Foreign government officials seeking entrance into the United States in order to engage in government activities are required to hold an A-2 Visa. Holders are able to stay in the United States for as long as the Secretary of State acknowledges them as an official member of the diplomatic community.
Who Is Eligible For An A-2 Visa?
Unlike the A-1 Visa, all non-diplomat foreign government officials are eligible for an A-2 Visa, including their immediate family members. The classification of non-diplomat foreign government officials include the following:
- Foreign government officials & employees
- Foreign military members assigned to a U.S. military base, foreign embassy or consulate
- Immediate family members of A2 Visa holders
A-2 Visa Requirements
Those interested in applying for an A2 Visa must be able to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible.
- Hold one of the qualified positions listed above
- Must state their official purpose for entering the U.S., which can only pertain to foreign government business
- Cannot be employed in the U.S. while holding the visa
Who Is Considered An Immediate Family Member?
Under the A2 Visa, an immediate family member is defined as one of the following:
- Spouse or domestic partner (same-sex)
- Children (unmarried and under 21 years of age)
- A frequent visitor to the Visa holders residence
- Immediate relatives
Applying For An A-2 Visa
The application for an A-2 Visa is nearly identical to the application for an A-1 Visa. Those wishing to apply for an A-2 Visa must hold a valid diplomatic passport and may be required to show proof of the passport. For prospective applicants who currently reside within the United States, A-2 Visa applications are sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Those who do not reside in the United States must acquire an official approval from their own nation’s U.S. embassy or consulate.
The Application Process
Upon showing proof of a valid diplomatic passport, below are the steps followed for a typical A-2 Visa application process:
- Completion of Form D-S 160
- Upon completion and passing of the form, the applicant must submit the form in order to receive a confirmation code
- Submission of the following documents to either the USCIS or U.S. Embassy
- Current diplomatic passport
- Completed D-S 160 Form & confirmation code
- Photograph
- A note from the applicants national government detailing the purpose of their visit
Reach Out To An Experienced Immigration Attorney
Although the process for applying and acquiring an A2 Visa may appear to be simple, it is important to reach out to an experienced immigration attorney prior to applying to ensure you are eligible and able to meet all of the requirements needed to obtain an A-2 Visa. For more information please give The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge, PLLC at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online.