Other U.S. Government agencies also make vital contributions to the success of U.S. foreign relations and in promoting U.S. interests. In most countries with which it has diplomatic relations, the U.S. maintains an embassy, which usually is located in the host country capital. The U.S. also may have consulates in other large commercial centers or in dependencies of the country. Several countries have U.S. ambassadors accredited to them who are not resident in the country. Whether in a U.S. embassy or a consulate, consular officers at post are the State Department employees whom both American citizens overseas and foreign nationals are most likely to meet.
Consular officers protect U.S. citizens abroad and their property.
U.S. consular officers also issue about 6 million nonimmigrant visas annually to foreign nationals who wish to visit, work or study in the United States and almost 500,000 immigrant visas to those who wish to reside here permanently. Commercial, Economic, and Financial Affairs. Financial attaches analyze and report on major financial developments as well as the host country's macro-economic condition. Agricultural and Scientific Matters. Agricultural officers promote the export of U.S. agricultural products and report on agricultural production and market developments in their area.