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NATO-3 — NATO Official Clerical Staff
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

NATO-3 — NATO Official Clerical Staff

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 days – 1 month

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Duration of Status (D/S) — valid for duration of NATO assignment

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
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Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Official clerical staff of a NATO representative.

The NATO-3 visa is for official clerical staff accompanying a NATO-1 or NATO-2 representative to the US. The MRV fee is waived; a diplomatic note from the sending government is required.

Admission is Duration of Status. No PR pathway; renewals go through a US consulate. Dependents may seek work authorization via I-566.

This visa is ideal for clerical or administrative staff accompanying an accredited NATO representative on an active assignment.

United States

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Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be official clerical staff accompanying an accredited NATO-1 or NATO-2 representative

Must be traveling under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement or Protocol on International Military Headquarters

Diplomatic note from sending government confirming assignment

NATO assignment must be active and ongoing

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)

DS-160 confirmation page (first-time applicants)

U.S. visa photo meeting State Department specifications

Diplomatic Note from sending government confirming assignment and clerical role

Travel orders or assignment letter from host NATO command (military members)

For dependents: copy of principal holder's visa and Form I-94

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Exempt from MRV visa application fee
  • No annual cap or lottery — admission based purely on qualifying NATO assignment
  • Duration of Status admission — no fixed expiration tied to a date
  • Dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) may be included
  • Dependents may obtain employment authorization via Form I-566

Worth Knowing

  • Visa is strictly tied to the NATO assignment — status ends automatically when assignment ends
  • Cannot be renewed inside the United States (must apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad)
  • No direct pathway to U.S. permanent residence
  • Work is limited to official clerical duties within the assigned NATO role
  • Extremely narrow qualification — only clerical staff accompanying NATO-1/NATO-2 principals
  • Very low issuance volume (typically 0–3 per fiscal year)

Application Process

1

Confirm qualification as clerical staff accompanying an accredited NATO representative

2

Obtain a Diplomatic Note from the sending government confirming your role and assignment

3

Complete DS-160 (first-time applicants) online at ceac.state.gov

4

Gather all required documents

5

Schedule and attend appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad

6

Attend consular interview (may be waived in limited circumstances for renewals)

Application Forms

DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
DS-1648
Online Application for A, G, and NATO Visas
Fill online
I-566
Interagency Record of Request - A, G or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from A, G or NATO Status
Fill online

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