The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has undertaken major initiatives to address unprecedented demand for travel documents and improve accessibility for Americans. With innovative measures and technological advancements, the Department aims to streamline processes and meet the needs of millions of travelers while bolstering the economy.
In 2024, the Department launched its most extensive expansion of passport services in decades, introducing plans to open six new passport agencies across the country. This effort is intended to make essential services more accessible to millions of Americans. That same year, the Department achieved a milestone by reducing passport processing times to 4–6 weeks, the fastest in over five years. Between 2021 and 2024, the Department issued an extraordinary 90 million U.S. passports, bringing the total number of valid passports in circulation to a record-breaking 170 million.
The State Department also highlighted the growing accessibility of travel to the U.S., facilitated by its consular operations. A statement from the Department noted, “Today, more people can safely and securely travel to the United States than ever before. Since 2021, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have issued approximately 30 million nonimmigrant visas, with a record 11.5 million visas issued in FY 2024 alone. These efforts have facilitated legitimate travel while safeguarding U.S. borders, fueling the $2.3 trillion travel and tourism sector, and supporting an estimated 10 million American jobs.”
One of the Department’s most significant advancements was the September 2024 launch of the Online Passport Renewal (OPR) platform. This new service allows U.S. citizens to complete passport renewals entirely online, including uploading a digital photo. Over 1.5 million citizens have already used the platform, with millions more expected to benefit from its convenience. By integrating OPR and improving staffing and technology, the Department has often exceeded its advertised processing times.
In addition to passport services, visa processing has seen considerable innovation. In 2024, the Department piloted a domestic visa renewal program for skilled workers. This initiative enables visa holders to renew their visas within the U.S., removing the need for international travel. The program has supported over 6,000 applicants from 2,400 companies, minimizing disruptions and enhancing productivity across industries.
To attract and retain global talent in research and academia, the Department revised the Exchange Visitor Skills List. This change aims to support U.S. universities and businesses in advancing cutting-edge work, particularly in science and technology, by fostering innovation and maintaining the nation’s competitive edge.
The Department has also demonstrated its commitment during crises, providing critical support to Americans abroad. Since 2021, more than 10,000 U.S. citizens have been evacuated from high-risk areas, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Haiti, Sudan, and Niger. These operations utilized a variety of resources, such as boats, buses, and helicopters. Embassies, consulates, and task forces worked tirelessly to assist Americans in need, underscoring the Department’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens during emergencies.
“We have also empowered U.S. travelers, providing the tools they need to make informed, confident decisions about their overseas travel. By enhancing travel advisories to include warnings about wrongful detentions by foreign governments, we are helping Americans to stay safer abroad,” the statement added.
The Department’s focus on supporting Afghan allies who served alongside U.S. personnel during two decades of conflict has also seen remarkable progress. Since January 2021, over 78,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have been issued to Afghan allies, accounting for more than half of all SIVs granted since the program’s inception in 2009. This achievement underscores the U.S.’s commitment to honoring those who contributed to its mission and shared its values.
Through these initiatives, the Bureau of Consular Affairs continues to meet growing demand while ensuring the safety, security, and convenience of American and global travelers. Its efforts not only facilitate legitimate travel but also significantly contribute to the economy and uphold U.S. leadership in innovation and global diplomacy.