Prince Harry may have the ability to live in the United States indefinitely because of a rare type of diplomatic visa typically reserved for foreign royals and heads of state.
According to GB News, experts believe the Duke of Sussex is likely in possession of an A-1 visa. The speculation comes amid ongoing debate about his immigration status, following his admission of past drug use in his memoir Spare.
The A-1 visa is managed by the U.S. State Department rather than Homeland Security and grants its holders the right to remain in the country without time limits.
Immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin spoke to the Daily Mail, explaining, “The Department of State vets and issues the A-1 visa with little input from the Department of Homeland Security.”
“I would expect that Prince Harry had an A-1 visa every year of his life. Take his age and divide by five to figure out how many applications he has filed (or were filed on his behalf when he was underage) – so about eight applications,” she added.
Chavin further explained the terms of the visa, saying, “Each visa will have a duration of five years, good for multiple entries to the United States. Each entry will be permitted for an indefinite period of time called ‘duration of status,’ meaning for the time that he remains close to becoming the King of England. For him, that is all of his life.”
Sources have described the visa as a powerful privilege. One expert characterized it as a “golden ticket,” suggesting it essentially grants Harry the ability to remain in the United States permanently.
Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, relocated to California, where the couple now resides with their two children. While the move initially raised questions about his legal status in the country, experts say the A-1 visa would protect him from the complications typically associated with residency and immigration concerns.
The revelation adds another dimension to the ongoing public conversation about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life in America. As speculation continues, immigration experts maintain that Harry’s unique position as a royal family member likely ensures his legal right to remain in the country for as long as he chooses.