Bureau of Consular Affairs

Our Mission

The highest priority of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. citizens abroad. Across the globe, we serve our fellow citizens during some of their most important moments – births, adoptions, medical emergencies, deaths, arrests, and disasters. We also help U.S. citizens connect with the world by issuing millions of U.S. passports each year. We keep our country safe and help foreign nationals connect with the United States by issuing visas to qualified visitors, workers, and immigrants. Led by the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, our team is proud to be the public face of the Department of State, representing the best of U.S. values to millions of people around the world. We are here to serve you.