[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 52735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20472]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 11543]


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

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

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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 up to October 22, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.

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 A. Lages at [email protected] or 
(202) 485-7586.

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.
     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.

Julie M. Stufft,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2021-20472 Filed 9-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-06-P