2016-00043. 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic Application for Immigration Visa and Alien Registration

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information.

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:

Submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) up to February 8, 2016.

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 Taylor Mauck, who may be reached at 202-485-7635 or at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Electronic Application for Immigration Visa and Alien Registration.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0185.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: CA/VO/L/R.
• Form Number: DS-0260.
• Respondents: Immigrant Visa Applicants.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 581,642.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 581,642.
• Average Time per Response: 2 hours.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 1,163,284.
• Frequency: Once per respondent.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain 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:

Form DS-260 will be used to elicit information to determine the eligibility of aliens applying for immigrant visas.

Methodology:

The DS-260 will be submitted electronically to the Department via the Internet. The applicant will be instructed to print a confirmation page containing a 2-D bar code record locator, which will be scanned at the time of processing. Applicants who submit the electronic application will no longer submit paper-based applications to the Department.

Dated: December 18, 2015.

Ed Ramotowski,

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