U.S. visas are divided into immigrant (permanent resident) and non-immigrant (temporary) visas. An unpolished but simpler description would be that U.S. visa types are separated into two categories: green cards and everything else. The "everything else" category, non-immigrant visas, can be very difficult to navigate if you don't understand the terminology. Luckily, their naming system is derived from something we're all very familiar with: the English alphabet.
Each week, we'll take a look at a different non-immigrant visa according to their letter, starting with "A" visas and ending with the "X" visa (a visa type that does not yet exist, but was proposed in the 2013 immigration reform bill.) Hopefully this not only helps people understand the depth and complexity of U.S. immigration, but also brings awareness to the enormously diverse pool of immigrants that enter our country every year.
Who can apply for A Visas?
"A" type visas are intended for diplomatic personnel, including ambassadors, public ministers, consular officers, and members of their immediate families. You must be traveling on behalf of your national government to obtain an A visa. Dependent travelers of someone with an A visa must also obtain an A visa to enter the U.S.
If a foreign diplomat needs to travel to the United States on official government business, they cannot apply for the traditional business traveler visa (known as the B-1 visa.) They are also excluded from the Visa Waiver Program. However, if the foreign government official is representing a state or local government, they will use the B-1 visa for business travel.
Because the A visa is an official diplomatic visa, the primary applicant usually does not have to pay application fees. Generally the applicant also does not have to worry about a consular interview unless it is specifically requested. A visas are processed through the State Department before going through USCIS.
Categories of A Visas
There are three types of A visas: A-1, A-2, and A-3. A-1 and A-2 visas are issued to the foreign diplomat or government official. A-2 visas can also be issued to immediate family members of A-1 and A-2 visa holders. A-3 visas are issued to attendants, servants and personal employees of A-1 and A-2 visa holders and/or their immediate families.
Where can I find more information about A Visas?
If you qualify for an A visa, chances are there is already someone helping you apply or figure out the application process. To read more about these types of visas, visit the U.S. State Department website: