Personal / Domestic Employees (B1, A3, G5)

How to Apply - Required Documentation
To apply for an A-3 visa, the visa applicant must submit each of the items:

• An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, signed and completed. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156. 
  
• A diplomatic note. A-3 applicants must also have a diplomatic note included with their applications to confirm the official status of employers.
  
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
  
• One photograph - For Online Application DS-1648, you will upload either a scanned or digital photograph meeting the format requirements explained in the Photo Standards Guide for the Online Application DS-1648. If the photo upload function fails, continue trying to upload until the application allows you to proceed without a photo. Then, submit one print photograph meeting requirements, stapled or glued to the online DS-1648 confirmation page ONLY if the confirmation page has an X in the box where the uploaded photo should appear. See the print photo format found in the Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements. If the confirmation page includes a photo image, then the photo upload function has succeeded and no separate print photograph is required.
  
• Copy of both the visa and I-94 (both front and back) for the principal visa holder required for an immediate family member applying separate from the principal visa applicant.
  
• A supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157, which provides additional information about your travel. 
  
• Employment Contract signed by both the employer and the employee which must include EACH of the following items:
  
• The contract must be in English and also in a language understood by the employee to ensure the employee understands his or her duties and rights regarding salary and working conditions;
• A guarantee the employee will be compensated at the state or federal minimum or prevailing wage, whichever is greater. Any money deducted for food or lodging is limited to that which is considered reasonable. (Note: Fair prevailing wage is determined by the consular officer using the Department of Labor Alien Labor Certificate/Occupational Employment Survey prevailing wage statistics by occupation and metropolitan area.);
• A statement by the employee, promising not to accept any other employment while working for the employer;
• A statement by the employer, promising to not withhold the passport of the employee; and
• A statement indicating that both parties understand that the employee cannot be required to remain on the premises after working hours without compensation.
  The employer must pay the domestic's initial travel expenses to the United States, and subsequently to the employer's onward assignment, or to the employee's country of normal residence at the termination of the assignment.

If the employer does not carry the diplomatic rank of Minister or higher or hold a position equivalent to Minister or higher, the employer must demonstrate that he or she will have sufficient funds to provide a fair wage and working conditions, as reflected in the contract. Consideration is also given to the number of employees an employer would reasonably be able to pay.

Personal Employees of G visa holders (G5)

Personal employees, attendants, domestic workers, or servants of individuals who hold a valid G-1 through G-4, or NATO-1 through NATO-6 visa, may be issued a G-5 or a NATO-7 visa, if they meet the requirements. As part of the application process, an interview at the embassy or consulate is required. Proof that the applicant will receive a fair wage, sufficient to financially support himself/herself, comparable to that being offered in the area of employment in the U.S. is required. In addition, the applicant needs to demonstrate that he/she will perform the contracted employment duties. The consular officer will determine eligibility for the G-5 or NATO-7 visa. Applicants for G-5 and NATO-7 visas must apply outside the United States.

To apply for a G-5 or NATO-7 visa, the visa applicant must submit each of the items explained in the How to Apply - Required Documentation section above, as well as the following.

• Employment Contract signed by both the employer and the employee. The contract must include each of the following items:
• The contract must be in English and also in a language understood by the employee to ensure the employee understands his or her duties and rights regarding salary and working conditions;
• A guarantee the employee will be compensated at the state or federal minimum or prevailing wage, whichever is greater. Any money deducted for food or lodging, is limited to that which is considered reasonable. (Note: Fair prevailing wage is determined by the consular officer using the Department of Labor Alien Labor Certification/Occupational Employment Survey prevailing wage statistics by occupation and metropolitan area.);
• A statement by the employee, promising not to accept any other employment while working for the employer;
• A statement by the employer, promising to not withhold the passport of the employee; and
• A statement indicating that both parties understand that the employee cannot be required to remain on the premises after working hours without compensation.
• The employer must pay the domestic's initial travel expenses to the United States, and subsequently to the employer's onward assignment, or to the employee's country of normal residence at the termination of the assignment.

The employer must demonstrate that he or she will have sufficient funds to provide a fair wage and working conditions, as reflected in the contract.  Consideration is also given to the number of employees an employer would reasonably be able to pay.