State Dept Opens 60-Day Comment Period on JADE Questionnaire
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from Burmese visa applicants using the JADE Act Questionnaire. They’re asking for public feedback by January 23, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This form takes about 30 minutes to fill out and is required to get a U.S. visa.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
JADE Act Visa Ineligibility Rule
The JADE Act makes certain individuals involved in specified Burmese organizations or activities, and their immediate family members, ineligible for U.S. visas. Consular officers use responses on Form DS-5537 to evaluate and decide visa eligibility under the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-286).
Mandatory JADE Questionnaire for Applicants
If you are a Burmese national applying for a U.S. visa, you must complete Form DS-5537 (the JADE Act Questionnaire) to obtain a visa. The Department estimates 22,800 respondents will each spend about 30 minutes (total estimated burden 11,400 hours) and applicants must bring the completed, signed form to their visa interview.
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