automatic path to a green card

Duration & Extensions

Validity

  • • Usually issued for the duration of the official assignment
  • • A-3 visa holders must renew their status along with their employer's

Extensions

  • • Can be renewed as long as the official duties continue
  • • Must be accompanied by a diplomatic note
Professional on phone
Business meeting

Can A Visa Holders Bring Dependents?

Yes! Immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) can get an A visa. However:

  • They cannot work in the U.S. unless they get separate work authorization
  • Children can study but are not eligible for financial aid

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