- Embassy: An embassy is located in the capital city of the host country, typically in close proximity to the government institutions and other diplomatic missions.
- Consulate: Consulates are established in major cities other than the capital, strategically chosen to offer better support and services to citizens and businesses in those regions.
Today
Embassy: Due to its broader range of responsibilities, an embassy is generally larger and staffed with more diplomats and support personnel than a consulate.
Consulate: Consulates are smaller in size and have fewer staff members, focusing primarily on providing consular assistance.
HIERARCHY
- Embassy: The head of an embassy is usually an ambassador, who represents the head of state or government of the sending country. Ambassadors have a higher diplomatic rank than consuls.
- Consulate: The head of a consulate is typically a consul or a consul general, who has a lower diplomatic rank compared to an ambassador.
How Does This Apply to Visa Processing and Passport Services?
An easy way to think of this is most countries have a U.S. embassy. Inside the embassy there is also a consular section where visa and passport work is done. Depending on the size of the country, there may be additional consulates located throughout the country where you can also receive visa and passport services.
The Bottom Line
While both consulates and embassies are diplomatic missions representing one country in another, embassies serve as the main diplomatic representation in the capital city, dealing with a broader range of diplomatic matters, while consulates focus on providing consular services and promoting trade and economic relations in other major cities of the host country.
Each month, Boundless updates the current operating status of U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Learn more about the status of an embassy or consulate near you!
“Newcomers” Legal Entry
“If you are granted asylum, you may apply for a green card (also known as lawful permanent residence) one year after the date upon which you were granted final asylum status. Generally, a green card holder can apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of continuous permanent residence.”
When illegal crossings Southern Borders. Mission to Mexico comprises the Embassy in Mexico City, nine consulates and nine consular agencies.
Remain in Mexico
Migrants Illegal Crossings. “Families attend a memorial service for two boys, ages 10 and 11, who were kidnapped and killed in San Juan Sacatepequez, Guatemala, in February 2017. Moore said gang violence is one of the primary reasons people are emigrating to the United States.”
Photographs by John Moore/Getty Images
Story by Kyle Almond, CNN
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/03/world/us-mexico-border-cnnphotos/
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