Please check the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to submitting a "Contact Us" request.
Q: Any current information for U.S. citizens affected by Hurricane Maria?
Hurricane Maria brought significant rainfall and wind resulting in life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and storm surges across the Caribbean last week. Disruptions to travel and services are occurng throughout the path of the hurricane. U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been significantly affected, as well as U.S. citizens abroad in Dominica and other Caribbean islands.
Please click on the following link for a wealth of information for U.S. citizens affected by Hurricane Maria:
https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2017/09/19/en/information-us-citizens-affected-hurricane-maria
Q: Any updates on the Executive Order on the H1B Visa Program?
Please visit the White House's website for the April 17, 2017 Background Briefing on Buy American, Hire American Executive Order.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/17/background-briefing-buy-american-hire-american-executive-order
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/17/background-briefing-buy-american-hire-american-executive-orderQ: Are there any job opportunities at the Department of State?
For information on careers, student programs & internships, and Foreign Service and Civil Service job opportunities, please visit: careers.state.gov
For current civil service job vacancies, please click on the following link: https://careers.state.gov/civil-service
Please Note: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for Foreign Service and Civil Service jobs.
Q: Are there online resources for parents and students on foreign policy?
Discover Diplomacy website has information for middle school aged and older students to learn more about U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and the work of the Department of State.
Visit the Discover Diplomacy Site: http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/
Q: Can I have dual citizenship without losing my U.S. citizenship?
The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth.
A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.
Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person's allegiance.
However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose citizenship.
Information on losing foreign citizenship can be obtained from the foreign country's embassy and consulates in the United States. Americans can renounce U.S. citizenship in the proper form at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.Q: Can I tour the State Department?
The State Department offers tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. No other tours of the building are available. For information on making arrangements for a tour of the Diplomatic Reception rooms, please visit the following website:
https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/home.aspx
Q: Can I travel to the U.S. without a visa?
United States (U.S.) visa policy permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa, when they meet certain requirements under U.S. laws.
For information about traveling without a visa, click on the links below.
Visa Waiver Program
Citizens of Canada, Mexico & Bermuda (
http://www.uscis.govQ: Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline
On January 24, 2017, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which invited TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. (TransCanada), to promptly re-submit its application to the Department of State for a Presidential permit for the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, and directed the Secretary of State to receive the application and take all actions necessary and appropriate to facilitate its expeditious review.
For the full text of the Memorandum, please click on the following link:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/24/presidential-memorandum-regarding-construction-dakota-access-pipelineQ: Country Reports on Terrorism 2015
The "Country Reports on Terrorism 2015" provides the Department of State's annual, statutorily mandated assessment of trends and events in international terrorism that transpired in 2015.
For an electronic copy, please click on the following link:
http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2015/index.htmQ: Do I have permission to copy information from DoS's website?
Information on the Department of State's website is in the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission, unless a copyright is indicated. If a copyright is indicated, for example on a photo, graphic or other material, permission to copy these materials must be obtained from the original source. For photos without captions or with only partial captions, hold your cursor over the photo to view the "alt tag" for any copyright information.
Please note that the U.S. Government has an international copyright on Country Commercial Guides. Generally, U.S. Government materials are considered in the public domain unless otherwise specified as copyrighted.
For more information on copyrights for U.S. Government information, please visit the following website:
Q: Do I have permission to link to DoS's website?
For external link policies and disclaimers, we encourage you to visit our website at: http://www.state.gov/misc/152386.htmQ: Do I need a passport/visa to travel to a specific country?
For U.S. citizens wanting to travel abroad, information on obtaining a passport, visa and other travel documents required by your destination country, can be found by visiting the website below:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html
Q: Does the State Department have a historian?
The Office of the Historian is staffed by professional historians who are experts in the history of U.S. foreign policy and the Department of State and possess unparalleled research experience in classified and unclassified government records. The Office’s historians work closely with other federal government history offices, the academic historical community, and specialists across the globe.
For more information on the Office of the Historian, please click on the following link:
Q: How can I find information about doing business abroad?
The State Department’s Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) plays a major role in coordinating trade and investment matters to support U.S. firms doing business overseas.
For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.state.gov/e/eeb/cba/.
Q: How can I get a passport?
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to a passport acceptance facility with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license, the correct fee, and form DS-11 filled out but NOT signed. Passport acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices.
Visit the Passport Services site for forms and more information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
If you need your passport urgently, generally in less than 2 weeks, please visit the following link:
You may also contact the National Passport Information Center by calling 1-877-487-2778.
Q: How can I get an expedited passport?
If you need your passport urgently, generally in less than two (2) weeks, you may contact one of our Passport Agencies listed on the following link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/services/expedited.html
Passport agencies take applications only by appointment. To schedule an appointment at one of the Passport agencies, please click on the following link:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/schedule/schedule_852.htmlQ: How can I intern at a U.S. Embassy?
Students of all levels are welcome to apply for the U.S. Department of State’s student programs and internships. We have a variety of programs, from summer clerical positions to management fellowships, all of which allow students from high school to the post-graduate level the ability to participate in projects vital to the success of U.S. foreign policy. Overseas or in Washington D.C., there's a student program that matches your background and will help you to achieve your goals. Please visit the following website for more information on the program, applications and eligibility requirements: http://careers.state.gov/students/Q: How can I intern at the State Department?
Students of all levels are welcome to apply for the U.S. Department of State’s student programs and internships. We have a variety of programs, from summer clerical positions to management fellowships, all of which allow students from high school to the post-graduate level the ability to participate in projects vital to the success of U.S. foreign policy. Overseas or in Washington D.C., there's a student program that matches your background and will help you to achieve your goals.
Please visit the following website for more information on the program, applications and eligibility requirements: http://careers.state.gov/students/
Q: How can I join the Foreign Service?
For information on the process to become a Foreign Service Officer, including Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) exam dates, online registration, and exam study guides, please visit the following link: http://careers.state.gov/officer/selection-process
When hiring Foreign Service Officers, we look for motivated individuals with sound judgment and leadership abilities who can retain their composure in times of great stress — or even dire situations, like a military coup or a major environmental disaster. Visit the following link for more information on the criteria we look for: http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-serviceQ: How can I request a Department of State speaker?
The Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs is the central point of coordination for domestic speaking engagements, briefings, and programs in Washington, DC and around the country.
To request a U.S. Department of State speaker via the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, please complete the online speaker request form (https://speakerrequest.state.gov/) Please allow a minimum of 21 days before the event to arrange for a speaker.
Q: How can I request a letter of commendation for an Eagle Scout or Gold Award?
Please visit http://register.state.gov/scouts to request a letter of recognition for an Eagle Scout or Gold Award.Q: How can I request my passport records?
For information on how to request copies of passport records from 1925 to the present, please visit the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/services/obtain-copies-of-passport-records.html
For copies of passport records issued before 1925 please visit the Passport Applications at the National Archives’ website: http://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/index.htmlQ: How can I tell if a diversity visa / green card lottery email is authentic or counterfeit?
Any email that states you have won the Diversity Visa Lottery is fake. The Department of State has never sent emails to notify individuals they have been selected, and The Department of State will not notify Diversity Visa winners by email. Emails indicating that you have won the diversity visa are fraudulent. We encourage you to report fraudulent emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx)
Please be aware of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants. All applicants should be familiar with information about DV scams provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Applicants are encouraged to review the rules and procedures for the DV program so that you know what to expect, when to expect it, and from whom.
To learn more about ways to recognize Diversity Visa Fraud, please visit the following link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/fraud.html
Please visit
for information on checking the status of your entry.
For more information on the proper process for registering for the diversity visa, please visit the following link:
Q: How do I apply for a scholarship to study abroad?
The State Department administers the Fulbright Academic Exchange programs. For information on the Fulbright programs, please visit the following website: http://fulbright.state.gov/
For information on other postsecondary study abroad programs, please visit the U.S. Network for Education Information website:
Q: How do I change my visa status?
If you are already in the United States, this question is best answered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.Q: How do I get a green card?
For information on how to obtain a Green Card, which is granted to permanent immigrants, please visit the following website:
http://www.uscis.gov/
Q: How do I submit a request for the correction of information publicly disseminated by the State Department to be considered under the Quality Act Guidelines?
To submit a request for the correction of information publicly disseminated by the Department of State, visit http://www.state.gov/misc/49492.htm. This page also presents the Department's supporting administrative mechanisms to request correction of information under the guidelines, the Information Quality Act Annual Reports for 2004 and 2005, and the Department's Bulletin for Peer Review. The Department's Information Quality Guidelines were developed in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 106-554 and OMB government-wide requirements directing all federal agencies to issue guidelines for ensuring the quality of the information that they disseminate to the public.Q: I am a U.S. citizen, born abroad; where can I obtain a copy of my birth certificate/CRBA?
Only Those Listed Below Are Authorized to Replace or Amend a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA):
- The individual whose birth is recorded on the document (if age 18 or older)
- A parent (for minors under age 18) or legal guardian
- An authorized government agency, or
- A person with written authorization
For more information, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/abroad/events-and-records/birth/replace-or-amend-consular-report-of-birth-abroad.html
Q: I am a U.S. citizen, born in the U.S., where can I obtain a copy of my vital records?
U.S. citizens born in the U.S. or U.S. Territories can find information on how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate by visiting the National Center for Health Statistics’ “Where to Write for Vital Records” website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
Q: I have questions about immigrating to the U.S. with my same-sex spouse.
Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS.
For more information, please click on the following link: .Q: I have questions about voting while living abroad. Where can I find answers?
Please visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website to get help on voting in U.S. elections while overseas: http://www.fvap.gov/
Q: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report - 2016 (INCSR)
The 2016 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) is an annual report by the Department of State to Congress prepared in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act. It describes the efforts of key countries to attack all aspects of the international drug trade in Calendar Year 2015. Volume I covers drug and chemical control activities. Volume II covers money laundering and financial crimes.
To obtain the full text of the report, please visit https://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2016/index.htm.
Q: Is there any current information on the Trans-Pacific and Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnerships?
Trade agreements are one of the best ways to open up foreign markets to U.S. exporters. The United States has agreements in force with 20 countries: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and South Korea.
For more information, please click on the following link:
Q: Is there any information on the State Department's Redesign?
This topic is addressed in Secretary Tillerson's speech "The U.S. and Europe: Strengthening Western Alliances" delivered on November 28, 2017.
For the full text, please visit
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/11/276002.htm.
Q: Is There Current Information on U.S. - Cuba Relations?
Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute. However, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel.
For details on Cuba sanctions regulations, including fact sheets on recent changes and information about applying for an OFAC license, please visit the Department of Treasury webpage at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/cuba.aspx.
Information on U.S. relations with Cuba can be found here: https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/09/274518.htm.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Consular Affairs: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact.htmlQ: Rewards for Justice
The Rewards for Justice Program is one of the most valuable assets the U.S. government has in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, P.L. 98-533, the program is administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.state.gov/m/ds/terrorism/c8651.htm.Q: Syria – Chemical Attack of April 2017
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON
April 4, 2017
Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria
The United States strongly condemns the chemical weapons attack in Idlib province, the third allegation of the use of such weapons in the past month alone. There are reports of dozens dead, including many children. While we continue to monitor the terrible situation, it is clear that this is how Bashar al-Assad operates: with brutal, unabashed barbarism. Those who defend and support him, including Russia and Iran, should have no illusions about Assad or his intentions. Anyone who uses chemical weapons to attack his own people shows a fundamental disregard for human decency and must be held accountable.
It is also clear that this horrific conflict, now in its seventh year, demands a genuine ceasefire and the supporters of the armed combatants in the region need to ensure compliance. We call upon Russia and Iran, yet again, to exercise their influence over the Syrian regime and to guarantee that this sort of horrific attack never happens again. As the self-proclaimed guarantors to the ceasefire negotiated in Astana, Russia and Iran also bear great moral responsibility for these deaths.Q: Terrorism Risk Insurance Act - TRIA
On November 26, 2002, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–297, 116 Stat. 2322) [TRIA] was signed into law. TRIA created a temporary federal program that provides for a transparent system of shared public and private compensation for certain insured losses resulting from a certified act of terror.
The Treasury Department administers the program.
For more information, please click on the following link: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/fin-mkts/Pages/program.aspx
Q: Visitor Visa
Your query would be best answered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. For more information, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html.
Thank you for contacting the Department of State.Q: What are the duties of the Secretary of State?
The Secretary of State, the ranking member of the Cabinet and fourth in line of presidential succession, is the President's principal advisor on foreign policy and the person chiefly responsible for representing the United States abroad. The primary goal of the Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State is to shape a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating and implementing the President's foreign policy, while supporting and protecting American interests abroad.
For more information on the duties of the Secretary of State, please click on the following link: http://www.state.gov/secretary/115194.htmQ: What are the guidelines on international travel with pets?
If you decide to take your pet with you when you go abroad, you should check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met before a pet may be brought into the country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at
.
Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
Note: In a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.)Q: What are the types of visas needed when visiting the U.S.?
Generally, before traveling to the U.S., a citizen of a foreign country must obtain a non-immigrant visa (
for temporary stay or an immigrant visa (https://www.uscis.gov/)
for permanent residence. The type of visa you will need is based on the purpose of your travel. Your best resource is to contact your closest U.S. embassy or consulate for help in determining the type of visa you will need.
U.S. visa policy permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa, when they meet certain requirements, under U.S. laws.
To determine if you are eligible to travel without a visa, please click on the link below:
Q: What can I do if I suspect possible cases of fraud, scams; or have received an illegitimate email?
The Consular Affairs Bureau receives daily calls about international scams involving internet dating, inheritance, work permits, overpayment, and money-laundering. Many scams are initiated through the internet; victims range in age from 18 to 81 and come from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Please visit the following website for more information and how to protect yourself from scams: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/emergencies/scams.html
If you feel you have been a victim of an Internet scam, please send all direct reports of internet fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at: http://www.ic3.gov/. If the scam originated through a particular website, notify the administrators of that website. If you are concerned about an American in distress overseas, but you are not sure if it is a legitimate case, call our office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444).Q: What can I do to help people affected by the crisis in Syria?
Many people want to help those affected by the crisis in Syria, but don’t know where to begin. The best way to help those affected by a disaster overseas is to make a monetary donation to a reputable humanitarian organization working in the region. USAID’s Center for International Disaster Information (http://www.cidi.org/) posts lists of organizations that are responding to particular disasters.
For more information, please click here.Q: What cultural exchange opportunities does the State Department offer?
For information on the State Department’s cultural exchange programs, please visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs website: http://www.exchanges.state.gov/
Q: What documents do I need to travel to Canada?
Please visit the following website for document requirements to enter Canada:
Q: What documents do I need to travel to Mexico?
For the latest entry requirements, please visit U.S. Embassy Mexico’s website at: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_sheet.html or contact the Embassy of Mexico at
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 736-1000 or any Mexican consulate in the U.S. for the most current information.
For more information, please visit the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/mexico.html
Q: What if I have an emergency while traveling abroad?
If you are a U.S. citizen who needs help involving U.S. citizenship, travel safety abroad, property and estate matters, or any emergency while traveling abroad, your first option should be to contact your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
While overseas, you may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-202-501-4444 during business hours. During non-business hours, please call 202-647-4000 and ask for the duty officer.
From within the U.S., call 1-888-407-4747.
Visit the following page to find contact information for embassies and consulates abroad:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies.html
For information on what the Department of State can and cannot do to help during a crisis, please visit the following link:
Q: What is a green card?
A Green Card gives you official immigration status (Lawful Permanent Residency) in the United States. A “Permanent Resident” is defined as any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as Permanent Resident Alien, Lawful Permanent Resident, Resident Alien Permit Holder, and Green Card Holder.
For more information, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
Q: What is a visa?
If you are a citizen of a foreign country, in most cases you will need a visa to enter into the United States.
A visa allows you to travel to the United States as far as the port of entry (airport or land border crossing). A visa doesn’t permit entry to the U.S. A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a U.S. consular officer at an American Embassy or consulate, and that the officer has deemed you eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant.
For more information on visas and visa categories, please visit the following websites:
http://www.uscis.gov
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/frequently-asked-questions/about-visas-the-basics.html
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/contact.html
Q: What is the mailing address for Secretary Tillerson?
The mailing address for Secretary Tillerson is as follows:
The Honorable Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520Q: What is the State Department Doing to Help Citizens in St. Maarten?
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to avoid travel to The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, and the Eastern Caribbean due to Hurricane Irma.
We encourage you to closely monitor our Hurricane Irma Crisis Page for important updated information on available flights, and the operating status of U.S. embassies in the region.
For more information on Hurricanes Irma and Jose, please click on the following link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/news/HurricaneIrma.htmlQ: What is the State Department?
The U.S. Department of State is the oldest agency in the President’s cabinet. The Secretary of State leads the Department of State in carrying out the President's foreign policies.
The Department was initially founded as the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1781 and then renamed in 1789 in the Constitution as the Department of State.
Our Mission Statement: Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system.
Learn more about the Department here: About State (https://www.state.gov/s/d/rm/index.htm#mission)
For Students/Educators: Discover Diplomacy (https://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/
)
Q: What is the USG doing to counter ISIL?
Over 60 coalition partners have committed themselves to the goals of eliminating the threat posed by ISIL and have already contributed in various capacities to the effort to combat ISIL in Iraq, the region and beyond.
For the list of partners and additional information on this topic, please visit our website: http://www.state.gov/s/seci/
Q: What is U.S. Visa Policy?
A citizen of a foreign country, wishing to enter the U.S., generally must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. The type of visa you must have is defined by immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. These items assist in explaining new visa policies and procedures for visitors to the United States -- a nation with secure borders and open doors.
For information about U.S. Visa policy, please click on the following link:
Q: What programs are available for study abroad?
The State Department's Fulbright Program provides grants for graduate students; scholars and professionals; and teachers and administrators from the U.S. and other countries. For more information on the Fulbright Program and other educational exchange programs, please visit the following website: http://fulbright.state.gov/
The Department of Education's "United States Network for Education Information," provides official information assistance for anyone seeking information about U.S. education. For more information please visit the following website: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/edlite-index.htmlQ: Where can I check the status of my passport application?
You can check the status of your passport application at the link below:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/status/status_2567.html
Application status should be available 5-7 days after applying.
You may also contact the National Passport Information Center if you have any questions:
Q: Where can I find a list of foreign embassies in Washington, D.C.?
Please click on the link below to obtain contact information for foreign embassies in Washington, D.C.:
https://www.state.gov/s/cpr/c74670.htm
Q: Where can I find answers to general consular questions regarding passports, visas and birth certificates?
For your consular inquiry, we invite you to visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov. The information below is intended to help guide you to the correct information online.
You may also visit the contact page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs:
http://travel.state.gov/about/contact/contact_4745.html
For U.S. Citizens:
If you need help regarding an emergency with you or a loved one living or traveling abroad, call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-202-501-4444 from overseas or 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and visit the following link:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
If you have a question about applying for a U.S. passport, click here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
If you wish to check the status of your passport application, contact the National Passport Information Center using the information linked below:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_898.html
If your question has to do with getting married abroad visit:
http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/marriage/marriage_589.html
For information about bringing a non-U.S. citizen fiancé or spouse to the U.S. visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/family/fiance.html
If you are a U.S. citizen who was born abroad and need a birth certificate (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) visit the following link:
http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html
If your question has to do with entry documents (e.g., visas) to visit a country overseas, find information relevant to the place you want to visit here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/americans-traveling-abroad.html
For any other visa questions visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html
Questions regarding citizenship, permanent residency, and immigration to the U.S. are handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Contact them at the following link:
http://www.uscis.gov
If you need proof of your U.S. citizenship please visit:
https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship/proof-us-citizenship-and-identification-when-applying-job
For Non-US Citizens
If you wish to make a visa appointment or change your appointment, please contact your local embassy or consulate directly.
For information about the Diversity Visa Lottery please visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/instructions.html
Questions regarding green cards, immigration to the U.S., and U.S. citizenship are handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) :
http://www.uscis.gov
You can find more information about immigrating to the U.S. here:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process.html
For information about J visas (exchange visitor visa programs) visit:
http://j1visa.state.gov
For any other visa issue or to get live assistance for answering your visa question, please visit
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/contact.html
or call (202) 663-1225.
Again, for help with consular questions, please visit travel.state.gov or visit the Contact Us page for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.Q: Where can I find answers to questions about my job/internship application?
If you have a question about a job or internship application, please email careers@state.gov.
If you are having technical problems with the USAJobs website, email Mgshelp@monster.com or call 1-866-656-6830.Q: Where can I find answers to questions regarding citizenship, green card, immigration and permanent residency?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, handles immigration questions; which include issues of permanent residency, green cards, and gaining U.S. Citizenship. USCIS provides a toll-free telephone number for immigration and naturalization questions: 1-800-375-5283 or visit their website at http://uscis.gov.Q: Where can I find contact information for the Department of State?
You can contact the U.S. Department of State in any of the following ways:
Main address:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Main Switchboard:
202-647-4000
TTY:1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay Service)
Hotline for American Travelers:
202-647-5225
Passport Information:
1-877-487-2778
Visa Information:
202-663-1225
Office of Public Engagement:
PA/PL, Rm. 2206
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
202-647-6575
To e-mail the U.S. Department of State, please visit the following website:
http://contact-us.state.gov/Q: Where can I find current information on the situation in Yemen?
The protection and safety of U.S. citizens is a top priority for the Department of State.
For more information, please click on the link below:
Q: Where can I find current travel warnings?
Travel warnings are listed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
Travel warnings are issued as needed and are in effect until the State Department issues either a new warning, or a notice that the current warning will expire.
You can find more travel and safety guidelines on Consular Affairs' Country Specific Information pages:
Q: Where can I find health guidelines and precautions for travel abroad?
For information on health precautions while traveling abroad, please visit the following links:
- Your Health Abroad:
- The World Health Organization's information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for information on vaccinations and other health precautions: http://www.cdc.gov/travel
- International visitors traveling within the U.S. can call the CDC's hotline: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)
Q: Where can I find health information for specific countries?
U.S. citizens planning to travel overseas can find health information on the country of their destination by contacting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, through their hotline:
1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)
fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299)
Or, on their website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
Q: Where can I find immigration statistics?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, handles immigration issues. This and other information can be found by visiting their website: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has some related statistics on their website:
Passport Services: Statistics
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppi/stats/stats_890.html
Other related websites:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Statistics
http://www.dhs.gov/immigration-statistics
Census Bureau: Immigration Statistics
http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/immigration.html
Q: Where can I find information about Ambassadors and Chiefs of Missions?
You can find information about Ambassadors and Chiefs of Missions by visiting the following website: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/Q: Where can I find information about embargoes and sanctions?
For information on embargoes and sanctions, please visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control website:
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspxQ: Where can I find information about teaching overseas?
The international schools affiliated with the Department of State are independent, non-government schools sponsored by Americans or in which American citizens have considerable interest. Since they are not controlled by the U.S. government nor do they operate under any official administrative jurisdictional umbrella, they hire teachers and staff directly, establishing their own qualification standards and application procedures. Salary levels and benefit packages vary from school to school.
Many of the American-sponsored schools overseas contract with private organizations in the United States to assist them in the recruitment process.
For more information please visit the following website:
http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c16899.htm
Or contact:
Office of Overseas Schools
U.S. Department of State
Room H328, SA-1
Washington, D. C. 20522-0132
Tel: 202-261-8200
Fax: 202-261-8224
E-mail: overseasschools@state.govQ: Where can I find information about the Diversity Visa (DV) process?
The requirements for the DV program are established by U.S. immigration law. If you are planning to register for the DV program, please go to: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/diversity-visa/entry.htmlQ: Where can I find information on authentications and apostilles?
The Office of Authentications processes the authentication or apostille of documents.
In accordance with 22 CFR, Part 131, the Office of Authentications provides signed certificates of authenticity for a variety of documents to individuals, institutions, and government agencies. Examples of documents that might require authentication for use abroad include company bylaws, powers of attorney, trademark, diplomas, treaties, warrants, extraditions, agreements, certificates of good standing, and courier letters.
Learn more about authentications and apostilles by clicking the link below:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal-considerations/judicial/authentication-of-documents/requesting-authentication-services.html
Requesting Authentication Services
The U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications accepts requests via the following: mail, walk in counter, and appointments.
To check the status of your request, or for other questions regarding the authentications process, contact the Office of Authentications:
Phone: 202-485-8000
- Monday - Friday (except federal holidays)
- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST
When submitting an inquiry via telephone, you must indicate the following:
- whether a request form DS-4194 was submitted
- full name and/or name of company
- type of document
- country of use
- number of document(s)
- complete return address
- type of mail service used to return the document(s) if applicable; include tracking number.
- type of payment submitted
Location
Physical Address:
Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
600 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Mailing Address:
Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
CA/PPT/S/TO/AUT
44132 Mercure CIR
P.O. BOX 1206
Sterling, VA 20166 1206Q: Where can I find information on careers with the State Department?
For information about careers in the Foreign and Civil Service; student programs and internships; and more, please visit the following website: http://www.state.gov/careers/Q: Where can I find information on connecting with State for Partnerships?
The Secretary's Global Partnership Initiative (S/GPI) is the entry point for collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, the public and private sectors, and civil society. S/GPI strengthens and deepens U.S. diplomacy and development around the world through partnerships that leverage the creativity, innovation, and core business resources of partners for greater impact. S/GPI is working with partners across sectors, industries, and borders to promote economic growth and opportunity; to invest in the well-being of people from all walks of life; and to make democracy serve every citizen more effectively and justly.
For more information on partnering with the State Department, please contact S/GPI at partnerships@state.gov or visit www.state.gov/partnerships.Q: Where can I find information on educational resources on foreign policy?
The Discover Diplomacy site has a wealth of information on the work of the Department and student resources.
Please click the link below for more information:
http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/Q: Where can I find information on exporting abroad?
The U.S. government sponsors a website that provides online trade resources and one-on-one assistance for your international business. Please visit the U.S. Government Export Portal
http://www.export.gov. You can also find answers to exporting questions here.
In addition, The Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) is the primary point of contact for business concerns within the State Department.
Q: Where can I find information on Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) dates, registration, etc.?
For information about the FSO examination, including examination dates, online registration, and examination study guides, please visit the following website: Q: Where can I find information on import/export trade regulations and restrictions?
For information on countries to which you can or cannot export and other trade restrictions, please contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) directly at
.
For further information on trade and trade restrictions please visit the following links:
Q: Where can I find information on importing products into the U.S.?
Information on importing products into the U.S. can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at: http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-exportQ: Where can I find information on passport fraud?
DS Special Agents in the United States and overseas conduct criminal investigations into passport and visa fraud. These federal felonies are often committed in connection with more other crimes, such as international terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, alien smuggling, money laundering, pedophilia, and murder. These investigations are critical to secure American borders and protect the national security of the United States.
More information on passport fraud can be found here: http://www.state.gov/m/ds/investigat/Q: Where can I find information on per diem rates?
The Office of Allowances in the Bureau of Administration develops and coordinates policies, regulations, standards, and procedures to administer the government-wide allowances and benefits program abroad under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR).
For allowances and foreign per diem rates, please visit our website: http://aoprals.state.gov/Q: Where can I find information on the Dakota Access Pipeline?
For the full text of the "Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Dakota Access pipeline
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/24/presidential-memorandum-regarding-construction-dakota-access-pipelineQ: Where can I find information on the Fulbright Scholarship Program ?
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Approximately 300,000 "Fulbrighters," 114,000 from the United States and 186,000 from other countries, have participated in the Program since its inception over sixty years ago. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 new grants annually. Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.
For more information, please visit the following website: http://eca.state.gov/fulbrightQ: Where can I find information on the use of the Great Seal of the U.S.?
Use of the Great Seal of the United States is governed by Public Law 91-651, Title 18 of the United States Code. This is a criminal statute with penal provisions, prohibiting certain uses of the Great Seal that would convey or reasonably be calculated to convey a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the Government of the United States or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
Although the Secretary of State is custodian of the Seal, the Department of State has no authority to grant or withhold permission for use of reproductions, facsimiles, or likenesses of the Seal, or any part thereof. The Department of Justice determines, based on the circumstances of each case, whether any particular use violates the Statute. Consequently, the Department of State's policy has been to discourage use of the Great Seal, except when used for governmental or educational purposes, and the Department does not provide artwork for its use other than for official State Department material.
The Office of Presidential Appointments manages the use of the Great Seal.
For more information on the Great Seal, please visit the following websites
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/9087.htm
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/27807.pdf
(PDF requires Adobe Acrobat reader)
Q: Where can I find information on treaty affairs, Treaties in Force, and other treaty resources?
The State Department website provides the following resources on treaties:
Q: Where can I find information on Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) Internships?
The Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) program, announced by Former Secretary Clinton at the 2009 New York University commencement speech, is part of a growing effort by the State Department to harness technology and a commitment to global service among young people to facilitate new forms of diplomatic engagement.
Working from college and university campuses in the United States, American students are partnered with our embassies abroad to conduct digital diplomacy that reflects the realities of our networked world. By combining the talents of young people across America and the right technology, we can forge the solutions that our century demands.
For more information on VSFS, please contact VSFS@state.gov, and visit www.state.gov/vsfs.Q: Where can I find information on working in the U.S. (Non-Citizens)?
For job listings in the U.S., please visit the following websites:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, which includes descriptions of jobs, experience and education requirements, earnings, etc. can be found on this site: http://www.bls.gov/
Department of Labor: America's Job Bank (includes job listings)
http://www.ajb.dni.us/
U.S. Office of Personnel Management: http://www.opm.gov/
USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/ Q: Where can I find the latest Human Rights Report?
A list of the "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" can be found at the following website:
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/
For Human Rights Reports from 1993-1999 please visit:
http://www.state.gov/www/global/human_rights/hrp_reports_mainhp.htmlQ: Where can I find the latest International Religious Freedom Report?
The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Please click on the following link for an electronic version of the report: https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/index.htm
For a list of frequently asked questions, click the following link: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/irf/c13003.htmQ: Where can I find U.S. foreign assistance statistics?
You can find information on the countries to which the U.S. gives aid, along with the justification of those funds, on the Department's Foreign Assistance Dashboard (
The Foreign Assistance Dashboard provides a view of U.S. Government foreign assistance funds and enables users to examine, research, and track aid investments in a standard and easy-to-understand format.
Q: Where can I get a list of open jobs at U.S. Embassies?
For information on job openings at U.S. Embassies, please visit each specific embassy’s website for available international jobs.
Embassy listings can be found here: http://usembassy.state.govQ: Where can I get a list of open jobs in the U.S. government?
For information on job opportunities within the U.S. government, please visit the following websites:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management: http://www.opm.gov/
USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/
Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/
U.S. Department of Labor: http://www.ajb.dni.us/
Q: Where can I get a passport card for travel to Canada and Mexico?
The wallet-size passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. This travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
For more information regarding the Passport Card, please visit the following website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.htmlQ: Where Can I Get an Electronic Copy of the State Department's 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report?
"The State Department’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report exposes human trafficking networks and holds their operators and their accomplices accountable."
For the full text of Secretary Tillerson's remarks and an electronic copy of the report, please visit our website:
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/06/272205.htmQ: Where can I learn more about Secretary Tillerson?
On February 1, 2017, Rex W. Tillerson was sworn in as the 69th Secretary of State of the United States.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser.
The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and U.S. Agency for International Development. Q: Where would I find historical documents?
The Office of the Historian is responsible, under law, for the preparation and publication of the official documentary history of U.S. foreign policy in the Foreign Relations of the United States series.
For more information on the Office of the Historian, please click on the following link:
http://history.state.gov/aboutQ: Where would I find information about bringing student groups into the State Department?
The Foreign Policy Classroom website has information for registering high school aged and older students for briefings with senior State Department officials on the work being done on top foreign policy priorities. To register your school, please visit the Foreign Policy Classroom site: https://register.state.gov/ClassroomRequest/.
Any questions on the Foreign Policy Classroom program can be directed to: ForeignPolicyClassroom@state.gov.
Those interested in fine arts tours within the Department of State may consider visiting our Diplomatic Reception Rooms. These tours are recommended for students ages 12+ and adults. For more information on touring the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, please go to: https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/home.aspx
Questions on tours can be directed to: TourOffice@state.gov
Students may also be interested in learning more about the State Department on this website designed exclusively for them: http://diplomacy.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/Q: Where would I find information on former secretaries of state?
For a list of former secretaries of state, please click the link below:
http://www.state.gov/secretary/former/Q: Where would I find information on the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Program?
As a part of the Office of Commercial and Business Affairs, the Global Entrepreneurship Program (GEP) seeks to promote entrepreneurship and inspire innovation by coordinating private sector partners and government programs that support entrepreneurs around the world.
For more information on the GEP, please click on the link below:
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Department of State.Q: Who can I contact about problems with registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?
Please email CAIBRS@state.gov for all questions and comments regarding STEP registration or log in problems.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
For more information on the program, click the link below:
https://travelregistration.state.gov/Q: Who can I contact if I am having technical problems with online visa forms?
For problems with online visa forms, or problems with using an online visa appointment form, please visit the following link to report the problem:
Please use this link to report broken links for any page on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website: Travel.State.Gov