United States•North America1-30 days
Free
Up to 3 years
Yes
Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Personal employees, attendants, or domestic workers of A-1 or A-2 visa holders.
The A-3 is a US nonimmigrant visa for personal employees, attendants, and domestic workers of A-1 or A-2 visa holders — ambassadors, ministers, and career diplomatic staff. It covers roles like cooks, nannies, and butlers. No MRV application fee applies, and there is no annual cap or lottery.
Initial stay is up to 3 years, renewable in increments of up to 2 years but capped by the employer’s A-1/A-2 validity. A signed written employment contract guaranteeing at least the US federal or state minimum wage is mandatory. Work is restricted to the employing principal; no employer changes or PR pathway.
This visa is ideal for domestic staff with an established relationship to a diplomat or foreign government official requiring personal support during a US posting.
Must be a personal employee, attendant, domestic worker, or servant of a currently valid A-1 or A-2 visa holder
Signed written employment contract (in English, or with certified translation)
Employer must pay at least U.S. federal/state minimum wage and provide lawful working conditions
Diplomatic note from the sending government confirming the employer's A-1/A-2 status
Must apply outside the United States
Job Offer
Required
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Recent passport-style photograph
Diplomatic note from sending government confirming employer's A-1/A-2 status
Signed written employment contract in English (or with certified translation)
Proof employer will pay at least minimum wage and lawful conditions
Acknowledgment of 'Know Your Rights' pamphlet (provided by consular officer)
| A-3 Employment Contract Template A-3 and G-5 Employment Contract Template | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Employer obtains a diplomatic note confirming their A-1/A-2 status from the sending government; Empl… | travel.state.gov |
| Dependent Visa | — | remitly.com |
| Fee Breakdown | — | travel.state.gov |
| Fees | No fee (exempt) | travel.state.gov |
| Forms | A-3 Employment Contract Template | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · A-3 Employment Contract Template · description | A-3 and G-5 Employment Contract Template | state.gov |
| Job Offer Required | true | travel.state.gov |
| Official Info | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-diplomats.html | travel.state.gov |
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