DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
In the aftermath of 9/11, the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”) became part of a new governmental agency, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) in 2003. Responsibility for administering US immigration benefits and securing America’s borders was divided as follows:
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) provides immigration related benefits and processes petitions for work authorization, naturalization, as well as asylum and refugee applications.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The US Department of State is the lead agency for American foreign policy and affairs overseeing embassies and consulates located around the world that coordinate the issuance of visas and passports as well as travel related services. For more information about foreign citizens applying for visas to enter the US, please visit the Department of State's travel website.
- US Embassies and Consulates abroad provide consular processing and benefits for both US citizens and foreign nationals regarding work authorization, citizenship, passport services and visas to enter the U.S.
- The Visa Office in the Department of State distributes visas to the U.S. by providing visa numbers according to preference and priority date. You may wish to read an Overview of visa policy and procedure as part of your research. The Department of State issues regular visa bulletins that establish visa numbers. To check on worldwide movement of priority dates within preference categories as well as diversity visa lottery program information, you may access the monthly US State Department Visa Bulletin.
- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs oversees cultural and educational exchange programs for both US and foreign citizens, including the J-1 exchange visitor program allowing foreign nationals to visit the United States temporarily to teach, lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills. Visit the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for specific information regarding the J-1 exchange visitor program and procedures.
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US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The US Department of Labor is responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. For businesses and foreign workers in the US, the Department of Labor is importantly responsible for wage standards, the foreign labor certification process and occupational requirements for all employees. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION If you plan to enter the United States pursuant to a visa category that includes authorization to work in the US, you must obtain information on applying for a Social Security Number.
If you would like legal advice regarding your specific situation, please visit our Request Consulation page.
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