Diplomatic Processes: Visas

The correct visa for members of the Permanent Missions (both diplomatic administrative and support staff) is a G-1 visa and for members of the Permanent Observer Missions is a G-3 visa. Personal domestic staff should have a visa G-5.

In cases where the applicant does not have a G-1 visa (or in the case of Observers, a G-3 visa) a change of status must be requested at the beginning of the accreditation process. Please refer to the Change of Status Section under Visas for further instructions.

Visa renewal for diplomats and for administrative and service staff at the Mission (paid by the government and with visa G-1 or G-3) and their dependents.

Send to Protocol/OAS with a diplomatic note the following:

  • Form DS-1648, upload a 2x2 color photo on a white background
  • Send the confirmation page with the bar code
  • Passport and I-94 if the applicant has more than one passport, i.e. an expired and a new passport, please send both passports.

Visa request (G-5) for domestic staff in country of origin hired by a G-1 or G-3 visa holder

The Department of State has determined that only diplomats with the rank of Ambassador or Minister may hire and bring a personal domestic employee from abroad or hire one who is already legally in the United States.

  • When the domestic lives abroad, send a diplomatic note requesting for the issue of a G-5 visa, specifying the city and country of the US consulate. The note should include the full name, date of birth, passport or ID number, address and telephone number of the domestic.
  • An employment contract in the language the domestic speaks
  • Copy of the visa and I-94 of the employer.

*NOTE: The domestic will have to fill out a DS-160, "Non-Immigrant Visa Application" and submit it to the consulate. The domestic should look on the particular consulate's website and follow the instructions for obtaining a PIN and for then making an appointment.

Extension of stay for private domestics (visa G-5)

G-5 visas are not renewed in the United States and new G-5 visas can only be issued outside the U.S. However, the Department of State Visa Office can give an extension of stay in the U.S. to a domestic employee.

To request an extension of stay for a domestic employee and for their dependents please send:

  • Passports with a validity of at least two years and the I-94's of the domestic and the domestic's dependents. If the applicant has more than one passport, i.e. an expired and a new passport, please send both passports.
  • An employment contract signed by both the employer and the domestic in English and in Spanish
  • A copy of the employer's visa and I-94

Change of Status

In addition to the documents for accreditation, send the following to Protocol/OAS:

  • Two original form I-566 signed in black ink for each individual that needs to change their visa.

Once the I-566 forms have been approved Protocol/OAS will request:

  • Form DS-1648, upload a 2x2 color photo on a white background
  • Send the confirmation page with the bar code
  • Passport and I-94

I-94 Replacement

To request a replacement I-94 in the case that the original is lost, send the following documents to Protocol/OAS:

  • Passport and visa
  • Written statement in English explaining the reason for requesting an I-94 replacement
  • Copy of the police report
  • Proof of last entry into the United States (i.e. flight itinerary, copy of plane tickets, etc.)