Immigrant Daily

DOS Invites Comments on Forms DS-260, DS-261 and DS-5507

On May 13, 2009, the Department of State (DOS) had published three 30-day notices of proposed information collection for new Electronic Forms DS-260, DS-261 and DS 5507 in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public are encouraged to submit comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for up to 30 days from the date of publication of notices (i.e., May 13, 2009).

The purpose of information collection for Form DS 5507 is to determine if U.S. citizen/national parent(s) possesses the requisite physical presence or residence in the United States prior to their child’s birth to transmit U.S. citizenship or nationality to the child. It is also used to establish parentage of the child, and to fulfill the requirements of 8 U.S.C. 1409(a) that requires a written statement of financial support to be provided by U.S. citizen fathers for children born out of wedlock. Presently, all the information pertaining to Form DS 5507 is collected in person and the Bureau of Consular Affairs is currently exploring options of electronically collecting them.

Form DS-260 will be used to elicit information necessary to determine the eligibility of aliens applying for immigrant visas. The new form will be submitted electronically to the Department via the internet. Notably, the applicant is instructed to print a confirmation page containing a 2-D bar code record locator, which will be scanned at the time of processing. Applicants who submit the electronic application are barred from submitting paper-based application to the Department.

Form DS-261 allows the beneficiary of an approved and current immigrant visa petition to provide the Department with his/her current address used for communication. It also allows the beneficiary to appoint an agent to receive mails, file various applications, and pay the required fees to the National Visa Center (NVC). Individuals can participate and submit their questions and comments directly to Katherine Astrich, the DOS Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who may be reached at 202-395-4718. Participants can also send emails at kastrich@omb.eop.gov but they should include the DS form number, information collection title, and OMB control number in the subject line of their message.

For complete information, please click on the links below:

DOS Request Comments on Electronic Form DS-260

DOS Requests Comments on Form DS-261

DOS Requests Comments on Form DS-5507