Witness or Informant Visa Overview

S Class Visa for Witnesses and Informants Assisting Federal or State Government Agencies

The S visa is granted to those who act as witnesses or informants to federal or state government agencies. The S visa holder is a person providing information regarding crimes and terrorism.

Below you'll find detailed information about the application process for an S visa. 

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for a S Visa?
  • Types of S Visas
  • S visa application Process
    • S Visa Application Fees
    • Restrictions on S Visa Holders
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an S Visa?

Who Qualifies for an S Visa?

S visas are granted to individuals who possess critical and reliable information concerning criminal or terrorist organizations. Foreign nationals who are holders of an S visa are willing to share this information with federal or state authorities.

S visas are also granted to individuals whose presence in the United States is critical to the success of a criminal investigation or prosecution.

The immediate family members of S visa holders are also eligible to receive clearance.

Types of S Visas

 There are two types of S visas, the S-5 and the S-6.  You may qualify to receive an S-5 visa if you:

  • possess reliable information regarding a crime or the pending commission of a crime;
  • you are willing to share this information with law enforcement or testify in court; and
  • your presence is necessary to secure a successful investigation and/or prosecution of the case.

You are eligible for an S-6 visa if you:

  • possess reliable information regarding a terrorist organization or terrorist plot;
  • you are willing to share this information with law enforcement or testify in court; and
  • you are eligible to receive an award from the State Department for providing the information.

S Visa Application Process

The particular state or government agency that you are providing information to will actually file your application for the S visa. The agency will use Form I-854, Inter-Agency Alien Witness and Informant Record. The application must include the agency's reasons for seeking your cooperation.

Visa Application Fees

Any visa fees associated with the S visa will be paid by the sponsoring agency.

Restrictions on S Visa Holders

As an S visa holder, you will be held to stringent restrictions. The restrictions include:

  • reporting to the attorney general every three months to document your whereabouts;
  • not being convicted of a crime which requires jail time of one year or more; and
  • not being able to contest any deportation order other than for fear of persecution upon returning to your home country.

You must also follow any other restrictions as designated by the attorney general.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an S Visa?

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

Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about the S Visa

If you are seeking to prepare a S visa application, an immigration rep can help you gather the required documentation, understand the fees involved and successfully complete your applications and file at the proper deadlines.

To speak with an immigration team member, simply fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.