A diplomat or foreign government official

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, you must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities for that government.

The specific duties or services that will be performed must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the U.S. Department of State, in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.

- Ambassador, Public Minister, Career Diplomat or Consular Officer coming to serve at a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States, such as an ambassador or consul - Certain government ministers in positions equivalent to U.S. cabinet level secretaries coming to the United States to perform official, government related duties for not more than 90 days

- Other foreign government official or full-time employee assigned by that government, coming only to work at a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States, to perform duties which take place at an embassy or consulate

- Foreign military members stationed at a U.S. military base or assigned to a foreign embassy or consulate in the United States

With the exception of a Head of State or Government -- who qualifies for an A1 visa regardless of their purpose of travel -- your position within your country’s government and your purpose of travel determines whether you need an A-1 or A-2 visa. Immediate family members of diplomats and government officials receive A-1 or A-2 visas, with few exceptions. Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers for diplomats and government officials (holding a valid A-1 or A-2 visa) may be issued A-3 visas.

- Local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political entity require visitor (B) visas.

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, you must be traveling to the United States on behalf of your national government to engage solely in official activities for that government. The specific duties or services that will be performed must be governmental in character or nature, as determined by the U.S. Department of State, in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Government officials traveling to the United States to perform non-governmental functions of a commercial nature, or traveling as tourists, require the appropriate visas and do not qualify for A visas.

A diplomatic note \- This note is written confirmation from your country’s government of your status and official purpose of travel. A-3 applicants also require diplomatic notes to confirm the official status of their employers.

the government official's or employee's name, date of birth, position and title, place of assignment or visit, purpose of travel, a brief description of his or her duties, travel date, and the anticipated length of the tour of duty or stay in the United States, and

- the names, relationships, and dates of birth of any dependents and other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the government official or employee.

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).

- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

As part of the application process, the applicant must have an interview at the embassy or consulate. A written contract must be provided to the consular officer.

Immediate family members of diplomats and government officials receive A-1 or A-2 visas, with few exceptions.

Individuals who qualify for an official visa classification ( A, G, C-3, NATO) are exempt from paying visa fees.

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried sons and daughters up to certain age who are members of your household, even if studying in a different location.

A family member who does not qualify as immediate family, as described above, may qualify for a visitor (B-2) visa.