DOS Phasing Out Employment Authorization for Some A-2 Visa Holders; DOS Retreats from More Restrictive Interpretation for EADs for Certain G-4 Dependents

The Department of State (DOS) is phasing out its endorsement of employment authorization requests for dependents of foreign government employees holding A-2 visas who are considered to be permanently resident in the United States for the purposes of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations. The Office of Foreign Missions will only consider new dependent applications for work authorization if the employment began between July 1 and December 31, 2015. Renewal applications will only be considered if the dependent’s work authorization expires on or before June 30, 2016.

On a related note, in late 2015, DOS began implementing a new interpretation of the reciprocity rules between the United States and other countries with respect to work authorization for certain G-4 dependents, restricting such authorization in the United States unless a bilateral work agreement exists between the United States and the principal G-4’s country of nationality. Fortunately, in late February 2016, this new policy was reversed, and G-4 dependents can again apply for and obtain work authorization regardless of the status of a bilateral work agreement.