U.S. Department of State (DOS)

The Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is the primary agency within the DOS that handles immigration-related matters. It provides passport services to U.S. citizens, issues visas, manages the Diversity Visa Lottery, and offers services to U.S. citizens abroad.

U.S. Consulates Abroad assist and protect U.S. citizens who are abroad and also handle the issuance of nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to foreign nationals.

The National Visa Center (NVC) is an immigrant visa processing facility, while the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) is responsible for administering the Diversity Visa Lottery and creating records for nonimmigrant visa petitions.

The Office of Visa Services (Visa Office) interprets visa laws and regulations and serves as a liaison between the DOS, DHS, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

The Immigrant Visa Control and Reporting Division is responsible for publishing the monthly visa bulletin.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) hosts international professional, academic, cultural, and athletic programs, and is specifically responsible for managing the J-1 exchange visitor program.