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Nonimmigrant Visas

Official Visas: Diplomats and Government Officials (A Visas) and Representatives to International Organizations (G Visas)

"A" Visas are appropriate for officials of the Government of Iraq traveling to the United States on official business that is inherently governmental and non-commercial in nature. The following persons may apply for “A” visas: 

• Heads of state and individuals accredited to serve as full-time employees at a permanent diplomatic post;
• Officials of the Government of Iraq traveling on governmental orders to perform official duties (e.g., attend international meetings or conferences); and
• Personnel at any rank of foreign armed services coming to the U.S. for training or education at any of the U.S. military schools.

"G" visas are appropriate for the following categories of people:

• Representatives of the Iraqi government traveling permanently or temporarily to the U.S. to represent their government at meetings of a designated international organization (e.g., United Nations, International Monetary Fund).
• Employees of international organizations.

Checklist of Submission Requirements for Iraqi "A" and “G” Visa Applicants

• Completed Visa Application Forms: DS-156, DS-157, the Mandatory Iraq-Specific Supplemental Visa Form, and the NIV Program sponsor contact sheet.
• One photograph. For information about photograph requirements, click on the following link http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html
• Visa applicant's original D, E, or G-series Iraqi passport, valid for at least six months following the intended date of departure from the United States.
• Photocopy of the front and back of applicant’s civil identity card (Jincia).
• Diplomatic note from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs listing the dates of travel, the names of individuals traveling, and describing official nature of the trip.
• If the trip is sponsored by the Iraqi Government, an itinerary needs to be provided.
• If the trip is sponsored by the U.S. Government, a letter of invitation is required that states the purpose of the trip and the visit itinerary.

We request that applications be submitted at least 30 days prior to the estimated date of departure in order to complete all administrative processing. From time to time, especially during the busy summer months, please allow additional time for administrative processing.

Applicants for A and G visas are not required to personally appear in order to apply for the visa, unless their presence is requested by the Department of State.

Please note: Applicants must include a full work history and a full educational history, including high school. Applicants must insure they answer every question. If the answer does not apply, they must explain or mark n/a. Incomplete applications will be returned and will result in extended processing times.