Are you a diplomat, foreign government official, or a member of an international organization? Will you be pursuing official duties in the United States? If you answered “Yes” to the questions above, then the G visa may be appropriate for you. G visas are issued to diplomats, other foreign government officials, and members of international organizations for travel to the U.S. on official duties. There are very specific requirements for obtaining a G visa. For example, some G visas require that the international organization, which the applicant is representing, be on a designated list of international organizations published by the U.S. government.To begin, here are the categories of G visa one can apply for, based on the various criteria established by the USCIS:
Categories:
G-1: Permanent Mission members of a recognized government to a designated international organization;
G-2: Representatives of a recognized government who are traveling to the U.S. temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization;
G-3: Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments;
G-4: Individuals who are proceeding to the U.S. to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations;
G-5: Domestic staff of a G visa holder and the staff person’s immediate family.
What Documents do I Need to Apply for a G Visa?
Those applying for a G visa will need:
A diplomatic note: the diplomatic note is something in writing from the foreign government confirming the visa applicant’s status.
A valid passport: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the time you intend to stay in the U.S.
Is an Interview and Fingerprinting Required for G Visas?
Usually, Gvisa applications require an interview of applicants at the embassy. The good news for those applying for G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visas is that, an interview is not mandatory but can be requested by the Consular Officer.Also, G-1 through G-4 visa applicants do not have to do a fingerprint scan. Conversely, G-5 visa applicants, the private employees, attendants, and servants of G visa holders, are required to be interviewed and fingerprinted.
Can I Bring my Family with me to the U.S. on a G Visa?
As a G visa holder, you can bring your immediate family, such as your spouse and unmarried sons and daughters (of any age), along with you to the U.S.
Can I Bring my Personal Employees, and What Documents do they Need?
Yes, people who work for those with G-1 to G-4 visas can get a G-5 visa. To get a G-5 visa, you need to apply outside the U.S. You will have to go for an interview and give your fingerprints at the Embassy or Consulate. The Consular Officer will decide if you can get the G-5 visa.
Required Document for G-5 Applicants?
The person applying for a G-5 visa needs to bring their job contract, signed by them and their employer.The contract must be in English and a language the employee can understand. It should state the employee’s rights and duties, including pay and work conditions.The contract must also say the employee will be paid the minimum wage. The employee promises not to work for anyone else while working for their employer.The employer must promise not to take the employee’s passport. The contract must also say that the employee can leave after work unless they are paid overtime.
How Long Can I Stay in the U.S. on a G Visa?
People with G-1 to G-4 visas can stay in the U.S. as long as they are recognized as diplomats. They don’t need to ask for more time. G-5 visa holders can stay for 3 years and then apply for 2-year extensions.
Conclusion
If you are a government official, diplomat, or part of a special international group visiting the United States for work, you might want to consider getting a G visa. Make sure to check the different types of G visas available to find the one that suits your needs. Your organization must be on the approved list of international organizations by the United States. As a holder, your family and household staff can also come with you to the United States.
