Embassies
An embassy is the official diplomatic presence of a foreign nation in a host country and the office of the ambassador to the resident country. Embassies act as the liaison between the nation the embassy represents and the country in which the embassy is located. For example, embassies will often be largely responsible for providing the country it represents with information about the resident nation of political, scientific, artistic, cultural and militaristic relevance. Likewise, representatives within an embassy disseminate information pertaining to their country, including political updates and other matters relevant to diplomatic relations, to public official within the resident country.
Consulates
Like an embassy, a consulate is also a diplomatic building which represents a foreign country in a host nation. A consulate is the official office of a consul, a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country. Consulates are often located within an embassy as the consular section of the embassy.
Obtaining a Visa
A visa is issued by a consulate or the consulate section within a U.S. embassy located in your country of residence. In general, entering the U.S as an immigrant/non-immigrant is a two fold process. First, you must obtain authorization to reside in the U.S. within a particular status (i.e. H-1B, E-3, E-1, L-1, etc.). Once you have received authorization to reside in the U.S., you must obtain a visa, which is the document that authorizes you to request entry into the U.S.
To obtain a visa, you will need to undergo an interview at a consulate or the consular section of an embassy. Prior to your interview, you will need to complete documentation confirming that you are permitted to enter the United States. You will also need to provide various documentation related to your status in the U.S. and the status of any accompanying family members entering the U.S. with you.
In general, though not in all cases, you will not be permitted to enter the U.S. without first obtaining a visa. Therefore, your consulate interview is very important.
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