Q.
How do I apply for a passport?
A. The Office of Consular Affairs handles all passport inquiries. You can also
reach them by phone: 1-877-4USA-PPT or TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793.
Q. How do I authenticate a personal/business document?
A. The Office of Verification and Authentication does this. You can also reach
them by phone: 202-647-5002 or TDD/TDY 202-663-3468, 1-800-333-4636, email:
[email protected], or fax: 202-663-3636.
Q. How do I start a business?
A. Contact the Small Business Administration or phone your local SBA. The
Department of Commerce�s Minority Business Development Agency has a nationwide
network of business enterprise centers that provide management and technical
assistance for U.S. minority-owned businesses, including assistance in creating
business and marketing plans as well as identifying appropriate financing.
Q. Can you tell me if Company XYZ is legitimate?
A. If the company is located in the United States, contact the office of the
Secretary of State (within the state-level government) in whichever state the
company is headquartered. The Office of Authentication updates the list of
Secretaries by State of the United States. If the company is located outside the
United States, contact the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, part of the
Department of Commerce, to get information on their International Company
Profile service.
Q. How do I incorporate my business?
A. This is determined by the state in which you reside or plan to incorporate
your business. Contact the office of the Secretary of State (this is a state
government-level official, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State).
The Office of Authentication updates the list of Secretaries by State of the
United States.
Q. How do I do business with the State Department?
A. Contact the Office of the Procurement Executive or by phone: 703-516-1684.
Q. How do I learn about business contracts in Iraq?
A. Links to Iraq contract information can be found on CBA�s website.
Q. How do I get visas for business associates who plan to travel to another
country?
A. Foreign Entry requirements for Americans traveling to another country may be
accessed through the website or you may contact the embassy or consulate of the
country you plan to visit. All visa inquiries must be handled through the
embassy or consulates of the country you plan to visit.
Q. How can I help my customer/client who is having problems getting a visa to
the U.S.?
A. Comprehensive information on visa process and policy is available on the web
at www.state.gov, www.travel.state.gov, or www.unitedstatesvisas.gov. You should
also check the website of the consulate in which the applicant is applying --
there is a link to U.S. Embassies and Consulates from each of the above sites.
The best advice is for people to apply early.
Q. How can a U.S. business request commercial assistance-for-fee from a U.S.
Embassy or the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service?
A. Gold Key Services, International Partner Searches, International Company
Profiles and Customized Market Research reports are provided at all US&FCS
offices as well as many U.S. embassies. Visit the Platinum Key Service program
for more information.
Q. Where can I find current country commercial guides for doing business
abroad?
A. Country Commercial Guides (CCGs) are prepared annually to provide a
comprehensive look at commercial environments, using economic, political, and
market analysis.
Q. How can I verify whether I can do business with companies in certain
countries?
A. Information about sanctioned countries, entities, and individuals can be
found through the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Q. Where can I find other information and help with exporting?
A. The Department of Commerce website, www.export.gov, has all the information
you need to start exporting. Visit the website or contact them by phone at
1-800-USA-TRADE.
Q. How do I apply for an export license?
A. The first point of inquiry in export licensing is the government office
responsible for coordinating the process. Consult the following web pages for
detailed information on areas of competence:
The State Department�s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for
military-related items
The Department of Commerce�s Bureau of Industry and Security for export control
items
The Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control for most terrorist
states and other special programs.
