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Visa


Diplomats (A)


Diplomats and government officials traveling on official government business to the United States must obtain A-1 or A-2 visas prior to entering the United States. 
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A-1 Visa for Diplomats
Serve Your Diplomatic Mission in the U.S. with ImmigraTrust Law

Welcome to ImmigraTrust Law, where we specialize in guiding diplomats and foreign government officials through the A-1 visa process. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you fulfill your official duties in the United States.

Our A-1 Visa Services
1. Eligibility Assessment
  • Initial Consultation: Determine your eligibility for an A-1 visa based on your diplomatic status and official duties.
  • Documentation Review: Ensure all necessary documents, such as proof of official status and diplomatic mission details, are complete and accurate.
2. Petition Preparation
  • Form DS-160 Filing: Assistance with completing and submitting Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application.
  • Supporting Documents: Guidance on gathering and preparing supporting documents, including diplomatic notes and official orders from your government.
3. Application Process
  • Consular Processing: Assistance with the application process at the U.S. embassy or consulate, including scheduling and preparing for the visa interview.
  • Compliance and Documentation: Help in ensuring all documents meet the requirements and maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
4. Post-Approval Support
  • Visa Renewal and Extension: Help with renewing and extending your A-1 visa to ensure continued legal status in the U.S.
  • Family Inclusion: Assistance with securing A-2 visas for your immediate family members, allowing them to accompany you to the U.S.

Key Requirements and Process
  1. Official Duties: Must be traveling to the U.S. on behalf of your government to engage in official diplomatic activities.
  2. Diplomatic Note: Provide a diplomatic note from your government, outlining the purpose of your visit and confirming your status as a diplomat.
  3. Form DS-160: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and provide the confirmation page during your visa interview.
  4. Visa Interview: Typically not required for A-1 visa applicants, but consular officers may request one at their discretion.

Benefits of the A-1 Visa
  • Work Authorization: Allows the visa holder to perform official diplomatic duties in the U.S.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can join the principal visa holder under A-2 visas.
  • Duration of Stay: Granted for the length of the diplomatic assignment, with the possibility of extensions.

​Comprehensive FAQ for A Visa - Diplomats
Q1: What is an A Visa?
  • The A Visa is designated for diplomats and government officials traveling to the United States on official duties.
Q2: Who is eligible for an A Visa?
  • Diplomatic personnel, government officials, and their immediate family members who are traveling to the U.S. for official activities.
Q3: Are there different types of A Visas?
  • Yes, there are A-1 visas for diplomats and high-ranking officials, A-2 visas for full-time government employees, and A-3 visas for personal employees, attendants, or servants of A-1 and A-2 visa holders.
Q4: What activities are permitted with an A Visa?
  • Activities are generally restricted to those related to the diplomat or official’s duties and functions.
Q5: How long can I stay in the U.S. on an A Visa?
  • The stay is typically dictated by the official’s assignment or mission duration.
Q6: Can family members accompany A Visa holders to the U.S.?
  • Yes, immediate family members can apply for A visas as dependents.
Q7: What are the requirements for obtaining an A Visa?
  • Applicants must prove their status as a government official or diplomat and the purpose of their trip must be official.
Q8: Is there a visa application fee for an A Visa?
  • No, diplomatic visa applicants are generally exempt from the application fee.
Q9: Can A Visa holders apply for a Green Card?
  • While the A Visa is typically non-immigrant, under certain circumstances, holders may change their status to pursue residency.
Q10: What happens if my A Visa application is denied?
  • Specific reasons for denial will be provided, and in some cases, the decision may be appealed or re-application may be possible.
Q11: Are A Visa holders allowed to work in the U.S.?
  • They are permitted to work only in the capacity of their official duties related to their diplomatic mission.
Q12: Can A Visa holders travel outside the U.S. and return?
  • Yes, A Visa holders can travel internationally and return to the U.S. as long as their visa and mission status remain valid.
Q13: What is the process for renewing an A Visa?
  • Renewal processes depend on the continuation of the diplomatic mission and may require documentation from the home government.
Q14: Can diplomatic immunity be extended to A Visa holders?
  • Diplomatic immunity is generally accorded to A-1 and some A-2 visa holders based on their duties and rank.
Q15: How can an immigration attorney help with the A Visa process?
  • An attorney can provide guidance on compliance, help with documentation, and ensure that the application aligns with U.S. diplomatic protocols.
Q16: What documentation is needed for an A Visa application?
  • Documentation typically includes a diplomatic note from the home country’s government and verification of the applicant’s government position.
Q17: Can I switch from an A Visa to another type of visa?
  • Yes, A Visa holders can change their visa type if they meet specific criteria and obtain approval from USCIS.
Q18: What should be done if an A Visa holder's assignment ends prematurely?
  • They should adjust their visa status, depart the U.S., or transition to another appropriate visa category.
Q19: Are there specific entry procedures at U.S. ports of entry for A Visa holders?
  • A Visa holders may be subject to special entry procedures that expedite their admission based on diplomatic status.
Q20: How quickly can I obtain an A Visa once my application is submitted?
  • Processing times can vary, but diplomatic visas typically receive priority and may be processed more swiftly than other visa types.

Why Choose ImmigraTrust Law?
  • Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and the A-1 visa process.
  • Personalized Support: Tailored guidance and solutions to meet your unique needs.
  • Multilingual Services: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, ready to assist clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Proven Success: High success rate and numerous satisfied clients.

​Contact us today or schedule an introductory call or a legal consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Contact Us Now!

Trust in Us with ​Your Immigration Success!

Telephone

+1.949.424.2045
Mon-Fri: ​8am - 5pm (PST)

Email

[email protected]

Address

​ImmigraTrust Law
300 Spectrum Center Dr., Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92618



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Immigration lawyer Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq. (ImmigraTrust Law) represents immigration law clients nationwide (all 50 States), globally and also in and around Orange County, including: Costa Mesa | Corona del Mar | Cypress | Fountain Valley | Garden Grove | Huntington Beach | Irvine | Los Alamitos | Los Angeles | Mission Viejo | Newport Beach | Orange | San Diego | San Francisco | Santa Ana | Stanton | Tustin | Westminster
​Disclaimer
The information provided on ImmigraTrust's website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique; for specific advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult with a qualified Lawyer. Contacting ImmigraTrust Law through this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until such a relationship has been established in writing.
©2024 by ImmigraTrust Law.
  • Home
  • 🗽TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE
  • About Us
  • فارسی
  • Book Online
  • Reviews
  • Services
    • Visas >
      • Fiance (K-1)
      • Extraordinary Ability (O)
      • NAFTA Professionals (TN)
      • Treaty Traders (E-1 Visa)
      • Treaty Investors (E-2)
      • Professional (H-1B)
      • Visitors (B)
      • Student (F-1)
      • Intercompany Transfers (L-1)
      • Religious Workers (R)
      • International Organizations (G)
      • Australian Professionals (E-3)
      • Exchange Visitors (J)
      • Cultural Exchange (Q)
      • Diplomats (A)
      • Trainees or Special Education Exchange Visitor (H-3)
      • Journalists (I)
    • Green Cards >
      • Family Based
      • Adjustment of Status
      • Employment Based
      • Diversity Lottery
      • Asylum
    • Investors >
      • Immigration Investment Opportunities
      • EB-5 Investments
    • Citizenship
    • Employers >
      • Hiring International Talent
    • Mandamus Lawsuits for USCIS Delays ⚖️
  • Blog