immigrationnews's Journal: Diplomatic Visas: Who is eligible?

If, as a foreign corporate or governmental worker, you are contracted to do business within the United States of America, it will be necessary to acquire a diplomatic visa to conduct your business. These visas, also known as G visas , consist of five different types, and will require their own application to be filled out.

Along with the G visa, a valid passport and two passport sized photographs are needed. The purpose of the trip to the United States will help determine the type of visa you will require.

A G-1 Visa is primarily used by a designated representative of a foreign government or someone representing an international organization that has been recognized by the United States to do business within the borders. This type of visa is not to be used to conduct personal business or vacations, and, if they are eligible, immediate family will qualify for a G-1 Visa, as well. The Secretary of State will determine how long the visa will last, and, as such, you will not require proof of the foreign residents to return to. Another requirement of this type of visa is the need for a letter from whatever entity contracted your services.

A G-2 Visa is essentially the same as a G-1 Visa, however, it is issued to representatives of foreign governments that have been recognized by the United States.

A G-3 Visa is given to representatives of foreign countries not recognized by the United States, representing an international organization.

A G-4 Visa works in a similar way to the others, but is issued to foreign officers of an international organization, as well as their employees.

Finally, a G-5 Visa is used by the personal employees of any of the G visa assignees discussed above. As with all the other visas, this type of visa is not to be used for personal business or vacations. The principle visa holder will also need to issue a letter to you describing your duties performed, as well as giving evidence that you are being paid by either of them, or the international organizations or foreign governments that they are serving.

Because the visa application process contains many pages of information and paperwork needing filled out, it is easy to make mistakes, and, therefore, disqualifying your application. This is where an immigration lawyer may be necessary.

Immigration lawyers work with the system on a nearly daily basis, and, because of this, any situations that come up on an application has probably been dealt with before. Immigration attorneys will also help to reduce the time wasted in the process, and any immigration law firm you hire to help with the paperwork will give you confidence in the process involved. Consider hiring an immigration attorney before any mistakes are made, saving you time and money in the process.