[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 2, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20527-20528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08803]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 9955]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Nonimmigrant 
Visa Application

ACTION: Notice of request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below.

[[Page 20528]]

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 July 
3, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Web: Persons with access to the Internet may comment on 
this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the 
document by entering ``Docket Number: DOS-2017-0015'' in the Search 
field. Then click the ``Comment Now'' button and complete the comment 
form.
     Email: [email protected].
    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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
     Title of Information Collection: Nonimmigrant Visa 
Application.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0018.
     Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: CA/VO/L/R.
     Form Number: DS-156.
     Respondents: Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,466.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 3,466.
     Average Time per Response: 75 minutes.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 4,333.
     Frequency: Once per respondent.
     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

    Form DS-156 is required by regulation of all nonimmigrant visa 
applicants who do not use the Online Application for Nonimmigrant Visa 
(Form DS-160). Posts will use the DS-156 in limited circumstances when 
use of the DS-160 unavailable as outlined below, to elicit information 
necessary to determine an applicant's visa eligibility.

Methodology

    This form will only be used if in the following limited 
circumstances when applicants cannot access the DS-160, Online 
Application for Nonimmigrant Visa:
     An applicant has an urgent medical or humanitarian travel 
need and the consular officer has received explicit permission from the 
Visa Office to accept form DS-156;
     The applicant is a student exchange visitor who must leave 
immediately in order to arrive on time for his/her course and the 
consular officer has explicit permission from the Visa Office to accept 
form DS-156;
     The applicant is a diplomatic or official traveler with 
urgent government business and form DS-160 has been unavailable for 
more than four hours; or
     Form DS-160 has been unavailable for more than three days 
and the officer receives explicit permission from the Visa Office.
    In order of obtain a copy of form an applicant must contact the 
Embassy or consulate at which he or she is applying and request a copy.

Karin King,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2017-08803 Filed 5-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-06-P