United States•North America7-10 days
Free
Duration of Status (D/S)
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
No
Not Required
Foreign government ambassadors, public ministers, career diplomats, heads of state, and their immediate family.
The A-1 is a US diplomatic visa for heads of state, ambassadors, career diplomats, and cabinet-level ministers traveling on official government business. It provides diplomatic immunity, exempting holders from local prosecution and civil litigation.
Stay is Duration of Status, tied to official assignment — status ends when the post ends. No PR pathway exists and dual intent is not permitted. Immediate family receive A-1 status and may apply for work authorization through the Office of Foreign Missions using Form I-566. No application fee applies.
This visa is ideal for senior foreign government officials on assignment to a US embassy, consulate, or official delegation who require full diplomatic protections.
| In-US Renewal (Diplomatic Liaison Division) | 1 week – 1 week |
| Dependent EAD (work authorization) | 1 month – 2 months |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Must be a Head of State, Head of Government, Ambassador, career diplomat, or certain cabinet-level minister
Must be traveling on official government business
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Diplomatic note from home government confirming official status and purpose
Cannot use A-1 for tourism or commercial/non-governmental activities
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page (or DS-1648 for U.S. renewals)
Diplomatic note confirming government status and official purpose
Photo meeting State Department standards
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| DS-1648 Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Complete DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application (or DS-1648 for U.S.-based renewals); Obtain di… | travel.state.gov |
| Blockers | — | travel.state.gov |
| Can Convert To | — | travel.state.gov |
| Categories | diplomatic | travel.state.gov |
| Code | us-a-1 | travel.state.gov |
| Criminal Policy | Standard INA §212(a) inadmissibility grounds technically apply at visa application stage; in practic… | travel.state.gov |
| Dependent Visa | A-1 | travel.state.gov |
| Dual Intent | false | travel.state.gov |
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