The G visa is a category of official visas issued to diplomats, government officials, and international organization employees who are visiting the United States temporarily for a governmental purpose.
G visas may also be issued to immediate family members of the principal visa holder. G visas are issued by the United States Department of State.
G visas are not issued to heads of state, who are instead granted an A-1 visa.
Types There are five visas in the G visa category:
G-1 The G-1 visa is for permanent members of a diplomatic mission from a recognized government, who are visiting a specific international organization (and for eligible family members). G-2 The G-2 visa is for official representatives of a recognized government, who are attending meetings at a specific international organization (and for eligible family members). G-3 The G-3 visa is for representatives of a government not officially recognized by the United States (and for eligible family members of the principal visa holder). G-4 The G-4 visa is for persons who have been appointed to a position at an international organization in the United States, including the United Nations (and for eligible family members). G-5 The G-5 visa is for employees or domestic workers of G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa holders who meet certain criteria.
Duration of status An individual is generally allowed to retain G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 status for as long as the person is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State.Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(a)(15)(G).."Adjudicator's Field Manual: 30.5 Status as a Foreign Government Official or Employee of an International Organization. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Work authorization G visas give work authorization to the primary holder of the visa. A family member with a G visa is eligible to apply for work authorization and only if the individual is a married spouse, an eligible domestic partner, an unmarried child under age 21, an unmarried child under age 23 who is a full-time student at a college or university, or an unmarried child of any age who is physically disabled or mentally disabled."G00203 Summary of Benefits Applicable to Headquarters-based Open and Term Staff". World Bank Group. September 7, 2018.
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See also
NATO-1 visa Travel visa Visa policy of the United States