The G-1 visa is for a representative of an international organization from a foreign country recognized by the U.S.  G-1 visa is also for the primary G-1 visa holder’s staff and immediate family members. Application is made by submitting Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa. 

What are the requirements for a G-1 visa?

You need not be a national of the government you represent. You must be coming to the U.S. to perform official duties as the principal resident representative of one of the following international organizations, which have been designated by the President of the U.S.:

• African Development Bank
• African Development Fund
• Asian Development Bank
• Asian Development Fund
• Caribbean Organization
• Commission for the Study of Alternative to the Panama Canal
• Customs Cooperation Council
• European Space Research Organization
• Food and Agriculture Organization
• Great Lakes Fishery Commission
• Inter-American Defense Board
• Inter-American Development Bank
• Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
• Inter-American Investment Cooperation
• Inter-American Statistical Institute
• Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
• Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM)
• Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization
• International Atomic Energy Agency
• International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico
• International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes
• International Civil Aviation Organization
• International Coffee Organization
• nternational Development Association
• International Fertilizer Development Center
• International Finance Cooperation
• International Food Policy Research Institute
• International Hydrographic Bureau
• International Institute for Cotton
• International Joint Commission - United States and Canada
• International Labor Organization
• International Maritime Satellite Organization
• International Monetary Fund
• International Pacific Halibut Commission
• International Secretariat for Voluntary Services
• International Telecommunications Satellite Organization
• International Telecommunication Union; International Wheat Council
• Multinational Force and Observers
• Organization of African Unity
• Organization of American States (includes Pan American Union)
• Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Pacific Salmon Commission
• Pan American Health Organization (includes Pan American Sanitary Bureau)
• South Pacific Commission
• United International Bureau for the Protection of Intellectual Property
• United Nations
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations
• Universal Postal Union
• World Health Organization
• World Meteorological Organization
• World Intellectual Property Organization
• World Tourism Organization

Can G-1 dependents be employed?

G-1 visa holder dependents may work only with permission with the INS.  Permission may be obtained for employment in educational, nursing and cultural pursuits.

How long is the G-1 visa valid?

A G-1 visa holder is admitted indefinitely and may remain in the U.S. as long as recognized by the Secretary of State.

Who qualifies for a G-2 visa classification?

G-2 visa is for accredited representatives (that are not included in the G-1 classification) of an international organization from a foreign country recognized by the U.S.  G-2 visa is also for the primary G-2 visa holder’s staff and immediate family members. Application is made by submission of Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa.  The visa may be issued on the same day that you apply in the form of a stamp in your passport.

What are the requirements for a G-2 visa?

You must be coming to the U.S. to perform official duties at an international organization.  You need not be a national of the government you represent. The qualifying international organizations as designated by the President under the International Organizations Immunities Act is the same as set forth above under the G-1 category.

Can G-2 dependents be employed?

G-2 visa holder dependents may work only with permission with the INS.  Permission may be obtained for employment in educational, nursing and cultural pursuits.

How long is the G-2 visa valid?

A G-2 visa holder is admitted indefinitely and may remain in the U.S. as long as recognized by the Secretary of State.

Who qualifies for a G-3 visa classification?

G-3 visa is for representatives who would otherwise be qualified for a G-1 or G-2 visa, but whose government is not recognized by the U.S. or is not a member of an international organization.  G-3 visa is also for the primary G-3 visa holder’s immediate family members (those related by blood, marriage or adoption and who reside regularly in the household). Application is made by submission of Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa.

What are the requirements for a G-3 visa?

You must be coming to the U.S. to perform official duties at an international organization. You need not be a national of the government you represent.    The following is a list of qualifying international organizations as designated by the President under the International Organizations Immunities Act is the same as that of G-2 classification.

Can G-3 dependents be employed?

G-3 visa holder dependents may work only with permission with the INS.  Permission may be obtained for employment in educational, nursing and cultural pursuits.

How long is the G-3 visa valid?

A G-3 visa holder is admitted indefinitely and may remain in the U.S. as long as recognized by the Secretary of State.

Who qualifies for a G-4 visa classification?

G-4 visa is for international organization officers or employees and members of their immediate family (those related by blood, marriage or adoption and who reside regularly in the household). Application is made by submission of Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa.

What are the requirements for a G-4 visa?

You need not be a national of the government you represent.  You must be an officer or employee of one of the recognized international organizations listed in the G-2 category and be coming to the U.S. to perform official duties at that organization.

Can G-4 dependents be employed?

G-4 visa holder dependents may work only with permission with the INS.  Permission may be obtained for employment in educational, nursing and cultural pursuits.

How long is the G-4 visa valid?

A G-3 visa holder is admitted indefinitely and may remain in the U.S. as long as recognized by the Secretary of State.

Who qualifies for a G-5 visa classification?

A G-5 visa is for servants, personal employees or attendants of G-1, G-2,

G-3 and G-4 visa holders and their immediate family members. Application is made by submission of Form OF-1456 to the U.S. Consular office where you live.  The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa.  The visa my be issued on the same day you apply and is in the form of a stamp in your passport.

What are the requirements for a G-5 visa?

The G-5 visa applicant must be a servant, personal employee or attendant of a G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa holder or immediate family member.

How long is the G-5 visa valid?

A G-5 visa holder is admitted for up to 3 years.  The National Visa Service Legal Department can apply for extensions of G-5 status in two-year increments.