United States | Biden-Harris administration sets records for US passport and visa services

The State Department announced records set by the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Biden-Harris administration, including U.S. passport and visa services.

Key Points:

• Since 2021, the State Department has issued 90 million U.S. passports, bringing the number of valid U.S. passports in circulation to an all-time high of nearly 170 million.
• In 2024, the State Department unveiled the largest expansion of passport services in decades, with plans to open six new passport agencies in coming years.
• Since 2021, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have issued approximately 30 million nonimmigrant visas, with a record 11.5 million visas issued in fiscal year 2024 alone.
• In 2024, the State Department piloted a domestic visa renewal program allowing skilled workers supporting U.S. companies to renew their visas within the U.S. This initiative benefited more than 6,000 applicants from 2,400 companies, reducing disruptions and ensuring continued productivity across U.S. industries.

Additional Information: The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has been at the forefront of protecting U.S. citizens, enabling global travel and commerce that powers the U.S. economy, and improving federal customer service while safeguarding national security.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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