Diplomatic Visa Attorney in Orange County

Diplomatic visas are reserved for heads of state, royal families, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, governors, military attachés, employees of foreign ministries and other high ranking government officials. The United States Department of State is charged with granting diplomatic visas, while the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is responsible for diplomats who wish to change their visa status to a non-diplomatic status, or to seek permanent residency in the United States.

What Are the Different Types of Diplomatic Visas?

Diplomatic visas are issued in several forms. An "A" visa is reserved for diplomats and other foreign officials to perform duties on behalf of their government. These individuals and their immediate family members must obtain an A-1 or A-2 visa prior to entry into the United States.

A "G" visa is reserved for those working at a designated international organization, such as the World Trade Organization or the United Nations. The G visa is further subdivided into five additional categories.

The NATO visa is for employees of NATO member countries. Like many other diplomatic visas, NATO visas allow for attendants, servants and personal employees of the NATO visa holder to obtain a NATO-7 visa for travel to the United States.

United States Advisory Opinions

For some diplomats, the most problematic aspect of obtaining a diplomatic visa is when requesting a security opinion from the US prior to the issuance of the visa. For example, individuals from nations who do not have cordial relations with the United States may be denied a visa. An experienced Orange County diplomatic visa attorney can assist with this task, to ensure the highest probability of your visa being granted.

Contact the Immigration Yekrangi & Associates

Diplomatic visas make up a very narrow but important component of the United States visa system. Most immigration lawyers entirely avoid diplomatic visas altogether, because they are applicable to only a very small, select percentage of the world population. Although filing for diplomatic visas may seem routine, there are many areas that need special attention, especially if you enter the United States on a diplomatic passport and wish to preserve diplomatic immunity. Reach out to our Irvine immigration law attorneys today!

To schedule an initial consultation with us today, don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963.