State Dept. Renews Easy Refund Form for Adoptive Families
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants your thoughts on keeping the Adoptive Family Relief Act Refund Application (Form DS-7781) in use. This form helps families who adopted kids get refunds related to immigrant visa fees. Only a few people use it, and it takes about 5 minutes to fill out, so the government’s checking if it’s still needed and easy to use before February 20, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Adoptive Fee Refund Form (DS-7781)
The Department of State is asking to keep using Form DS-7781 so U.S. citizen adoptive families can apply for waivers or refunds of immigrant visa fees under the Adoptive Family Relief Act. The form (OMB control number 1405-0223) is filled out by immigrant visa petitioners, is estimated to be used by 5 respondents, takes about 5 minutes each, and has a total burden of 1.6 hours. Comments on keeping this information collection are being accepted through February 20, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20079, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Review of the U.S. Munitions List and Related Definitions and License Exemptions
The U.S. Department of State wants to update the rules that control the export of military gear and tech to focus only on the most sensitive stuff. They’re making the list clearer, removing some items, and adding new ways to skip licenses for certain exports. If you deal with defense exports, get ready to review these changes and send your thoughts by November 30, 2026!
2026-17655, Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas
The Department proposes to amend 22 CFR 51.21 by consolidating requirements for persons applying by mail and online in the United States and overseas. This proposed change includes expanding online passport application availability to qualified applicants located in foreign countries. In addition, the Department is proposing to remove the requirement that an applicant's most recently issued passport must have a year or less of remaining validity to qualify to submit an online passport application. Finally, the Department is proposing technical corrections to 51.8(b) to change "on-line" to read "online" for consistency.
2026-04931, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-20082, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Syria Country Policy Revision
Starting October 1, 2026, the U.S. will no longer automatically block defense trade licenses for Syria. Instead, companies and individuals can apply for permission to export or import defense-related items to or from Syria, and each request will be reviewed carefully. This change opens the door for case-by-case approvals, signaling a big shift for anyone dealing with defense trade involving Syria.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23624, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Law School Clinic Certification Program
The USPTO is updating its Law School Clinic Certification Program, which lets law students practice patent and trademark law for free under expert supervision. They’re asking for public comments by February 20, 2026, before sending the updated info to the budget office. This affects law schools, students, and clients who get free legal help, with no new fees involved.
Next: 2025-23628, Certain Aluminum Foil From the Sultanate of Oman: Amended Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce fixed some math and clerical mistakes in the review of aluminum foil imports from Oman for 2022-2023. This update affects Oman Aluminium Rolling Company and could change the duties they owe. The corrected results are official as of December 22, 2025, so companies should check for any money changes soon!