A-1 & A-2 Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials

Diplomats and foreign government officials traveling to the U.S. for official government duties must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas before entering.

Diplomats and Officials Eligible for A-1 Visas:

• Head of State or Government, regardless of travel purpose
• Ambassador, Public Minister, Career Diplomat, or Consular Officer assigned to represent their country at a foreign embassy or consulate in the U.S., such as an ambassador or consul
• Government ministers holding positions equivalent to U.S. cabinet secretaries, traveling to the U.S. for official government duties for up to 90 days
• Representatives of the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) delegations
• Immediate family members of an A-1 visa holder

Officials and Employees Eligible for A-2 Visas:

• Foreign government officials or full-time employees assigned by their government, coming to the U.S. exclusively to work at a foreign embassy or consulate and perform duties within the embassy or consulate

• Government officials traveling to the U.S. at the written request of their home country to carry out official, government-related tasks for up to 90 days
• Staff members of European Union (EU) or African Union (AU) delegation representatives
• Foreign military personnel stationed at a U.S. military base or assigned to a foreign embassy or consulate in the U.S.
• Immediate family members of an A-2 visa holder

The Process

To apply for an A visa, you must:

Complete the Online Visa Application (Form DS-1648): Complete and print the confirmation page, and get the necessary seal from the U.S. Embassy, mission, or organization.

Submit Required Documentation: Provide the following to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your U.S. stay.
• Photo: Upload or bring a printed photo if needed.
• Diplomatic Note: Confirmation of your official status and purpose of travel from your government. 

Family Members

The visa application process for your immediate family members is the same as for you. U.S. embassies and consulates process visa applications for same-sex marriages in the same manner as those for opposite-gender spouses.

Immediate family members are defined as your spouse, unmarried children up to a certain age who live in your household (even if studying elsewhere), and any other individual related by blood, marriage, or adoption who regularly resides with you, is not part of another household, and is recognized by your government as a member of your immediate family. This recognition is typically demonstrated through eligibility for benefits such as a diplomatic or official passport or travel allowances.

In some cases, a same-sex domestic partner (other than a spouse) may be considered an immediate family member, if the sending government does not legally recognize same-sex marriage but provides equal treatment to same-sex spouses of U.S. diplomats and government officials.

Family members who do not meet the criteria for immediate family may still be eligible for a visitor (B-2) visa, for which they will need to pay the relevant visa application and issuance fees.

Conclusion

A-1 and A-2 visas are granted to foreign diplomats, government officials, and their immediate families, allowing them to enter the United States for the purpose of performing official, government-related duties. The A-1 visa is primarily intended for high-ranking government officials, such as heads of state, heads of government, ambassadors, and consular officers, who are engaged in representing their countries’ interests or conducting official diplomacy. On the other hand, the A-2 visa is designated for lower-ranking government employees and other staff members who are assigned to work in the U.S. on behalf of their home governments, typically at foreign embassies, consulates, or international organizations. Both visas are specifically intended for individuals carrying out official governmental functions and responsibilities and are not meant for personal, commercial, or private activities. This distinction ensures that the holders of these visas are in the U.S. solely to perform government-related duties, in line with the principles of diplomatic immunity and international relations.

These visa categories are designed for foreign diplomats, government officials, and their families, and the application process can be intricate and highly specific.

Our Team offers expertise in document preparation, ensuring adherence to U.S. immigration laws, addressing unique situations, and representing you throughout the application process. With our assistance, you can navigate the visa application smoothly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of errors and delays.