Quick answer
A, G, and NATO visas are for diplomats, government officials, international organization employees, and NATO personnel traveling to the U.S. for official duties . G visas cover employees of designated international organizations, NATO visas cover NATO staff, and A visas (specifically A-1) are for heads of state . Most applicants complete Form DS-160, provide a passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay, a photo, and a diplomatic note or travel orders . G-1 through G-4 and NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa holders may be exempt from in-person interviews . Visa fees are waived for official visa classifications (A, G, C-3, NATO) . G-5 and NATO-7 personal employees must apply outside the U.S., attend an interview, and provide a signed employment contract meeting specific wage and working condition requirements . Immediate family members (spouse, unmarried children under 21 or under 23 if full-time students) may receive derivative visas .
Requirements
Documents you'll need
All applicants
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 confirmation page (for applicants applying outside the United States)
- Photo taken within the past six months meeting the required format
- Diplomatic note and/or travel orders from the international organization or NATO confirming status and purpose of travel (must include officer/employee name, date of birth, position, organization, purpose, travel date, length of stay, and dependent details)
Immediate family members
- For immediate family members applying separately from the principal visa holder: copy of the principal’s visa and I-94 (front and back) or admission stamp
Personal employees
- For G-5 and NATO-7 applicants: signed employment contract in English (with translation if needed) covering duties, hours, wage, overtime, payment method, transportation, and other terms as specified in 9 FAM 402.3-9(B)(3)
Renewal applicants in U.S.
- For renewal of G-1–4 or NATO-1–6 visas while in the U.S.: Form DS-1648 (Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas) instead of DS-160
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Determine the appropriate visa category (A, G-1 to G-5, NATO-1 to NATO-7) based on your status and purpose of travel .
- 2
Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 (or DS-1648 if renewing from within the U.S.) and print the confirmation page .
- 3
Upload a qualifying photo during the DS-160 completion .
- 4
Gather required documents: passport with at least six months validity, DS-160 confirmation page, photo, and diplomatic note/travel orders .
- 5
Check the specific U.S. embassy or consulate website for any additional required documents and instructions .
- 6
Schedule a visa interview if required – note that G-1–4 and NATO-1–6 applicants may be exempt from interviews, but G-5 and NATO-7 applicants must be interviewed .
- 7
Attend the visa interview (if required) with all documents. For G-5/NATO-7, the employer does not attend .
- 8
Provide ink-free digital fingerprints during the interview process .
- 9
Wait for visa processing; additional administrative processing may occur .
- 10
If approved, the embassy or consulate will return the passport with the visa .
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
G visas are for employees of international organizations
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
NATO visas are for NATO officials and employees
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Heads of State require A-1 visa regardless of purpose
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
G-5 and NATO-7 holders must reapply outside the U.S.
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Official visa categories (A, G, C-3, NATO) are exempt from visa fees
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Required documents include passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, and diplomatic note
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Interviews may be waived for G-1 through G-4 and NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa applicants
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
G-5 and NATO-7 applicants must be interviewed and provide a detailed employment contract
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Immediate family member definition for A, G, and NATO visas
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects United States's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United States's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.