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Visas

Diplomats and Other Government Officials

Visa Service for Diplomatic/Official at US Embassy Seoul is open on weekdays from 8:30 - 11:30 am or 12:30 - 4:00 pm, except U.S. and Korean holidays. Visa applications can be made in person through the Diplomatic Visa Window during the hours noted above, or through Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011) couriers. If applying by courier, application processing may take two to five workdays.

With the exception of a Head of State or Government, who qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of his/her visit to the United States, the type of visa required by a diplomat or other government official depends upon his/her reason for travelling to the United States.

To qualify for an A-1 or A-2 visa, the individual concerned must be travelling to the United States on behalf of his/her national government to engage solely in official activities for that government. The fact that there may be government interest or control in a given organization is not in itself the defining factor in determining whether or not the applicant qualifies for an A visa; the duties or services to be performed must also be of an inherently governmental character or nature. Local government officials representing their state, province, borough, or other local political entity do not qualify for "A" visa status and should apply for B1/B2 visas.

Government officials travelling to the United States as tourists need to apply for a B1/B2 visa unless they qualify to use the Visa Waiver Program. Holders of diplomatic or official passports who wish to apply for a B or C1 visa will be required to come to the Embassy for an interview.

Note: Diplomatic passport holders, regardless of visa categories, are not required to pay a visa application fee.

Qualified A visa applicants travelling to the United States for assignments of less than 90 days will be issued visas annotated "TDY" (temporary duty).

Government officials coming for more than 90 days must be assigned to their embassy, a consulate, a United States military installation, or a "miscellaneous foreign government organization" (MFGO) that has been accredited by the Department of State's Protocol Office. The first step in accrediting an organization as an MFGO, if it is not accredited already, is to contact the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Note: Government officials who are travelling to the United States on official business must obtain an "A" visa prior to their entry. They cannot travel on tourist visas or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried children of any age who are members of the household and are eligible for derivative A visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative A visas, may apply for B1/B2 visas, if otherwise qualified. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.

Official Transit

An accredited official of a foreign government intending to proceed in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on official business for that government is classifiable C3. Members of the immediate family, attendants, servants, or personal employees of such an official receive the same classification as the principal alien.

International Organizations Visas

International Organizations: To qualify for a G visa the individual must be entering the United States in pursuance of official duties.

  • G1 - Members of a permanent mission of a recognized government to an international organization
  • G2 - Representatives of a recognized government traveling to the United States temporarily to attend meetings of a designated international organization
  • G3 - Representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments
  • G4 - Personnel proceeding to the United States to take up an appointment at a designated international organization, including the United Nations

Immediate family members are defined as the spouse and unmarried children of any age who are members of the household and are eligible for derivative G visas. Partners who are recognized as the principal alien's dependent by the sending government, while not eligible for derivative G visas, may apply for B1/B2visas, if otherwise qualified. B-1/B-2 visa applicants are required to pay visa application fee and reciprocal issuance fees, if applicable.

Application Procedures

Official Duty: If you are planning to travel to the United States on official duty (A, C3 or G category visas), please submit the following documents through either Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011) couriers, or drop them off at Embassy Seoul weekdays between 8:30 - 11:30 am or 12:30 - 4:00 pm.

Required Documents for A1, A2, G1, G2, G3, and G4 visas

Visits for Other Purposes: If you are planning to travel to the United States for purposes other than the visa categories noted above, please click one of the links below.

The following persons are not required to pay a visa application fee:

  • All A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO visa applicants, including household staff qualifying for those categories
  • All applicants holding a diplomatic passport

Important Information:

Use of Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports under the Visa Waiver Program

Effective July 1, 2009, VWP countries' Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports are subject to the electronic passport (e-passport) requirement. This includes the Republic of Korea. Bearers of non-electronic Emergency, Temporary, Official, or Diplomatic Passports issued after October 26, 2006 by VWP countries will be required to apply for U.S. visas or apply for a waiver at the port of entry.

If you have a question about your status as a Korean government official seeking a visa, before you apply please inquire by e-mail at seoulinfo@state.gov, stating your question, office, contact person's name, telephone and fax number, and email address.

A3 and G5 Visas

In order for domestic servants to receive a visa,  A3 or G5, the employer must be in A or G visa status, respectfully, and the foreign mission must have submitted the necessary “Pre-Notification of a Domestic Worker” form to the U.S. Department of States, Office of the Chief Protocol.  A link to this form is located on the Office of Protocol’s website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/c35641.htm.

Domestic servants applying for A3 and G5 visas must schedule an interview through Visa Information Web Services at www.us-visaservices.com or by calling 003-08-131-420, and apply with the following required documents. A3 and G5 applicants are exempt from the application (MRV) fee. However, they are required to be interviewed and finger scanned at the time of their appointment. Click here for how to schedule an NIV interview.

Required Documents for A3 and G5 visas

  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with any plastic/leather cases removed. 
  • A printed confirmation page of the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS-160, with photo taken within the past six months, 50mm x 50mm, with white background.
  • Your old passport containing your previously issued U.S. visa, if applying for a renewal.
  • Diplomatic note
  • An Employment Contract signed by both employer and employee. The Employment Contract must include each of the following items:
  1. An agreement by the employer to abide by all Federal, State, and local laws in the United States;
  2. A guarantee the employee will be compensated at the State or Federal minimum or prevailing wage, whichever is greater.  Please see the Department of Labor website (http://www.dol.gov) for minimum or prevailing wage information.
  3. Information on the frequency and form of payment, work duties, weekly work hours, holidays, sick days, and vacation days;
  4. A statement by the employee that he or she will not accept any other employment while working for the employer;
  5. A statement by the employer that he or she will not withhold the passport, employment contract, or other personal property of the employee; and
  6. A statement indicating that both parties understand that the employee cannot be required to remain on the premises after working hours without compensation.
  • The contract must be in English and also in a language understood by the employee to ensure the employee understands his or her duties and rights regarding salary and working conditions.

The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act: The Department of State wants to ensure that each nonimmigrant is aware of his/her rights, as well as protections and resources available, when working in the United States. To learn more, review the Nonimmigrant Rights, Protections and Resources pamphlet, here.

 

Updated: July 13, 2011