03-24896. 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Form DS-1648, Application for A, G, or NATO Visa; OMB Control Number 1405-0100

AGENCY:

Department of State.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Comments should be submitted to OMB within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

The following summarizes the information collection proposal submitted to OMB:

Type of Request: Revision of Currently Approved Collection.

Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State (CA/VO).

Title of Information Collection: Application for A, G, or NATO Visa.

Frequency: On occasion.

Form Number: DS-1648.

Respondents: Aliens applying for A, G or NATO visas.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,000 per year.

Average Hours Per Response: 30 minutes.

Total Estimated Burden: 10,000 hours per year.

Public comments are being solicited to permit the agency to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility.
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 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 through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Copies of the proposed information collection and supporting documents may be obtained from Brendan Mullarkey of the Office of Visa Services, U.S. Department of State, 2401 E St. NW, RM L-703, Washington, DC 20520, who may be reached on 202-663-1166. Public comments and questions should be directed to the State Department Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, DC 20530, who may be reached on 202-395-3897.

Dated: September 10, 2003.

Catherine Barry,

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.