NonimmigrantInternational organizationsNo visa feeForm DS-160G-4 special immigrant route

G-1 – G-5 International Organization Visas

For government representatives to, and officers and employees of, designated international organizations such as the United Nations, plus their families and personal employees (G-5).

Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026Sources: State Department · eCFRReport an error

At a glance

Visa fee: No fee for G visas
Stay (G-1 to G-4): While recognized by the Secretary of State
Stay (G-5): Up to 3 years, extensions of up to 2 years
Interview: Usually waived for G-1–G-4; required for G-5
Dependents’ work: EAD possible for G-1, G-3, G-4 families
Path to green card: G-4 special immigrant for long-serving staff and families

New rule on children born in the U.S. to foreign government employees. A DHS interim final rule effective Sept. 4, 2026, following Executive Order 14418 (Aug. 6, 2026), treats a child born in the United States on or after that date to a “foreign government employee” as not a U.S. citizen at birth unless a parent is a U.S. citizen. The definition covers ambassadors, embassy or consular staff who are nationals of the sending country, persons employed by a foreign government in an official capacity, and employees of an international organization who have international-organization immunity. Such a child may voluntarily register as a lawful permanent resident on Form I-485, or otherwise comply with alien registration (e.g. Form G-325R). Comments are due Oct. 5, 2026. The rule states that, because of the preliminary injunction in Casa, Inc. v. Trump (D. Md., Sept. 2, 2026), DHS will not apply it to members of the certified class unless the government obtains relief from that injunction.

Overview

Government representatives and employees who will attend meetings at, visit or work at a designated international organization in the United States need G visas. A designated organization is one the President has designated under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 CFR 41.24); the State Department publishes the list in 9 FAM 402.3-7(N). Anyone entitled to a G visa for official travel must use it and cannot travel on another visa or the Visa Waiver Program.

G-1 is for permanent mission members of a recognized government and their families; G-2 for representatives of a recognized government traveling temporarily for meetings; G-3 for representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments; G-4 for people taking up an appointment at a designated organization, including the United Nations; and G-5 for personal employees or domestic workers of G-1 to G-4 holders. A head of state or government always travels on an A-1 visa instead.

A G applicant cannot be refused solely because they are not a national of the government they represent (22 CFR 41.24(b)). Only the security and terrorism grounds of inadmissibility apply to G-1 through G-4 (22 CFR 41.21(d)); G-5 applicants face all ordinary grounds. G-4 staff may transit the United States on their G-4 visa.

Who qualifies

G-1 to G-4 applicants must

Seek to enter or transit in pursuance of official duties with a designated international organization.
Present a diplomatic note and/or travel orders from the organization or government stating name, position, duties, purpose, travel date, length of stay and accompanying dependents (State Dept.).
Use the G visa for official travel; officials on commercial or tourist trips need the appropriate other visa.

G-5 personal employees

Must be attendants, servants or personal employees of a G-1 to G-4 holder (22 CFR 41.12).
Must attend an interview and reapply for visas outside the United States.

Immediate family

Spouse, and unmarried sons and daughters under 21 (or under 23 if full-time post-secondary students), living in the principal’s household (22 CFR 41.21(a)(3)).
A G-1 to G-4 family member may keep G classification even after taking a job that would qualify for A status (22 CFR 41.24(b)(4)).

Duration & extensions

G-1 to G-4	Admitted for as long as the Secretary of State continues to recognize the status.
G-5	Initial admission of up to 3 years; extensions of up to 2 years at a time, with the employer’s signed statement.
Passport	G-1 to G-4 holders may present a passport valid only long enough to apply for admission.
Visa renewal in the U.S.	G-1 to G-4 holders on assignment use Form DS-1648; G-5 holders must reapply abroad.

Fees

G visas are fee-exempt at the State Department, and most related USCIS filings are free.

Fee	Amount	Who pays	Notes
Visa application fee	No fee	—	A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO and diplomatic visas are exempt (State Department fee page; see also 22 CFR 22.1, item 22(a), which lists A, G, C-3, NATO and diplomatic visas).
Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee	No fee	—	Exempt for representatives of an international organization of which the U.S. is a member, and their families (item 24(a)).
Form I-539 (G-5 extension or change of status)	No fee	—	8 CFR 106.2 sets no I-539 fee for A, G and NATO nonimmigrants; the USCIS fee schedule (edition 10/01/26) lists $0 for filings into or out of A, G or NATO status.
Form I-566 and Form I-508	No fee	—	Dependent employment, change of status and waiver of immunities.
Form I-765 (dependent employment authorization)	$0	—	No fee for dependents of G-1, G-3 and G-4 principals filing under category (c)(4).

Fees for a G-4 special immigrant petition and adjustment of status are listed on the USCIS fee schedule.

Processing time

Interview: Usually waived for G-1–G-4; G-5 interviews are required (State Dept.).
Where to apply: Any designated post; G visas are exempt from the country-of-residence rule.

Times vary by post. USCIS-side filings vary; check USCIS processing times.

Application steps

1
Get the note or travel orders
The government or organization confirms status, duties and dependents.
2
Complete Form DS-160
Or Form DS-1648 for G-1 to G-4 renewals by staff on assignment in the U.S.
3
Submit at the embassy or consulate
No application fee; interviews are usually waived for G-1 to G-4.
4
G-5: interview and contract
Personal employees attend an interview and must apply outside the United States.
5
Maintain status
Status lasts while recognized by the State Department; changes go through Form I-566.

Required documents

From the applicant and organization

Passport valid for travel (at least six months beyond the stay unless exempt).
DS-160 confirmation page and photo taken in the past six months.
Diplomatic note and/or travel orders with the required details.
Family member applying separately: copy of the principal’s visa and I-94 or admission stamp.

Dependents & family

Immediate family members receive a G visa in the principal’s class.

Spouses and dependent children of G-1, G-3 and G-4 principals may apply for employment authorization with a State Department endorsement (Form I-566, no fee).

Path to a green card

Long-serving G-4 international organization staff and their families may qualify as special immigrants under INA 101(a)(27)(I) (an EB-4 category). Requirements include time in G-4 status (or, for a surviving spouse or child, G-4 or N status): at least half of the seven years before applying, plus either 15 years in the U.S. before retirement or death of the employee, or seven years between ages 5 and 21 for a child.

Step 1

Retired G-4 officer or employee

15 years in the U.S. before retirement and half of the last 7 years; petition within 6 months of retirement.

Step 2

Surviving spouse

Same residence tests measured to the employee’s death; petition within 6 months of the death.

Step 3

Unmarried son or daughter

Half of the last 7 years plus 7 years between ages 5 and 21; apply before age 25.

Step 4

Adjusting in the U.S.

Include Form I-566, and Form I-508 if still employed in a G-qualifying occupation (both fee-free).

Parents and children of G-4 special immigrants may hold N-8 and N-9 status (8 CFR 274a.12).

A-1 / A-2 / A-3

Diplomats and foreign government officials

For officials at embassies, consulates and on official visits.

NATO-1 – NATO-7

NATO officials and staff

The NATO counterpart to G visas.

N-8 / N-9

Parents and children of G-4 special immigrants

Related status for families.

EB-4

Special immigrants

Includes retired G-4 international organization staff.

Common questions

Which organizations qualify for G-4?

Public international organizations designated by Executive Order under the International Organizations Immunities Act; the State Department’s list is in 9 FAM 402.3-7(N).

Do G visa applicants pay fees?

No. G visas are exempt from the application fee, and representatives of organizations the U.S. belongs to are exempt from issuance fees.

Can a G-4’s spouse work?

Yes, with an employment authorization document obtained through a State Department endorsement (Form I-566, no fee).

Can G-4 staff get a green card?

Long-serving G-4 staff, surviving spouses and children may qualify as special immigrants if they meet the residence and timing tests.

Official sources

Recent changes

Sep 4, 2026
Children of foreign government employees. Interim final rule: children born in the U.S. on or after Sept. 4, 2026 to foreign government employees (no U.S.-citizen parent) are treated as non-citizens and may register as permanent residents. Source ↗
Jul 15, 2026
Residence rule for visa interviews; A, G, NATO exempt. Nonimmigrant applicants must generally apply in their country of nationality or residence; the guidance does not apply to A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO or diplomatic- and official-type visas. Source ↗
Dec 16, 2025
Proclamation 10998 expands entry suspensions. Effective Jan. 1, 2026 for nationals of 39 countries; valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas are excepted. Source ↗
Sep 18, 2025
Interview waivers narrowed; official visas still eligible. From Oct. 1, 2025 most applicants need an interview, but A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 applicants and diplomatic- or official-type visa applicants remain eligible for a waiver. Source ↗
Jun 4, 2025
Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from 19 countries. Effective June 9, 2025, with exceptions for valid A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1–G-4 and NATO-1–6 visas. Source ↗

This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.