The G-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa specifically designed for individuals who are permanent mission members representing a recognized foreign government at an international organization headquartered in the United States, such as the United Nations or the World Bank. This visa is intended for diplomats and government officials assigned to their country’s permanent mission rather than temporary delegates. To apply for a G-1 visa, applicants must submit Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or con-sulate. Along with the application, they must provide a diplomatic note from their government confirming their official position, purpose of travel, and intended duration of stay in the U.S. Dependents, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, are also eligible for G-1 deriva-tive visas to accompany the principal visa holder.
Once approved, G-1 visa holders can enter and reside in the United States for the duration of their official assignment. Unlike other visa categories, G-1 visas do not require employment au-thorization, as holders are permitted to engage in their official government duties within their assigned international organization. However, any additional employment outside of their diplo-matic role is not allowed. Immediate family members accompanying the G-1 visa holder may attend school in the U.S., and spouses may apply for employment authorization through U.S. Cit-izenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if permitted under diplomatic agreements. The length of stay on a G-1 visa is determined by the individual's diplomatic assignment, and exten-sions are granted as long as the mission assignment continues.
The G-1 visa is crucial for maintaining international diplomatic relations, ensuring that foreign governments can have permanent representatives working with global organizations based in the U.S. Since this visa is tied directly to an official assignment, it does not lead to a green card or permanent residency. However, some G-1 visa holders may seek a change of status under specif-ic circumstances, such as applying for another visa category if their assignment ends. Due to the diplomatic nature of the G-1 visa, the application process involves coordination between the ap-plicant’s government and the U.S. Department of State, making it essential to ensure all required documentation is accurate and up to date.
The G-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for representatives of a recognized foreign gov-ernment traveling to the United States to attend official meetings or participate in activities at an international organization, such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), or the World Bank. Unlike the G-1 visa, which is reserved for permanent mission members, the G-2 visa applies to temporary representatives, including government officials attending summits, negotiations, or specialized committees. To apply, individuals must complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consu-late. A diplomatic note from the applicant’s government is required, confirming their status as an official representative, detailing the purpose of their visit, and specifying the expected duration of stay in the U.S. Immediate family members, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21, may apply for derivative G-2 visas to accompany the principal visa holder.
Once granted, G-2 visa holders may enter the United States to conduct their official government business within an international organization. The visa remains valid for the duration of the spe-cific event or assignment and may be extended if necessary. Unlike most employment-based vi-sas, G-2 visa holders do not require separate work authorization since their activities are directly related to their government role. However, they are restricted from seeking employment outside their official duties. Dependents of G-2 visa holders can reside in the U.S., attend school, and may apply for employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if permitted under international agreements. The length of stay for G-2 visa holders is generally tied to the duration of their government’s involvement in the international organization or event.
The G-2 visa plays a vital role in facilitating international diplomacy, allowing temporary repre-sentatives from foreign governments to engage in global cooperation and policymaking at inter-national organizations headquartered in the U.S. This visa is strictly intended for official gov-ernment functions and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or a green card. How-ever, in some cases, G-2 visa holders may apply for a change of status if their situation changes. Given the diplomatic nature of the G-2 visa, applicants must work closely with their govern-ment’s foreign affairs office to ensure compliance with all U.S. Department of State regulations and submission requirements.
The G-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designated for representatives of foreign governments that are not officially recognized by the United States but who need to attend meetings or conduct official business at an international organization based in the U.S., such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This visa allows officials from un-recognized or non-member states to participate in international discussions, negotiations, and diplomatic activities. To apply for a G-3 visa, individuals must complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A diplomatic note from the applicant’s government or delegation is required, verifying their sta-tus as an official representative, explaining the purpose of their visit, and outlining the expected duration of their stay. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible to apply for deriva-tive G-3 visas to accompany the principal visa holder.
Once approved, G-3 visa holders may enter the U.S. to engage in official activities at their desig-nated international organization. The visa remains valid for the duration of the representative’s assignment or meeting, with extensions available if required. Unlike traditional work visas, G-3 visa holders do not need separate employment authorization, as their work is directly related to their governmental functions. However, they cannot seek employment outside their official du-ties. Immediate family members may reside in the U.S. and attend school, and in some cases, spouses may apply for employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Ser-vices (USCIS) if permitted by diplomatic agreements. The G-3 visa is strictly tied to the appli-cant’s role within their government, and its validity depends on continued participation in inter-national organizational activities.
The G-3 visa serves a crucial diplomatic function, ensuring that officials from non-recognized governments or entities can still participate in international cooperation and policy discussions. While the visa facilitates diplomatic engagement, it does not lead to a green card or permanent residency, as it is strictly a nonimmigrant status. However, some G-3 visa holders may apply for a change of status under special circumstances. Given the unique nature of the G-3 visa, applicants should ensure compliance with U.S. Department of State guidelines and work closely with their respective governments or international organizations to ensure a smooth application process.
The G-4 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals traveling to the United States to work for an international organization, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), or the Organization of American States (OAS). This visa is specifically for employees, officers, and personnel of these organizations, allowing them to enter the U.S. to perform their official duties. To apply for a G-4 visa, individuals must complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. A diplomatic note or an official request from the international organization is re-quired, verifying the applicant’s employment, purpose of travel, and expected duration of stay. Immediate family members, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, are eligible for derivative G-4 visas to accompany the primary visa holder.
Once granted, G-4 visa holders may enter the United States to fulfill their employment obliga-tions within an international organization. This visa is valid for the duration of employment and can be extended as long as the individual remains employed by the organization. G-4 visa holders do not require separate work authorization, as their employment is inherently authorized by their visa status. However, they are restricted from working outside of their official duties. Family members accompanying the visa holder can reside in the U.S., and spouses and children may apply for work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in cer-tain cases. Additionally, children of G-4 visa holders may attend school in the U.S. without re-quiring a separate student visa.
The G-4 visa plays a vital role in supporting international diplomacy and global governance, al-lowing employees of international organizations to operate within the U.S. while maintaining their diplomatic status. Unlike other nonimmigrant visas, the G-4 does not lead to a green card or permanent residency under normal circumstances. However, in some cases, long-term G-4 visa holders may be eligible to apply for special adjustment of status to obtain a green card if they meet specific criteria. Due to the unique nature of the G-4 visa, applicants should ensure compli-ance with U.S. Department of State regulations and maintain their employment with the interna-tional organization to remain in valid status.
The G-5 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visa holders who are working for an international organiza-tion in the United States. This visa allows individuals such as nannies, housekeepers, cooks, drivers, or other household staff to accompany their employer to the U.S. and legally work for them. To apply for a G-5 visa, the employee must complete Form DS-160, attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and provide a signed employment contract that meets U.S. Department of State requirements. The contract must outline the terms of employment, including wages (at or above the U.S. federal minimum wage), working hours, job duties, and benefits. The employer must also demonstrate that they can financially support the employee under these terms.
Once approved, G-5 visa holders may enter the U.S. solely to work for the sponsoring employer and are prohibited from seeking employment with any other individual or organization. Their visa is typically granted for up to one year but can be extended in two-year increments as long as the employer maintains their own valid G visa status. G-5 visa holders are subject to U.S. labor laws, including protection from workplace abuse or exploitation. Employers are required to adhere to fair labor practices, and the employee must be paid directly into a U.S. bank account to ensure transparency and compliance. If the employment relationship ends, the G-5 visa holder must either depart the U.S. or apply for a change of status before their visa expires.
The G-5 visa provides essential legal work authorization for household employees supporting international organization personnel in the U.S. However, it does not lead to a green card or permanent residency and is strictly tied to the employment relationship with the sponsoring G visa holder. G-5 employees who experience mistreatment or contract violations have legal pro-tections and may be eligible for a T visa (for trafficking victims) or U visa (for crime victims) in extreme cases. Given the strict eligibility criteria and labor law requirements, G-5 visa applicants should carefully review their employment contract and ensure their rights and obligations are clearly defined before traveling to the United States.
