9 FAM 601.9
Visas and Public Diplomacy
(CT:VISA-511; 03-12-2018)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO/L/R)
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-511; 03-12-2018)
a. See 9 FAM 602
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.