| Type | Non-immigrant visa for diplomats and foreign government officials[1] |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Official travel to the United States for diplomatic or governmental duties[1] |
| Categories |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Application Process |
|
| Oversight | U.S. Department of State[1] |
| Special Privileges | |
AnA Visa is a category of non-immigrantvisas allowing travel to theUnited States issued to ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, and their support staff.
TheA-1 visa is granted to many people such as ambassadors,ministers,diplomats, consular officers, and their immediate family members.[a][6] While government officials normally do not qualify for an A-1 visa if they are traveling for non-official, non-governmental purposes,heads of state andheads of government always qualify and must apply for an A visa regardless of their purpose of travel.[7] Visitors on an A-1 visacannot be tried under US law for a crime, and may travel to and from the country an unlimited number of times. There is no maximum length of stay for individuals admitted on an A-1 visa, and there is no requirement to maintain a foreign residence.[6]
TheA-2 visa is granted to certain government officials, employees, their immediate families,[a] and their technical and support staff.[6] This includes military personnel traveling for reasons not related toNATO.[b] Those typically admitted under an A-2 visa include:
There is a maximum limit of 5 years (no renewal possible) on the duration of stay for A-2 visa holders, and no requirement to maintain a foreign residence.[6]
TheA-3 visa is granted to attendants,servants, and employees of those in the US under A-1 or A-2 visas.[6] A-3 recipients fall into two categories: those paid by the principal applicant's home government, and domestic employees paid by the principal applicant themselves. The maximum duration of stay is three years, and individuals are exempt from US taxes.[6]
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