The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, under the Biden-Harris Administration, has made significant strides in passport and visa services, as well as in innovation and support for U.S. citizens abroad. Since 2021, the Bureau has issued 90 million U.S. passports, bringing the total number of valid passports to nearly 170 million. The Department announced a 4–6-week processing timeline for passport applications in 2024, marking the fastest turnaround in over five years.

In an effort to expand accessibility, the Department plans to open six new passport agencies in the coming years. Additionally, U.S. embassies and consulates have issued approximately 30 million nonimmigrant visas since 2021, with a record 11.5 million visas issued in fiscal year 2024.

Innovation is a key focus for the Bureau. In September 2024, they launched the Online Passport Renewal (OPR) application, allowing U.S. citizens to renew their passports entirely online. Over 1.5 million people have already used this service.

On the visa front, a domestic visa renewal program was piloted in 2024 for skilled workers supporting U.S. companies, benefiting more than 6,000 applicants from over 2,400 companies.

The Bureau has also been active in crisis situations worldwide since 2021 by facilitating evacuations of more than 10,000 U.S. citizens from various conflict zones using all available resources.

The Department remains committed to Afghan allies who supported U.S. efforts in Afghanistan by issuing over 78,000 Special Immigrant Visas since January 2021.