Blank Ds 2004 Template

The DS-2004 form serves as a crucial notification for the appointment of foreign government employees, specifically for individuals affiliated with foreign missions. This form is essential for all employees except for diplomatic and consular officers, ensuring that appropriate information is relayed to U.S. authorities. Completing this form accurately is vital for facilitating the necessary privileges and benefits provided to these employees while they undertake their responsibilities in the United States.

For guidance on completing the DS-2004 form, please click the button below.

Article Guide

The DS-2004 form is a critical document for the administration of foreign government employees in the United States. Its primary function is to notify the U.S. Department of State regarding the appointment of such employees, excluding diplomatic and consular officers. This form requires comprehensive and accurate details about the individual, establishing their role and outlining the necessary information that will facilitate their privileges while in the country. Key elements include personal data such as nationality, date of birth, and place of birth, as well as specifics regarding their employment and responsibilities. Proper completion of the DS-2004 not only ensures that the employee receives appropriate benefits but also helps avoid complications in processing identification cards, tax exemption cards, and other essential documentation. Any changes in the information provided must be reported promptly using the Notification of Change, Form DS-2006. Additionally, the form addresses requirements related to the transportation costs of the employee and their families, emphasizing the need for adherence to U.S. laws and international agreements regarding diplomatic conduct. Clear instructions accompany each section of the form, guiding users through the necessary entries to promote consistency and accuracy throughout the documentation process.

Form Sample

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING FORM DS-2004,

NOTIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT

OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE

Please read all instructions before completing this form.

This form is to be completed for all employees of foreign missions except diplomatic and consular officers. All questions should be answered completely and accurately. If a question does not apply, please type N/A.

Any changes in the information provided on this form should be reported as soon as possible using the Notification of Change, Form DS-2006.

In the case of members of the administrative and technical and service staffs of embassies and consular employees and members of the service staff of consular posts, the United States does not extend privileges and immunities to persons unless documentation is provided to indicate that the sending state: (1) pays the cost of the employee's transportation to the U.S. from the employee's normal place of residence; (2) transfers the employee and his or her immediate family out of the United States within a specific time frame consistent with the sending state's transfer policy; and (3) pays the cost of the employee's transportation from the United States to the employee's normal place of residence or to the country of the employee's next assignment.

NOTE: It is important that all information provided to the Office of Protocol and the Office of Foreign Missions be consistent. Discrepancies, such as in the spelling of the name, the residence address, date of birth, etc., may delay processing applications for identification cards, tax exemption cards, drivers' licenses, and automobile registrations.

The instructions below are numbered to correspond to the numbered items on the form.

PLEASE TYPE ALL ANSWERS.

If employee is a U.S. citizen, the following items do not need to be completed: 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, (unless family member also is employed

by a foreign government or international organization), or 23.

1Enter the name of the Embassy or Mission submitting the form. Give telephone number and email address of office which can be contacted for further information, if necessary.

2Enter "X" in the box to indicate if the employee works at an embassy, consulate, miscellaneous foreign government office, or mission to an international organization, or is a personal or domestic employee of a foreign government official. For personal or domestic employee, check box corresponding to employer's status (e.g. Embassy, Consular).

3Enter the officer's full name in the order specified:

(a) surname; (b) given name;

military rank, or title; (d) suffix, such as Jr. or Sr.; and (e) maiden name. Type "X" to indicate if

male or female.

NOTE: The abbreviated name, if used, will appear in all publications and documents issued by the U.S. Department of State.

Enter present nationality.

Enter employee's date of birth (mm-dd-yyyy).

Enter nationality at birth, even if the same as Number 4.

Enter employee's place of birth - city and country or state.

Enter"X" in box indicating type of passport, if any.*

Enter "X" in box indicating type of United States visa held in passport, or if permanent resident, give alien registration "A" number.

Enter date (mm-dd-yyyy), of arrival in the United States and port of entry.

Enter residence address (not duty address unless actually living and working at the same location), in the United States where employee currently resides. If temporary (hotel, etc.), use Form DS-2006 to notify the Department of State when officer moves to a permanent address.

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Enter the name, address, and telephone number of foreign mission

consulate, or office where the employee will be assigned. NOTE: For domestic employees, give the name, Personal

Identification Number (PID), and title of the employer, and his/her complete office address.

Enter the name, address, and telephone number of the actual office or annex where the employee will be working, if different from Number 12. NOTE: For domestic employees, give the residence address where domestic duties will be performed.

NOTE: All addresses must be street addresses, including type,

e.g. Street, Ave., Blvd., etc., not post office box numbers, and must include ZIP codes and telephone area codes.

Enter names of all eligible family members residing in the household in the United States, following the same format as in Number 3 above. Use Form DS-2007 for additional names. Give date of birth (mm-dd-yyyy), place of birth, (city country), current citizenship, and relationship to principle employee. Enter type of United States visa (A-1, B-2, etc.) currently held, or copy of Permanent Resident Alien card.

Enter "X" in appropriate boxes for an identification card. For embassy A&T staff (a) principals (who are not U.S. citizens,

permanent resident aliens or determined to be "permanently resident in the U.S.), (b) spouses (except U.S. citizens, spouses of persons

14Enter person's title or position, e.g. secretary, clerk, driver, cook, etc. Do not use any diplomatic or consular title reserved for officer.

15Enter the date (mm-dd-yyyy), employee assumed present official duties in the United States.

determined to be "permanently resident in" the U.S., and permanent

resident aliens), (c) dependents of persons determined to be "permanent resident aliens and dependents of person determined to be "permanent resident in" the U.S.)

who are unmarried children between 16 and 21 years who reside with their parents or are full-time students, or unmarried children

16	Enter the date (mm-yyyy) (approximate) that employee will terminate	under 23 years who are full-time students (for students between 21
16		and 23 attach family status justification form), for consular officers
	duties in the United States.*
	duties in the United States.*
		only the consular employees and embassy service staff, principals

17Enter name, title and (PID), if available, of the person the employee is replacing. Enter date (mm-yyyy), of termination of predecessor. If new position, so state. (Not applicable for domestic workers.)*

18If employee will serve in any official capacity other than that that listed in Number 14, enter position title and mission. Separate notification will be required.*

19If a family member (spouse or dependent) is or will be employed in the United States by a foreign government or international organization, please identify and indicate position or title, relationship and where the person is working. The person must be notified separately to the Office of Protocol using the appropriate form.

20If not listed in item 21, enter dates (mm-yyyy), nature of all previous assignments (including study and training) and place (city and state) in the United States. List To/From month/Year (mm-yyyy)*.

21Enter the dates (mm-yyyy), nature of employment (job title and employer), and place (city and country) of academic study or other activities for previous 5 years, starting from the most recent assignment prior to this one. List to/From--Month/Year (mm-yyyy). (NOTE: For Numbers, 20, 21, attach additional sheet, if necessary.)*

(who are not U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens or determined to be "permanently resident in" the U.S.) unless the sending state

and the U.S. have entered into a bilateral agreement extending immunity to family members. Other employees and family members do not receive identification cards.* The employee must sign and date (mm-dd-yyyy) the form. In case of domestic employees, the official employers must also sign and date the form. The form must be signed and dated (mm-dd-yyyy) by the designated approving embassy official and the official embassy seal must

be affixed.

*Not required if person being registered is U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien

Submit forms and attachments to

U.S. Department of State

3507 International Place, NW

Washington, DC 20008-3034

ANY CHANGES IN THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS FORM SHOULD BE REPORTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE USING THE NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE,

FORM DS-2006.

DS-2004

Instruction page 2 of 2

					OMB APPROVAL NO. 1405-0105
					EXPIRATION DATE: 12-31-2021
					ESTIMATED BURDEN: 20 MINUTES *
		U.S. Department of State		FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
		U.S. Department of State		FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
		NOTIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT	P		R
		NOTIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT	P		R
		OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE	A		T
		OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE	A		T
			PID
TO: Secretary of State, Attention - Department of State
TO: Secretary of State, Attention - Department of State
1.From (Name of Embassy/Mission)			2. Type of Officer
			Embassy	Mission to International Organization
			Consular	Private Domestic		EMB.	MISC.
			Miscellaneous	International		CON.	MISSION TO INTL.
				Organization

	Contact Name, Telephone Number and Email Address

3.Full Name

(a)Surname (Last)

(b) Given Name

(d) Suffix

(e) Maiden

Male

Female

4. Current Citizenship

5. Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

6. Citizenship at Birth

7. Place of Birth (City, Country)

8. Type of Passport
Diplomatic	Official	Regular	Other

9. Type of VISA

A1	A2	A3	Other
				(Specify type)
G1	G2	G3	G4
				G5

Permanent Resident: A

For A3 & G5, Give I-94 Expiration Date (mm-dd-yyyy)

10.

Last Arrival in U.S.A.

11. Residence Address

Temporary

Permanent

Date (mm-dd-yyyy)

Number

Street (Ave., Blvd., Place, Etc.)

Apt.

Port of Entry

City

State

ZIP

Telephone

(FOR DOMESTIC EMPLOYEES: See instructions for item #12.)

(FOR DOMESTIC EMPLOYEES: See instructions for item #13.)

12.

Employing Office

13. Duty Office (If different from employing office)

Name of Office

Number

Street (Ave., Blvd., Place, Etc.)

Suite

Number

Street (Ave., Blvd., Place, Etc.)

Suite

City

State

Zip

City

State

Zip

Telephone

Ext.

Telephone

Ext.

14.

Job Title

15. Date of Entry on Duty (mm-dd-yyyy)

16.

Expected Date of Departure (mm-yyyy)

17. Name, Title and PID (If Available) of Predecessor and

Date (mm-dd-yyyy) of Termination

18.

Will Officer serve in another official capacity?

19. Are there any immediate family member employed by a foreign

Yes

If Yes, give position and duty office:

government in the United States?

Yes

If Yes, give names and duty office:

Each person must submit a separate notification of appointment.

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20.All previous foreign assignments within the United States. (If not listed in item 21 below, including study and training) (List To/From (mm-yyyy))

(Not applicable for International organizational personnel)

21.All assignments/positions/academic studies/other activities within past five years

(Dates, nature of activity, and location - beginning with most recent) (List To/From (mm-yyyy))

(Not applicable for International organizational personnel)

22.Family Members Residing in Household in The United States (Use DS-2007 continuation sheet if necessary; staple to this form.)

(a) Surname			(b) Given Name

(c) Prefix	(d) Suffix	(e) Maiden	(f) Other	(g) Relationship

Male

Female

Date of Birth (mm-dd-yyyy)

Place of Birth (City, Country)

Citizenship

VISA Status

23. Please indicate if requesting identification cards
For Employee:	Yes	No	For Dependents:	Yes	No

I understand that, if I am at present engaged in, or proposed to engage in, any activity on behalf of a foreign government as a public relations counsel, publicity agent, or information service employee, I must register with the Attorney General in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 612.

Intentional provision of false information on this form violates United States law (Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001) and will be considered a violation of the international legal obligation of foreign missions and their personnel to respect the laws of the receiving state (Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, Article 41; Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, Article 55).

Signature of Applicant

Employer's Signature (For Private Domestic Employees)

Typed Name and Signature of Chief of Mission or Authorized Deputy

Date (mm-dd-yyyy)

(Embassy Seal)

PRIVACY ACT and PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENTS

The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a, contains provisions regarding the maintenance, collection, use, and dissemination of information about United States citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. The following information is provided in accordance with subsection (e)(3) of the Privacy Act. AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961; Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963; Diplomatic Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 254a-e); and International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288e (a)).

PURPOSE: The principal purpose for the collection of this information is to notify the U.S. Department of State of the appointment of foreign government employees so the Department can therefore extend various privileges and benefits granted by the above-cited authorities which are predicated upon review and acceptance of this information by the U.S. Department of State.

ROUTINE USES: The principal users of this information are offices within the U.S. Department of State, including but not limited to, the Office of Protocol, the Office of Foreign Missions, and the Office of Visa Services. In response to inquiries from law enforcement agencies, the Office of Protocol may confirm status as recognized by the U.S. Department of State as covered under STATE 36, Security Records. Information may also be provided to other government agencies having statutory or other lawful authority to maintain such information. Names of the members of diplomatic staff, office addresses, titles, and names of spouses are published quarterly in the Diplomatic List, U.S. Department of State Publication 10424. Names of Consular Officers, titles, and office addresses are published semi-annually in Foreign Consular Offices in the United States, U.S. Department of State Publication 10277.

DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is mandatory. Failure to provide the information requested on this form may prevent acceptance and the extension of benefits to principals or family members as provided in the above-cited authorities.

ANY CHANGES IN THIS INFORMATION MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE (USE FORM DS-2006, NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE)

*Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: M/OFM, 3507 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008.

DS-2004

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Document Specifications

Fact Name	Fact Detail
Purpose of Form	The DS-2004 form is used to notify the U.S. Department of State about the appointment of employees from foreign governments, specifically those not holding diplomatic or consular positions.
Applicable Employees	This form must be filled out by all foreign mission employees except for diplomatic and consular officers.
Change Notification	If any information changes after completion, employees must report it using the DS-2006 Notification of Change form as soon as possible.
Documentation Requirements	The U.S. does not grant privileges unless the sending state provides documentation covering transportation costs and adherence to transfer policies.
Information Accuracy	All information provided must be consistent to prevent delays in processing official documents like identification cards and licenses.
U.S. Citizens Exemptions	If the employee is a U.S. citizen, certain sections of the form do not need to be completed.
Signature Requirement	The form must be signed and dated by the employee and the approving embassy official, with the official embassy seal affixed.
Privacy Act Compliance	Information collected on this form is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and is necessary to extend certain privileges to foreign employees.
Contact Information	The form requests the contact details of the embassy or mission for any necessary inquiries regarding the employee's appointment.
Family Member Disclosure	Family members residing in the U.S. must also be listed, and separate notifications are required if they are employed by a foreign government or organization.

Steps to Filling Out Ds 2004

Completing Form DS-2004 is a critical task for ensuring the correct notification of appointment for foreign government employees. Accurate and timely submission is essential, allowing for the proper processing of various privileges and benefits. The following steps will guide you through filling out this form methodically.

Enter the name of the Embassy or Mission submitting the form, and provide the contact telephone number and email address for further inquiries.
Indicate the type of office by marking the appropriate box for embassy, consulate, miscellaneous foreign government office, mission to an international organization, or personal or domestic employee.
Input the employee’s full name in the specified order: surname, given name, prefix (Mrs., Mr., etc.), suffix (Jr., Sr.), and maiden name. Additionally, specify the employee's gender by marking the corresponding box.
State the employee’s current nationality.
Provide the employee’s date of birth in the format mm-dd-yyyy.
Enter the employee’s nationality at birth, even if it matches the current nationality.
Detail the city and country of the employee’s place of birth.
Check the box corresponding to the type of passport the employee holds.
Specify the type of United States visa in the passport or indicate permanent residency by providing the alien registration "A" number.
Input the date of the employee's arrival in the United States and state the port of entry.
Fill out the residence address in the United States, ensuring it is not the duty station unless they reside there. If temporary, note that Form DS-2006 is required when moving to a permanent address.
Provide the name, address, and telephone number of the foreign mission or consulate where the employee is assigned.
If applicable, enter the name, address, and telephone number of the actual duty office.
List all eligible family members residing in the household, detailing names, dates of birth, citizenship, and relationship to the principal employee.
Enter the type of United States visa held by family members or provide a copy of their Permanent Resident Alien card.
Indicate if identification cards are requested for the employee or dependents.
Record the employee’s job title.
Provide the date on which the employee assumed official duties in the United States.
Enter the estimated date of the employee's departure.
List the name and position of the predecessor, along with the predecessor’s date of termination.
If the employee will serve in another capacity, indicate that position and mission.
Inquire if a family member is employed by a foreign government and provide the necessary details if applicable.
List all previous foreign assignments in the U.S., including training and educational experiences.
Provide details about the employee's previous five years of assignments, jobs, and educational activities.
Sign and date the form. For private domestic employees, the employer must also sign. The designated approving embassy official must also sign and date the form, and the official embassy seal should be affixed.

After completing these steps, ensure all information is accurate and consistent. Submit the form and attachments to the U.S. Department of State at the specified address. Any changes in the provided information must be reported promptly using Form DS-2006.

More About Ds 2004

What is the purpose of Form DS-2004?

Form DS-2004 is used to notify the U.S. Department of State about the appointment of foreign government employees. This form is required for all employees of foreign missions, excluding diplomatic and consular officers. Filling out this form helps the Department extend certain privileges and benefits to these employees based on international agreements.

Who needs to complete this form?

This form must be completed by all employees of foreign missions that do not hold diplomatic or consular status. Personal or domestic employees of foreign government officials also need to fill out this form. If the employee is a U.S. citizen, many sections of the form are not required to be completed.

What should I do if there's a change in my information?

If there are any changes in the information provided on Form DS-2004, it’s important to report them as soon as possible. You will need to use Form DS-2006, known as the Notification of Change, for this purpose. Keeping your information up to date ensures that there are no delays in processing important documents.

What happens if I provide incorrect information?

Providing false or incorrect information on Form DS-2004 can lead to serious consequences. It violates U.S. law and may affect the benefits and privileges that the employee or their family members receive. It’s crucial to ensure that all information is accurate and consistent, as discrepancies can delay the processing of applications for identification cards and other necessary documents.

Common mistakes

Neglecting to read all instructions thoroughly before completing the form. This may lead to incomplete or inaccurate responses.
Failing to answer all questions completely. If a question is not applicable, marking it as "N/A" is necessary to avoid confusion during processing.
Inconsistency in the information provided. Discrepancies such as different spellings of names or addresses may result in delays.
Omitting the sex designation. The form requires an "X" to indicate male or female, which should not be overlooked.
Using abbreviations or abbreviated names. Names should be written out fully to ensure they are consistent across all documents.
Failing to indicate the type of visa or passport held. This information is crucial for determining eligibility for benefits and immunities.
Not providing the correct residence address. Ensure the address reflects the physical location where the employee currently resides, rather than a duty address.
Forgetting to include all eligible family members. Any family members residing in the household must be listed accurately on the form.
Missing signatures on the form. Both the employee and appropriate embassy official must sign and date the form for it to be valid.

Documents used along the form

The DS-2004 form is an essential document for notifying the U.S. Department of State about the appointment of foreign government employees. Alongside the DS-2004, several other documents are typically required to ensure a complete and accurate application process. Each of these forms has specific purposes that align with the regulatory requirements for foreign mission personnel and their families.

Form DS-2006: This form, known as the Notification of Change, is used to report any changes in the information provided on the DS-2004 form. Timely updates are crucial for maintaining accurate records with the U.S. Department of State.
Form DS-2007: The DS-2007 is a continuation sheet used for naming additional family members residing in the United States. This is particularly important if there are more eligible family members than can be accommodated on the DS-2004.
Form DS-2015: Often required for those who apply for diplomatic privileges, the DS-2015 is the application for a diplomatic identification card. Such cards facilitate the exercise of various privileges in the U.S. for foreign mission personnel.
Form DS-2016: This form serves as a request for a tax exemption card, which allows foreign mission employees and qualifying family members to be exempt from certain taxes applied in the U.S.
Form I-94: The I-94 is a record of arrival and departure for non-U.S. citizens visiting the United States. This form provides evidence of the employee’s legal entry into the country and is necessary for various applications.
Visa Application: Depending on the employee's status, a visa application may be required, detailing the type of visa held or being applied for, such as A1 or B2 visas, which are relevant for foreign government personnel.
Embassy Approval Letter: A letter from the relevant embassy or mission may be necessary to verify the appointment and confirm the role of the individual as an employee of a foreign government.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the overall process of registering foreign government employees with the U.S. government. Understanding their purpose and ensuring their timely submission can help facilitate smoother processing and adherence to U.S. regulations.

Similar forms

The Form DS-2000, Notification of Appointment of Individuals to Foreign Government Positions, serves a similar purpose to Form DS-2004 but is specifically designed for appointments involving non-employee individuals or unofficial positions. Like the DS-2004, the DS-2000 requires detailed identification information about the individual, including full name, nationality, and date of birth. Both forms ensure that the U.S. Department of State has accurate records for extending appropriate privileges while managing potential issues of immunities and taxation.

Form DS-2006, Notification of Change, is used to report any changes to information previously submitted in forms like DS-2004. This document is essential for maintaining up-to-date records with the Department of State. Just as the DS-2004 requires individuals to provide detailed information about their status, the DS-2006 prompts the user to disclose updated contact information, employment status, and other critical changes to facilitate continued compliance with U.S. laws for foreign government employees.

Form DS-2007, Continuation Sheet for Family Members, is closely related to the DS-2004 as it provides a means to list additional family members of individuals who have been appointed as foreign government employees. It asks for the same kind of detailed information, such as names, dates of birth, and visa status. Both forms aim to ensure that the Department of State has comprehensive records of all individuals connected to an appointment, enhancing the management of privileges and responsibilities for families of employees.

Similarly, Form DS-157, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, serves a parallel purpose in foreign appointments by collecting important biographic data from individuals seeking visas to enter the United States. Like the DS-2004, it addresses questions about the applicant’s identity, nationality, and intended stay in the U.S. This allows the government to assess the visa application thoroughly and ensures all relevant background checks are conducted to protect national interests.

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, shares similarities with the DS-2004 as both collect crucial personal and employment information. However, DS-160 is submitted online and is primarily for individual applicants seeking to enter the U.S. Rather than focusing on appointments, this form outlines the visa application process and ensures that applicants disclose their travel details, background, and purpose for entry, paving the way for efficient processing and approval.

The Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is also relevant in this context as it documents an individual's entry into the U.S. This form is critical for all foreign government employees, just as the DS-2004 is vital for notifying their appointments. Both documents provide the government with necessary data that helps track individuals' immigration status and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Form OF-126, Foreign Service Officer’s Application for Employment, parallels the DS-2004 by collecting information about prospective foreign service employees. While the DS-2004 is focused on notifying the State Department of appointments, the OF-126 is aimed at the initial recruitment process. Information such as employment history, education, and qualifications serve to support the hiring and vetting process for individuals before they assume their roles.

Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, relates to the DS-2004 by providing a legal channel for individuals to represent foreign employees navigating U.S. immigration and employment laws. While the DS-2004 notifies the Department of State of appointments, the G-28 safeguards the legal rights of individuals by allowing authorized representatives to act on their behalf, ensuring that all legal obligations are properly handled.

Lastly, the Form DS-155, Nonimmigrant Visa Application for Aliens, reveals a similar goal to the DS-2004 in its intent to gather information about applicants seeking temporary admission into the U.S. While the DS-2004 is for foreign government employees, both forms collect relevant personal and biographic data essential for determining eligibility and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations, thereby supporting national security and administrative processes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DS-2004 form, it is important to approach the task with care. Below is a list of things you should do and things you should avoid to ensure a smooth process.

Do read all instructions thoroughly before beginning to fill out the form.
Do provide complete and accurate answers to all questions.
Do type all responses to maintain clarity and legibility.
Do report any changes in information promptly using the Notification of Change, Form DS-2006.
Don't leave any questions unanswered; if something does not apply, write "N/A."
Don't submit the form without verifying that all spellings and numbers are consistent throughout.
Don't use diplomatic or consular titles when listing job titles for domestic employees.
Don't forget to include contact information for the relevant office in case further clarification is needed.

Misconceptions

Misconception 1: The DS-2004 form is only for diplomatic officers.

This is not correct. The DS-2004 form is meant for employees of foreign missions, which includes various staff members, but excludes diplomatic and consular officers. This form should be completed for all relevant personnel to ensure proper processing.

Misconception 2: U.S. citizens need to fill out all sections of the form.

In reality, if an employee is a U.S. citizen, they can skip several items on the DS-2004 form. Specifically, sections related to foreign nationality, visa status, and other personal details do not require completion for U.S. citizens unless employed family members are involved.

Misconception 3: It's fine to report changes in information at any time.

This is misleading. Any changes to the information provided on the DS-2004 must be reported as soon as possible. A separate form, DS-2006, is designated for notifying the Department of State about these changes to avoid delays in benefits or privileges.

Misconception 4: All foreign government employees receive the same privileges.

This isn’t true. The U.S. does not automatically extend privileges and immunities to all foreign government employees. Certain conditions must be met, including receipt of proper documentation demonstrating that the sending state covers transportation costs and other related expenses.

Misconception 5: Completing the form quickly is sufficient; accuracy does not matter.

This is incorrect. Accuracy is paramount when filling out the DS-2004. Inconsistencies, such as misspelled names or incorrect addresses, will cause delays in processing applications for vital documents like identification cards, tax exemptions, and more.

Key takeaways

The DS-2004 Form is essential for notifying the U.S. Department of State about the appointment of foreign government employees. This applies to most employees of foreign missions, excluding diplomatic and consular officers.
Accuracy is crucial. All questions on the form must be answered completely. If any question does not apply, simply write N/A.
Any changes to the information submitted must be reported promptly using Form DS-2006. Neglecting to update information can delay important processes like identification cards and tax exemptions.
Ensure consistency when providing details such as the employee's name, address, and date of birth. Inconsistencies can cause delays in processing.
If the employee is a U.S. citizen, certain sections of the form do not need to be filled out. Specifically, items 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, and 23 are exempt.
All answers must be typed. Use professional titles and clearly indicate any personal or domestic employee arrangements according to the format specified.
Finally, make sure the form is signed and dated by both the employee and the designated embassy official. Affix the official embassy seal to complete the submission.