Prince Harry could have received a rare US visa that may have resulted in a "lower security check", according to an immigration expert.
The Duke of Sussex's US visa documents are at the centre of a court battle.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, is taking legal action against the Department of Homeland Security in a bid to force officials to release Harry's visa documents.
The organisation wants to see if the royal admitted to using illegal drugs before gaining a US visa.
The Duke of Sussex's US visa documents are at the centre of a court battle.
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In his memoir, the Duke of Sussex said he had taken cocaine, magic mushrooms and cannabis.
London-based US immigration lawyer Melissa Chavin stated that Harry may have received an "A-1 Head of State" visa.
Chavin described that specific type of visa as being "extremely special".
The A-1 Head of State visa is different from the A-1 visa, which is for senior diplomats.
In his memoir, the Duke of Sussex said he had taken cocaine, magic mushrooms and cannabis.
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Chavin told the Mail: "The security check is not the same. It's a lower security check.
"It's a visa, especially for members of Royal Families.
"For an A-1 Head of State visa, the security and background check questions are not the same as for most visa applicants.
"They are only vetted for espionage, terrorism and activities contrary to US foreign policy."
An A-1 Head of State visa holder is free to come to the US without working as a member of the Royal Family or holding the position of head of state.
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Prince Harry could have received a rare US visa that may have resulted in a "lower security check", according to an immigration expert.
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This is different to an A1 visa, where the holder is expected to come to the US to work as a senior diplomat.
Members of a reigning Royal Family qualify for an A-1 visa according to the US Code of Federal Regulations.
If Harry did receive the special visa he would have only been vetted for espionage, sabotage, terrorist activities and opposition to US Government.
The Duke of Sussex would not have been vetted for past abuse of drugs, addiction, or crimes related to drugs and his admissions in Spare would not affect his visa.
