Employees of International Organizations and NATO Visa Overview

G Class Visas for Diplomats, Government Officials and NATO Employees

G visas are issued to diplomats and other government officials for travel to the United States and those seeking entrance under North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Qualification for a G visa will will depend upon your purpose for traveling to the United States. Your intended travel to the United States must be in regard to your official duties.

Below you'll find detailed information about the application process for a G visa, as well as answers to common questions about temporary nonimmigrant visas.

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for a G Visa?
  • G visa application Process
    • Visa Application and Forms
    • Visa Application Fees
    • Entering the United States
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a G Visa?
  • Are There Special Requirements for a G-5 Visa?

Who Qualifies for a G Visa?

Employee of an International Organization

You are eligible for a G-1 visa if you are a principal representative of a recognized foreign government entering the United States to work for the United Nations Organization or an international mission. G-1 visas may also be granted to your staff and your immediate family members.

You can acquire a G-2 visa if you are an accredited representative of a recognized foreign government entering the U.S. to work for a United Nations Organization or an international mission. The G-2 visa can also be issued to your staff and immediate family members.

You may gain G-3 visa status if you are a representative of an unrecognized foreign government entering the U.S. to work for a United Nations Organization or an international mission.  Your staff and immediate family members are eligible for the G-3 as well.

If you are an official or employee of an international organization, you are eligible for the G-4 visa. Your immediate family is also eligible for the G-4 visa.

G -5 visas are for your attendants if you hold a G-1 through G-4 visa. This also encompasses your personal employees as well as the immediate family members of G-5 visa holders.

NATO Employees

If you are seeking admission into the United States under the applicable provision of the Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or the Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters Set Up Pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty, you may be eligible to receive a NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO- 6 visa.

G Visa Application Process

Visa Application and Forms

As a part of the application process, an interview may be required. However, if you are applying for a G-1 through G-4 visa, you generally are not required to submit to an interview. Also, G-1 through G-4 visa applicants are exempt from the fingerprint scan requirement. Visa applications should be delivered to the consulate or embassy in the country where you reside.

If you are applying for a NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa, you generally will not be subject to an interview or the fingerprint requirement. However, if you are seeking clearance under a NATO-7 visa as a personal employee of a NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa holder, you must be interviewed and submit to the fingerprint scan.

The forms listed below are required in order to apply for the G visa:

  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, signed and completed.
  • An application for the G Visa, Form DS-1648.
  • A supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157, which provides additional information about your travel. If you are a G-1 through G-4 visa applicant, you are not required to complete the Form DS-157.
  • A diplomatic note. The diplomatic note is written confirmation by the sending government of  your status.
  • A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
  • One photograph.
  • If your immediate family is applying separately from you for a visa, then a copy of your visa and your I-94 is required.

Visa Application Fees

If you establish entitlement to an official visa classification of G, then you are exempt from paying visa fees.

Entering the United States

Your G visa will allow you to travel to a port of entry into the United States. At that time, you may request permission to enter the country and inspectors with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection will either grant or deny your request for entry. If applicable, your I-94 form will detail the length of your stay within the United States.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a G Visa?

Yes. Your unmarried, minor children and your spouse are included on your G visa application and given their visas when the main visa is issued.

Are There Any Special Requirements if I Apply for a G-5 Visa?

In order for you to receive a G-5 or NATO-7 visa, you must also submit an employment contract signed by you and the employer.

Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about the G Visa

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