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Non-Immigrants Visas

Diplomats and Officials

Visa description

Government official

International organization

Personal employee

Important note

Application Procedures: Drop-off

Documents required

 

(*click on the description to go to documents list and procedure)

Description

Visa Type

Purpose of travel

Inter-view

Restrictions

Head of State or Government

A1

Any purpose

No

 

Diplomats or Officials of the national government

A1 or A2

Represent the government on official capacity

No

Member of the National Government only

Activity solely for the official purpose (no tourism)

Immediate family member of A1 or A2 visa holder

Same as primary holder

Reside with primary A or G visa holder

No

Same as primary visa holder

May not work

 

 

 

 

 

Diplomats or Officials of a local administration

B1/B2

Travelling to represent your state, province, borough or other local political entity > business traveler

Yes

See B1/B2 restrictions

Tourists

B1/B2

Any government official on tourism travel (except Head of State or Government)

Yes

See B1/B2 restrictions

 

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Description

Visa Type

Purpose of travel

Inter-view

Restrictions

International Organization

G1

Represent the Organization on official capacity, on a permanent basis

No

Members of a recognized government to an international organization only

On official Duty

International Organization

G2

Represent the Organization on official capacity, on a temporary basis

No

International Organization

G3

Travel on official capacity

No

Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments only

On official Duty

International Organization

G4

proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations

No

Appointed personnel

On official Duty

Immediate family member of G1 – G4 visa holder

Same as primary holder

Reside with primary visa holder

No

Same as primary visa holder

May not work

 

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Description

Visa Type

Purpose of travel

Interview

Restrictions

Personal Employee

A3 or G5

Travel with - or intend to join - an A or G visa holders on official travel

Yes

See A3 G5 information

 

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Note to Diplomats and Other Government Officials, International Organizations and NATO officials

  • Qualified A or G visa applicants traveling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated "TDY" (temporary duty).
  • Government officials coming for more than 90 days must be assigned to their embassy, a consulate, or a "miscellaneous foreign government organization" that has been accredited by the Department of State's Protocol Office.
  • Foreign officials who are traveling to the United States on official business must obtain an A visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas.
  • To qualify for a G visa the individual must be entering the United States in pursuance of official duties.

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Application Procedures: Drop-off

If you are planning to travel to the United States on official duty (A or G category visas, except personal employee), please submit the following documents by messenger or in person.
The Diplomatic Visa Section is open for drop-off Monday through Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., except during American and Vietnamese holidays.

Personal Employee should not drop their application. See detailed procedure on the Domestic Employee page.

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Documents Required (except A3 and G5)

  • Your diplomatic/official passport.
  • The confirmation page of the Online Nonimmigrant Visa DS-160.
  • One passport picture taken within the last 6 months on a white background, with your ears visible, stapled to the bottom left of DS-160 confirmation page. The picture must NOT be retouched.
  • A Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Note
     If multiple applicants share a Diplomatic Note, the first applicant must submit the original. Each of the following applicants must submit a copy. 
  • A copy of your agency’s decision sending you on this trip.
  • The flight itinerary (not a ticket).

A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO visa applicants, including household staff qualifying for those categories are not required to pay a visa application fee. 

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