Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
An A-1 or A-2 visa is only granted to those who are going to the United States on behalf of their national government and are engaged exclusively in official activities on behalf of that country.
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are going to the United States exclusively for the purpose of carrying out official responsibilities or engaging in official activities on behalf of their national governments are required to acquire A-1 or A-2 visas before entering the country. They are unable to travel on visiting visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, among other options.
With the exception of a Head of State or Government, who is eligible for an A visa regardless of the reason for his or her trip, your position within your country’s government and the purpose of your journey determine whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa, depending on your nationality. Only a few exceptions apply to immediate family members of diplomats and government employees who are granted A-1 or A-2 visas. It is possible to get an A-3 visa if you work as a personal employee, attendant, or domestic worker for diplomats and government officials who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa.
An A-1 or A-2 visa is only available to those who are coming to the United States on behalf of their national government and are engaged exclusively in official activities on behalf of that country. The precise responsibilities or services that will be performed must be of a governmental nature or character, as established by the United States Department of State in conformity with U.S. immigration rules, before they may be accepted.
The necessary visas are required for government officials traveling to the United States to undertake non-governmental tasks of a commercial nature or to travel as tourists. A-visas are not required for government officials traveling as tourists. The fact that a certain organization may be subject to government interest or control is not in and of itself a decisive factor in assessing whether or not you qualify for an A-visa.
A-1 Visas Are Required For The Following Kinds of Travel:
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are visiting the United States only to perform official responsibilities or activities on behalf of their home country must first obtain an A-1 or A-2 visa. They are not eligible for visiting visas or the Visa Waiver Program.
Except for a Head of State or Government, who is eligible for an A visa regardless of the reason of travel, your position within your country’s government and the purpose of your trip determine whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa. With limited exceptions, immediate family members of diplomats and government employees are granted A-1 or A-2 visas. A-3 visas may be awarded to personal servants, attendants, or domestic workers for diplomats and government officials who have a valid A-1 or A-2 visa.
A Visa is required for any foreign national wishing to enter the United States. It could be a non-immigrant visa for a short period of time or an immigrant visa for a long period of time. To enter the United States, foreigners must get a non-immigrant visa.
Diplomats and other foreign government officials who are going to the United States exclusively for the purpose of carrying out official responsibilities or engaging in official activities on behalf of their national governments are required to acquire A-1 or A-2 visas before entering the country. They are unable to travel on visiting visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, among other options.
The A1 visa is available to a variety of different types of persons, including officers, heads of state, ambassadors, public ministers, professional diplomats, carrier couriers, and family members of those who have the visa. An A2 visa may only be issued to recognized officials who are going to the United States on behalf of their respective country governments.
You may be eligible for a Green Card under Section 13 if you can demonstrate that you entered the United States as an A-1, A-2, G-1, or G-2 nonimmigrant and that you were in the country for less than one year.
