2013-04029. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. 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 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to April 22, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the Internet may use the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) to comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Public Notice ####” in the Search bar. If necessary, use the Narrow by Agency filter option on the Results page.
• Email: [e-mail].
• Mail: Chief, Legislation and Regulations Division, Visa Services—DSP-0122, 2401 E Street NW., Washington DC 20520-30106.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

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 Sydney Taylor, Visa Services, U.S. Department of State, 2401 E Street NW., L-603, Washington, DC 20522, who may be reached at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0153.
• Type of Request: Extension of Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Visa Services (CA/VO).
• Form Number: DS-5501.
• Respondents: Aliens entering the Diversity Visa Lottery.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 6 million per year.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 6 million per year.
• Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 3 million hours per year.
• Frequency: Once per entry.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain Benefits.

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 records. 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

The Department of State utilizes the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery (EDV) Entry Form to elicit information necessary to ascertain the applicability of the legal provisions of the diversity program. Primary requirements are that the applicant is from a low admission country, is a high school graduate, or has two years of experience in a job that requires two years of training. The foreign nationals complete the electronic entry forms and then applications are randomly selected for participation in the program. Department of State regulations pertaining to diversity immigrant visas under the INA are published in 22 CFR 42.33.

Methodology

The EDV Entry Form is available online at www.dvlottery.state.gov and can only be submitted electronically during the annual registration period.

Dated: February 7, 2013.

Edward J. Ramotowski,

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