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Nonimmigrant Visa Unit

A, G, C-3 Visas (Diplomats and Official Government Travel/Transit Visas)

What are A, G and C-3 Visas?

A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 and C-3 visas are for diplomats and other government travelers who are traveling to or transiting the United States in an official capacity.

The Embassy accepts applications for the above visa classifications Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Window 14 of the Consular Section. Such applicants generally do not need to appear in person for an interview.

What documents are required in order to apply for an A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 or C-3 visa?

Every applicant for the above visa classifications must provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining. Note that we are unable to process visas for applicants whose passports contain any type of powder. Also, we cannot accept damaged passports.

  • A completed and signed Form DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You may obtain Form DS-156 at any authorized Banco de Crédito office, or you may download the form from our website. If you download it from our website, make sure to print both pages of the form on one letter-size (8.5 inches by 11 inches) sheet of paper, front and back. 
     

  • For applicants who are at least 14 years of age but under 80, a completed and signed form DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You may obtain form DS-157 at any authorized Banco de Crédito offices, or you may download the form from our website.


  • A photograph. Glue the photograph to the front of the Form DS-156 in the photograph space.


  • A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.  

What about visa processing and issuance fees?

Applicants for A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas are exempt from paying visa application and issuance fees.

What about My Common-Law Spouse?

U.S. immigration law does not recognize Colombian common-law marriages for immigration purposes.  Therefore, we cannot issue A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1,G-2, G-3 or G-4 visas to common-law spouses.  However, common-law spouses may wish to consider one of the other visa classifications in our Visa Classification Chart.

Can I get a visa for my parents, uncle, aunt, cousin, adult (over age 21) children, or other relatives?

Your relatives can qualify for an A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-4 visa provided that you qualify for the visa and that your relative: 

  1. Is a member of your household (generally, that he/she lives with you)

  2. Is recognized by your national government as your dependent (generally, that your relative have the same kind of passport as you and that your relative’s name is listed as your dependent on the diplomatic note), and
  3. You and the other applicant are related by blood, marriage (not common-law) or adoption.

How can I get a visa for my domestic employee to accompany me to the United States?

Please consult our domestic employee visa page for more detailed instructions.