Consular Affairs by the Numbers

Consular Affairs by the Numbers is a 1-page legal document that was released by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs on January 1, 2020 and used nation-wide.

FAQ

Q: What is Consular Affairs?
A: Consular Affairs is a division within the U.S. Department of State that is responsible for providing consular services to U.S. citizens abroad and administering visa regulations for foreign citizens coming to the United States.

Q: What services does Consular Affairs provide?
A: Consular Affairs provides a wide range of services including passport services, assistance to U.S. citizens in emergencies abroad, visa processing, and international adoptions.

Q: How many U.S. citizens are living abroad?
A: As of 2020, it is estimated that approximately 9 million U.S. citizens are living abroad.

Q: How many U.S. passports are issued each year?
A: In recent years, Consular Affairs has issued over 20 million U.S. passports annually.

Q: How many visa applications are processed by Consular Affairs?
A: Consular Affairs processes millions of visa applications each year, with the exact number varying depending on the demand and visa categories.

Q: What is the purpose of international adoptions handled by Consular Affairs?
A: Consular Affairs oversees the process of international adoptions, ensuring the welfare and safety of adoptive children and facilitating the legal aspects of the adoption process.