9 FAM 100
introduction to 9 fam visas
9 FAM 101
overview of 9 fam
9 FAM 101.1
Introduction to 9 FAM
(CT:VISA-732; 02-05-2019)
(Office of Origin: CA/VO/L/R)
9 FAM 101.1-1 Purpose of 9 FAM
(CT:VISA-274; 01-03-2017)
The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) contains directives and
guidance for Department of State personnel based on statutes, regulations, Executive
Orders, Presidential directives, OMB circulars and other sources. 9 FAM deals
exclusively with the adjudication of U.S. visas, both nonimmigrant and
immigrant, providing consular officers with the guidance needed to make
informed decisions based on U.S. immigration law and regulations.
9 FAM 101.1-2 9 FAM: Relationship
to Statutes and Regulations
(CT:VISA-156; 08-10-2016)
a. The main statute governing immigration law is the
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (INA). The current text of
the INA is codified in Title 8 of the U.S. Code, Aliens and Nationality. In
addition, some other titles of the U.S. Code contain provisions relating to
immigration, including Title 20, Employee Benefits, Title 22, Foreign
Relations, and Title 29, Labor.
b. Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Foreign
Relations, (CFR) is the administrative law that further interprets and defines,
via a set of rules and regulations published by the Office of the Federal
Register, the powers and responsibilities given to the Department by Congress.
Chapter I, Subchapter E Visas governs the Department's visa operations. The 9
FAM provides additional guidance outlining specific policies and procedural information
regarding the issuance of visas. If you have questions about how to interpret
the law, contact the Visa Offices Legal Affairs (CA/VO/L).
9 FAM 101.1-3 Plain language
(CT:VISA-732; 02-05-2019)
a. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-274)
calls for writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized. Plain language is
marked by: active voice; short, succinct sentences; everyday words; second
person voice; organized sections; logical flow; correct grammar and punctuation.
For more information on plain language, see the Office of Directives
Management's Plain Writing Resource Page.
b. Use of You and We in 9 FAM:
You in 9 FAM refers to consular officers and "we" refers to the
Department. When a U.S. Government employee other than a consular officer is
involved, we will specify in the text.