Census Bureau Rolls Out New Job App Form for 2026
Published Date: 7/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is launching a new online form to collect info from nearly 12,000 people applying for temporary census jobs starting with the 2026 Census Test. This helps pick the best candidates quickly and fairly, while keeping the process smooth and easy. The government is asking for public feedback on this form for 30 more days, aiming to keep the paperwork light and efficient.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New online applicant form and time burden
If you apply for temporary, intermittent Decennial Census jobs, you must fill a new online form for the 2026 Census Test. The Bureau expects about 11,970 applicants (7,358 becoming candidates); each applicant response averages 0.61 hours and candidate responses average 0.19 hours, for a total estimated burden of 8,731 hours.
Collection of personal and sensitive data
The application form collects personal identifiers and eligibility data such as Social Security numbers, date of birth, contact information, citizenship status, selective service status, veterans' preference and documentation, Federal employment/annuity status, access to transportation, hours of availability, and related job experience.
One application covers multiple positions
The collection allows one set of application data to be used to consider applicants for several temporary census positions, and if an applicant becomes a candidate for more than one position they generally only need to verify previously answered questions rather than re-answer everything.
Voluntary EEOC demographic and recruiting questions
The form includes a voluntary supplemental section with EEOC demographic questions (EEOC common use form 3046-0046), plus recruiting source and education questions to help improve future recruiting efforts; answering these supplemental questions is optional.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14513, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; the Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Survey
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting monthly info from U.S. manufacturers about their shipments, inventories, and orders through the M3 survey. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by September 18, 2026, before they get final approval. This helps keep the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses.
2026-14554, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Generic Clearance for Internet Panel Pretesting and Qualitative Survey Methods Testing
The Census Bureau wants to keep testing online surveys and internet panels to make sure their questions work well and don’t waste your time. They’re asking for your thoughts by September 18, 2026, before getting final approval. This helps keep surveys smart, quick, and less annoying for everyone involved, with no extra cost or big time changes.
2026-14512, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions
The Census Bureau wants to keep running its Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions for three more years and is asking the public to share their thoughts by September 18, 2026. This survey helps track new home building and sales, affecting builders, buyers, and policymakers. No big changes or costs are planned, just a smooth continuation to keep housing data fresh and useful.
2026-13801, Age Search Fee Structure
Starting August 7, 2026, the Census Bureau is raising the Age Search fee from $65 to $155 and the rush fee from $20 to $50. This service helps people get official proof of their age from old census records, especially if they don’t have a birth certificate. These changes cover the real costs of processing requests, which haven’t been updated since 2004.
2026-11886, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOC-Census Workforce Development Collection
The Census Bureau wants your thoughts on a new survey about workforce training programs run by the Department of Commerce. This survey will help improve how they track and support people in these programs, with no cost to participants. You’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your feedback before the survey gets the green light from the Office of Management and Budget.
2026-11293, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)
The Census Bureau is asking to keep collecting housing vacancy info every month without changes. About 59,000 landlords, rental agents, and neighbors help by sharing quick updates on empty homes, which helps everyone understand the housing market better. This survey keeps running smoothly with no extra cost or time burden, and you’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts!
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