immigration office
A government administrative office handling affairs of foreigners entering, residing in, or working in the country.
An immigration office is a government office which handles various affairs pertaining to foreigners entering, living in, or working in the country. Its normal responsibilities include issuing visas and work permits, enforcing immigration rules, and handling related matters affecting residents, workers, and long-term visitors who are not full citizens.
This should not be confused with an immigration control office, which is a border control checkpoint.
The office handles administrative matters concerning foreign residents, workers, or visitors. A checkpoint that examines travelers entering the country or a restricted zone has the separate immigration-control function, even where both activities concern visas or permission to enter.
Related definitions
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customs office
A centralized government facility controlling goods shipped across borders, distinct from checkpoints screening travelers. -
employment bureau
A government office providing or administering services to job seekers or the unemployed. -
social welfare office
A government office for administering or disbursing aid to persons in need. -
tax office
A government office engaged in collecting tax revenue, whether a central office or a regional branch.