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DOS (US Department of State)

In immigration, DOS means the US Department of State, the federal department that issues US visas through embassies and consulates abroad, runs the National Visa Center, and publishes the monthly visa bulletin.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. Its role in immigration
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

Its role in immigration

  • Visas: consular officers review DS-160 and DS-260 applications and interview applicants.
  • National Visa Center (NVC): prepares immigrant visa cases for interviews.
  • Visa bulletin: sets green card cut-off dates each month.
  • Diversity visa lottery: runs the program (paused as of 2026).

DOS does not decide petitions filed inside the US; that is USCIS. Admission at the border is decided by CBP. In 2026, DOS policies include a worldwide freeze on immigrant visa interviews from August 25, 2026, and travel restrictions on 39 countries. DOS also issues US passports and consular reports of birth abroad for children of US citizens. See Status Now.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the State Department's visa website?

travel.state.gov is the official source for US visa information.

Can I appeal a visa refusal?

There is no formal appeal for most visa refusals. You can usually reapply.

Is the State Department part of DHS?

No. DOS is a separate cabinet department.

Official sources

  1. State Department: US visastravel.state.gov
  2. US Department of Statestate.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.