The C2 visa is a non-immigrant visa usually granted to international travelers visiting the United Nations Headquarters or participating in other eligible UN activities in the United States. It’s an authorizing document that allows delegates, representatives, and support staff to legally enter the country.
The C2 visa is crucial to maintaining international relations, as it ensures people from different nationalities can meet in the US seamlessly. We at Remitly understand the importance of clear and effective processes, which is why we created this C2 visa guide.
What exactly is the C2 visa?
The C2 visa falls under the transit or entry visa category and is issued by the United States government to foreign nationals traveling for the sole purpose of attending UN functions such as seminars, meetings, conferences, and campaigns. The visa grants access for a limited time period, after which the individual must leave the country.
Individuals holding this visa are only allowed to stay within the immediate vicinity of the UN Headquarters in New York City. It’s worth pointing out that C2 visa holders are not allowed to engage in non-UN activities, including tourism or work outside of the UN Headquarters District.
It’s also important to note that the visa only covers one individual. If you wish to travel with family members or others, they must apply for a separate visa.
Key changes to the C2 visa requirements in 2025 compared to previous years
- As of April 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to schedule their appointments through the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
- Applicants are required to electronically submit documents—such as financial records, invitation letters, and employment verification—at least 72 hours before their scheduled interview.
- The validity period can now be shorter, depending on the duration of the UN event
- The biometric data collection process has been modernized to include advanced verification tools like fingerprint scanners, voice pattern recording, and more.
Who can apply for a C2 visa in 2025?
If you’re a UN delegate or official representative from a member state, you’re free to apply as long as your application is tied to a specific event.
Temporary staff members or those invited by the international body are also eligible. Others who may qualify include NGO representatives with official consultative status, journalists or media professionals seeking to cover specific events, and support personnel such as translators and administrative aides.
Additional criteria
To apply successfully, you’ll need to show a formal letter of invitation or letter of assignment from the UN or associated missions. You’ll also need documents to prove the limited duration of stay and the purpose of visiting.
Application process for the C2 visa in 2025
Step 1: Gather required documents
The first thing to do is to gather all the necessary documents and information. You may be required to submit the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay
- Proof of residence in your home country and travel itinerary (if applicable), including return arrangements
- Proof of ability to pay all costs
- Dates of your last five trips to the US, and international travel history from the past five years
- Resume or CV, including current and previous education and work history
- An official UN invitation or confirmation letter
- A passport-style photo
- Application fee payment receipt (if necessary)
Step 2: Complete and submit Form DS-160
Visit the US State Department portal and find Form DS-160. Fill in all the required details and verify that everything is correct. While you complete your DS-160, you will need the documents listed above available. You may be required to submit additional documentation or provide additional information.
Once you’ve completed the Form DS-160, gather copies of your passport, the form confirmation page, your application fee payment receipt, and your photo. Individuals who qualify for an A, G, C3, or NATO visa are exempt from paying visa fees. Be sure to check local information to see your visa fee and payment process.
Step 3: Schedule a visa interview
Once you’ve submitted your Form DS-160, you’ll need to create an account on the US embassy or consulate website in your country. Select the C2 visa under the category section and find an interview date that is most suitable for your schedule. You will use the barcode of your Form DS-160 to schedule your interview.
Be sure to print the appointment confirmation and add it to the other documents you have prepared.
Step 4: Attend the interview
Be sure to have all your documents ready on the day of the interview. Additionally, travel early to the interview site to avoid being late for, and in turn, missing your appointment.
During the interview, you’ll have to provide your biometrics, including fingerprints and facial scans. You will also have to answer a few questions regarding your intended trip to the United States.
After the interview, you’ll wait for a few days to receive a response on whether your visa application has been approved or denied.
What to expect during the C2 visa interview
Interviews are usually held at US embassies or consulates, so you can expect that yours will also occur in an embassy or consulate in your country or country of residence.
A consular officer will be in charge of evaluating your application. They will consider all the information you provide, including legal documents, purpose of visit, affiliation, and intent to return to your home country.
Common C2 visa interview questions
Some of the most common interview questions include:
- What’s your role in the United Nations event?
- How long do you plan to stay in the country?
- Will you be traveling alone or with someone else?
- Who invited you to the event, and which organization do you represent?
- Do you have enough funds to cater to all your needs right from the start of travel to the end?
Tips on how to prepare for a C2 visa in 2025
A C2 interview is a serious affair, so preparation is key. Remember to dress professionally. When answering questions, don’t deviate from the truth or facts. The interviewer will cross-check everything to ascertain that what you say is true.
It’s wise to carry all your legal documents, plus the letter of invitation or appointment by the UN and the organization or government department you’ll be representing.
If your documents are in a local language, make sure you bring copies that have been translated into English to make the process of verification easier and faster.
Arrive at the venue a few minutes before the scheduled time to ensure punctuality. Remember, something as little as a light traffic jam can delay you, affecting your appointment and maybe even the chances of getting the visa approval.
Wrapping up
You can check the status of your C2 visa application on the official CEAC Visa Status Check website. The general processing time is a minimum of five working days. Still, these estimates are not publicly listed, and factors like administrative processing, completeness of application and embassy or consulate workload can affect the timeline.
Apply early, check official sources regularly, and prepare thoroughly to help with visa success.
FAQs
Can my family accompany me on a C2 Visa?
No, family members must apply for a B2 visa or another applicable category, depending on the nature of their visit.
Can I extend my stay after the UN-related work is complete?
Generally, no extensions are granted for C2 visa holders. Once your UN-related activities conclude, you must depart the US.
What happens if my C2 visa is denied?
You will receive a formal notice. Review the response and reapply with corrected or additional documentation if applicable. Note that C2 visa approvals are strictly limited to qualifying activities.