2017-00856. 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application to Determination Returning Resident Status

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to February 16, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following methods:

• Email: [e-mail]. You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control number in the subject line of your message.
• Fax: [phone]. Attention: Desk Officer for Department of State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Hector Perez-Casillas, who may be reached at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0091.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Office (CA/VO/L/R).
• Form Number: DS-0117.
• Respondents: Immigration Visa Petitioners.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,400.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 4,400.
• Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 2,200 hours.
• Frequency: Once.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

Under INA Section 101(a)(27)(A) [8 U.S.C. 1101], Form DS-0117 is used by consular officers to determine the eligibility of an alien applicant for special immigrant status as a returning resident.

Methodology

The DS-0117 is available online. Applicants will fill out the application online, print the form, and submit the DS-0117 during their interview at a Consular Post.

Edward Ramotowski,

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.