Last reviewed September 9, 2026
Overview Guide
Original publication: 2026-09-05. Last fact-checked and updated: September 9, 2026. The general A, G and NATO explanations on this page were checked against the official sources below.
Overview: A, G and NATO categories cover different official assignments. The sending government, designated organization or military arrangement determines the starting point. An official passport or membership in a NATO-country military does not automatically establish the right category for every trip.
The official frameworks
A visas generally concern qualifying national-government duties. A-1 and A-2 distinguish roles; A-3 concerns qualifying personal employees. Heads of state or government have a specific A-1 rule regardless of trip purpose.
G visas concern designated international organizations and specified government representatives or organization employees. A private international charity or outside contractor does not automatically qualify.
NATO categories concern assignments under the relevant NATO arrangements. Some qualifying military personnel have a visa exemption using specified documents. Civilian staff and family members have separate requirements.
The responsible office and its documents
The mission’s protocol office, organization’s personnel office or military command provides official assignment records and relevant notes or orders. Duties, dates, locations and accompanying persons determine the classification and documentation requirements.
- The official purpose establishes the applicable framework.
- Notes, orders and identity documents support the application.
- Each traveler is subject to the relevant application requirements or a specific exemption.
- Consular processing follows the official-visa procedure, including any required interview.
- Admission is followed by any required accreditation or registration.
Initial overseas applications and eligible renewals inside the United States use different procedures and forms.
Family and personal-employee requirements
Official-category immediate-family definitions can differ from the usual spouse-and-under-21-child rule. Household membership, recognition and particular age or dependency conditions may matter.
Dependent employment requires the applicable eligibility and authorization process. A principal’s official job does not give every relative permission to work privately.
A-3, G-5 and NATO-7 personal employees have specific contract, interview and worker-protection requirements. Their visa category does not eliminate wage, passport-access or other legal protections.
Private travel and the end of an assignment
Ordinary tourism or commercial activity may need a different visa even for an official-passport holder. Fee exemptions for official classifications do not automatically cover private applications.
Leaving an assignment can require a change out of G or NATO status if the person plans to remain in the United States. Consult the State Department’s G/NATO guidance and change-of-status instructions. Do not assume that official status continues for a new private-sector job.
Who this guide is for
Readers researching diplomatic, international-organization or NATO classifications.
Individual category pages covered
How to choose among these routes
Compare the official role, sponsoring organization, assignment documents and family provisions in the linked category pages.
Comparisons, journey guidance and definitions
Glossary: Nonimmigrant visa, Derivative beneficiary. Browse the glossary entries; individual term anchors are not available.
Current policy and related reading
Read each linked issue’s scope and verification date. A general policy link does not mean every item applies to every category in this guide.
Related dated policy sections:check the stated scope: Consular operations, fees and dated appointment guidance.
Official sources
- Department of State: A visas
- Department of State: G and NATO visas
- Department of State: official-category questions
Related reading
TR Immigration provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, agency practice, court orders, and individual circumstances can differ.