Diplomats & International Organization Employee Visas

12 MINUTE READ

August 23, 2022

Introduction

With the exception of a Head of State or Government who qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of the visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon the purpose of travel to the United States.

Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature or traveling as tourists require the appropriate H, L or B visa, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. They do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas for this purpose of travel.

Spouses, Partners and Children: Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are members of the household. Individuals who do not qualify as immediate family members may be eligible to apply for B-1/B-2 visas. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay the MRV application fee, and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.

By U.S. Mission Ireland

Diplomats and Government Officials (A-1 & A-2)

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, one must be traveling to the United States on behalf of their 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 whether or not an applicant qualifies for an A visa. The particular duties or services to be performed must also be of an inherently governmental character or nature.

Important note: Foreign officials who intend to travel to the United States on official business must obtain an “A” or “G” visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

Local government officials representing their council, county, department, or other local entity do not qualify for “A” visa status; they require B-1 or B-2 visas or a valid Visa Waiver Authorization/ESTA.

Please review the information on the Department of State website for detailed information on A-visas.

By U.S. Mission Ireland

International Organization Employee Visas (G)

To qualify for a G-visa, one must be entering the United States in pursuance of official duties. Members of a permanent mission of a recognized government to an international organization are eligible for G-1 visas; representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization are eligible for G-2 visa; and representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments are eligible for G-3 visas. G-4 visas are issued to individual personnel to take up an appointment as a direct employee at a designated international organization, including the United Nations.

Please review the information on the Department of State website for detailed information on G-visas.

By U.S. Mission Ireland

Domestic Employees of A or G Visa Holders

Personal or domestic servants who are accompanying or following to join an employer who is the holder of an A or G visa are eligible for A-3 or G-5 visas. This category of persons includes, but is not limited to, cooks, butlers, chauffeurs, housemaids, parlor-maids, valets, footmen, nannies, Au pairs, mothers’ helpers, gardeners, and paid companions.

The U.S. Embassy Dublin accepts visa applications for domestic employees of all diplomatic passport holders accredited to their missions in the Republic of Ireland.

Requirements for personal employees of A-visa holders can be found HERE.

Requirements for personal employees of G-visa holders can be found HERE.

By U.S. Mission Ireland

How to Apply

man speaking to crowd

The U.S. Embassy Dublin accepts visa applications of all diplomatic, official, or special passport holders accredited by their government to their missions in the Republic of Ireland and those of their immediate family.

For required documentation for an A-visa, please review the information HERE.

For required documentation for a G-visa, please review the information HERE.

Once the DS-160 visa application is completed for each applicant and the required documentation ready, please contact the Visa Unit at USVisaDublin@state.gov for instructions on how to present the application materials to the Embassy. In that email, please include the full name of the applicant(s) and the DS-160 confirmation number(s) for each applicant, which will start with “AA00”. Please note that processing time from the day of receipt of the required documentation is five working days.