[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31779-31780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12422]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 11444]


60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic 
Choice of Address and Agent

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. 
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 August 
16, 2021.

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-2021-0013'' in the Search 
field. Then click the ``Comment Now'' button and complete the comment 
form.
     Email: [email protected].
     Phone: Dylan Aikens at 202-485-7586.
    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 Dylan Aikens at 202-485-7586 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
     Title of Information Collection: Electronic Choice of 
Address and Agent.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0186.
     Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: CA/VO.

[[Page 31780]]

     Form Number: DS-261.
     Respondents: Beneficiaries of approved immigrant visa 
petitions.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,000.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 11,000.
     Average Time per Response: 10 minutes.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 1,833 hours.
     Frequency: On Occasion.
     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

    The DS-261 allows the beneficiary of an approved and current 
immigrant visa petition to provide the Department with his or her 
preferred email address, which will be used for communications with the 
beneficiary. The DS-261 also allows the beneficiary to appoint an agent 
to receive mailings from the National Visa Center (NVC) and assist in 
the filing of various application forms and/or paying the required 
fees. The beneficiary is not required to appoint an agent but must 
provide current contact information. All cases will be held at NVC 
until the DS-261 is electronically submitted to the Department.

Methodology

    Applicants will complete the form online and submit it 
electronically to the Department.

Kevin E. Bryant,
Deputy Director, Office of Directives Management, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2021-12422 Filed 6-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-06-P