U.S. Embassy

One of the most important resources for both finding information and literature on U.S. immigration policies as well as applying for proper documentation to enter the United States is a U.S. embassy or consulate.

On this page, you’ll learn a bit about the role of U.S. embassies in foreign countries, and what to expect when visiting the embassy for various immigration procedures. Of course, any legal question that you may have can be answered more thoroughly and precisely by an immigration lawyer in the United States.

The Purpose of a U.S. Embassy

A U.S. embassy or consulate performs many administrative tasks for both foreign nationals as well as U.S. citizens abroad. For U.S. citizens, agents at the embassy or consulate can process renewal of U.S. passports, provide Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and provide simple administrative tasks such as notary services. Foreign nationals can visit a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to apply for or interview for a visa to enter the United States. For more information on types of US visas or application forms, visit our US visa guide.

Registration for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at a local embassy or consulate when they are abroad for the purposes of safety in case of an emergency. The Department of State particularly urges registration when visiting countries with civil unrest and for stays longer than one month. Registration is free and can be completed online at the Travel Registration website. The Department of State maintains a strict privacy policy, and will not release any information about your whereabouts without your permission.

What is the Difference Between a Consulate and an Embassy?

The embassy is the main foreign relations contact between the United States and the foreign country in which it resides. It is also where the U.S. ambassador to the country holds offices. The consulate is a subordinate office whose main purpose is to interact between individuals and businesses in the region. There may be many U.S. consulates in a particular country if there is a large population of U.S. citizens or businesses abroad, or none if there are few, in which case the U.S. embassy in the country would take care of the tasks of a consulate.