The Bureau of Consular Affairs manages eight offices: the Offices of the Comptroller, Consular Systems & Technology, Executive Director, Fraud Prevention, Overseas Citizen Services, Policy Coordination & Public Affairs, Passport Services, and Visa Services.
Office of Comptroller The principal strategic and resource management office for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Office of Consular Systems & Technology Develops, installs, and provides training for the Bureau's automated information processing systems.
Office of Executive Director Provides a full range of management support for the Bureau, including management of the Bureau's IT systems and infrastructure, human resources, and controlled consular supplies.
Office of Fraud Prevention Dedicated to providing resources, tools, and information that enhances consular officers' ability to detect and deter passport and visa fraud.
Office of Overseas Citizen Services Advises and supports U.S. citizens and U.S. embassies and consulates around the world in such matters as: • Deaths •
Arrests •
Robberies •
Citizenship and nationality (including both acquisition of citizenship through
naturalization and the
Child Citizenship Act of 2000 and
renunciation of citizenship) •
Federal benefits (including
Social Security) •
Notarization of
documents •
International child abduction •
International adoptions To assist the traveling public, the bureau issues country specific information, travel warnings, and travel alerts concerning conditions in countries where Americans may be planning to visit or reside. The Bureau also maintains the volunteer Warden Program, designed to help protect and inform US citizens in host nations.
Office of Policy Coordination & Public Affairs Articulates the Bureau's policy through media relations, public outreach, Congressional liaison, and strategic planning.
Office of Passport Services Issues
U.S. Passports to American citizens. Over 119 million valid U.S. passports are currently in circulation. 13.5 million passports and passport cards were issued in fiscal year 2013. Since June 1, 2009, all American travelers entering the United States, including at land borders or air/sea ports of entry, are required to show proof of citizenship, which can include the
passport book or
passport card. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services is Matthew Pierce, a long-time public servant. Passports may be issued domestically in the US as well as by US embassies or consulates abroad. In 2006, the Bureau began the widespread issuance of Electronic Passports or "e-passports."
Visas Services Office Following regulations established by
Congress in the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), consular officers overseas under the guidance of the Bureau's Office of Visa Services are responsible for issuing all non-immigrant and immigrant
visas. (Over 7.75 million non-immigrant visa and approximately 744,000 immigrant visa cases were processed in fiscal year 2006.) The Bureau of Consular Affairs also administers the provisions of the INA as they relate to the Department of State in coordination with
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement within the
United States Department of Homeland Security. ==International child abduction and adoption==