The Department of State recently published a final rule allowing third parties including but not limited to private attorneys and interpreters, to accompany applicants/requesters for appointments at passport agencies, centres, and U.S. embassies/consulates in connection with the following matters:

• applications for a U.S. passport, either domestically or overseas;
• requests for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States;
• certain other services offered by American Citizens Services units at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas.

Notably, the rule does not apply to immigrant visa and non-immigrant visa interviews and services at U.S. embassies and consulates. In this regard, the Department of State clarified that it will continue to defer to consular sections on account of the differing capacity, logistical, and security considerations that only consular sections can best assess.

The rule will take effect on June 12, 2024.