9 FAM 601.9
Visas and Public Diplomacy
(CT:VISA-1164; 10-01-2020)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO)
9 fam 601.9-1 public diplomacy
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
a. See 7 FAH-1 H-811 regarding public diplomacy.
b. See 7 FAH-1 H-843.3 regarding Congressional and Staff delegation visits.
c. For more information please go to 9 FAM 602.2-4 on working with Congress.
9 FAM 601.9-2 The Importance of visa outreach
(CT:VISA-1; 11-18-2015)
a. Visa outreach efforts are an important tool in the mission's public diplomacy program. Such efforts provide information about the visa process and shape public perception of the mission and Consular Affairs, while advancing U.S. foreign policy.
b. Outreach events can improve the efficient operation of the visa section by educating the public, attorneys, student groups, and travel agencies about post-specific procedures and visa policies.
c. Regular outreach events and effective use of traditional media, the internet, and social media ensure that the public turns to the visa section for information rather than uninformed third parties.
d. Outreach activities will vary widely according to post size, community needs, and workload demands.
9 FAM 601.9-3 visa outreach resources
(CT:VISA-1164; 10-01-2020)
a. See 9 FAM 602.1 and 9 FAM 602.2 for additional information on cultivating visa-related working relationships. See also 7 FAH-1 H-832 for information on consular publications and information sheets, 7 FAH-1 H-834 for information on outreach programs, and 7 FAH-1 H-833 for information on outreach via Internet home pages.
b. Proactive Media Relations: In addition to reacting to media inquiries on visa issues, consular managers should consider ways to utilize the media to project a positive image of their work and to broadcast information to the public that will enhance their operations. For more information see 7 FAH-1 H-856.
c. CA/P: The CA Office of Policy Coordination and Public Affairs (CA/P) provides a number of outreach tools, strategies, guidance, and documents on its pages on CAWeb - Outreach Resources. The discussion of best practices for outreach, including descriptions of recent outreach activities by posts, is especially useful for consular officers looking for ideas on expanding visa outreach efforts to the community. Contact CA/P with questions or requests for assistance at CA-P-OutreachRequests@state.gov.
d. CA/VO/F/OI: The Outreach and Inquiries division of the Visa Office of Field Operations works closely with CA/P and posts to develop outreach strategies on visa issues and provide related materials. Maintaining relationships with key public stakeholder groups, serving as a legislative liaison, and obtaining clearances for speaker requests are key components of the division. Contact CA/VO/F/OI with questions or requests for assistance at CA-VO-Outreach@state.gov.