The so-called US diplomatic visas allow foreigners to come to the US on official duties. Specifically, G Visa was created for officials or employees from international organizations, while the NATO visa, as you can easily figure out, is for North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s officials. Though, be aware that you must be on official duties! If not, you should apply for a different type of visa, there are tons of them.
Nevertheless, it won’t be possible for you to apply for a diplomatic visa in that case, as your organization would need to prove that you are traveling abroad on business.
In this blog article, you will find information regarding G Visa and Nato Visa, how to process an application, what documents are required, and what other requirements we should meet to apply for these visas, among other things.
G Visa and NATO Visa let us enter the US and stay as long as our official duties last. Though this visa is valid for a few years, you can renew it easily.
Even so, you don’t have many benefits compared to other visas. It is assumed that you will be working during your stay in the US, so you are not allowed to work for another employee, enrol in educational courses, or many other things that you can benefit from with a different visa.
It is worth mentioning that G visa and NATO visa holders can bring their family and personal employees to the US.
If you are willing to bring your family to the US, be aware that they must be immediate family members – spouse and unmarried children younger than 23 – and live under the same household.
Personal employees also qualify as long as they submit the required documents. Namely, proof of English language proficiency, or proof that they speak the employer’s language, and labour contract including a description of duties, hours of work, salary, etc.
Who Is Eligible For A G Visa or NATO Visa?
If willing to apply for a G visa or a NATO visa, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- You can prove that you have been sent by an official organization or NATO.
- Evidence of the official duties you have while staying in the US is mandatory.
- The international organization you work for must be recognized by the US government.
Nevertheless, you must know that, as a NATO official, you are exempt from applying for a NATO visa if you are:
- Entering the territory on a military aircraft or vessel
- Entering under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement
- You are part of the armed forces
- You are on duties
- You are attached to the NATO Allied Headquarters in the US.
Though remember that, if you are traveling with family members, they must apply for a NATO visa.
Types Of Diplomatic Visas
There are 5 different types of G visas and 7 types of NATO visas. Take a look hereinafter.
Types of G Visas
- G-1 Visa: applicants are officials working for an international organization from a recognized government and are on a permanent mission.
- G-2 Visa: applicants are government representatives coming to the US for a meeting.
- G-3 Visa: applicants are representatives of a non-recognized government.
- G-4 Visa: applicants are to be appointed to an international body, such as the United Nations.
- G-5 Visa: applicants are personal or domestic staff of G-1 to G-4 visa holders.
It should be also noted that family members of G1 to G4 visa holders are eligible to apply for the same visa.
Types of NATO Visas
- NATO-1 Visa: applicants are permanent members of NATO, any of its branches, or staff members of principal NATO leaders.
- NATO-2 Visa: applicants are representatives of NATO member states or subsidiaries. Advisors and technical experts to a NATO delegation are also eligible for this visa.
- NATO-3 Visa: applicants are part of the official clerical personnel of NATO representatives.
- NATO-4 Visa: for applicants of foreign nationals classified as NATO officials.
- NATO-5 Visa: for applicants who are foreign nationals classified as NATO experts.
- NATO-6 Visa: if you are a member of NATO’s civilian component.
- NATO-7 Visa: applicants are family members or accompanying persons of NATO visa holders.
How To Apply For A Diplomatic Visa
If you think you are eligible for a G Visa or a NATO Visa after reading the previous section, you might be interested in how to apply for it. Keep reading this section to know the different steps to follow.
The first thing you would need to do is to fill the DS-160 Form. You can do it online, the form is available at the Consular Electronic Application Center website. This form is not exclusive for G visa and NATO visa applicants, this is the main form for visa applications in the US.
Be aware that this form should only be filled by new visa applicants. If this is not your first time applying for a visa, complete the DS-1648 Form.
Once you submit your application, make sure you print or take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
Now pay the visa fees to finish with the application process in the case of G-1 to G-4 or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa applicants or continue with the application process for the rest of the applicants. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to pay other fees too.
If you are applying for a G-5 or NATO-7 visa, you need to attend a visa interview at the corresponding US Embassy. G-1 to G-4 or NATO-1 to NATO-6 visa applicants are exempt from this procedure.
You will receive an answer whether you obtain the visa or not in a few days or a maximum of one week.
Be aware that, despite the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to submit different documents during the application process. Take a look at the required documents to apply for a G visa or a NATO visa.
Required documents
Do not forget to submit these documents when applying for a G visa or a NATO visa or your application will be denied by the US authorities:
- As mentioned above, a confirmation that you’ve completed Form DS-160 or DS-1648 is needed.
- Valid passport for at least six months after you plan to return from the US.
- Diplomatic letter issued by an international organization or NATO confirming the reason for the trip and your status.
- Additional documents depending on your position may be asked.
- US visa photo.
