State Department Passes Aid Baton to Under Secretary Smoothly

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.

2026-13634 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

The Department of State is updating how it handles records about Foreign Service grievance appeals and separations. These changes improve how information is stored, used, and protected, affecting employees involved in grievance cases. The updates take effect immediately, but some parts are open for public comments until August 6, 2026, with no new costs involved.

2026-13348 — Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designation of Chone Killers

The U.S. government has officially labeled the Chone Killers gang as a global terrorist threat. This means their assets can be frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with them starting immediately. This move helps protect U.S. security and stops the gang from moving money or resources freely.

2026-13242 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Disclosure of Violations of the Arms Export Control Act

The Department of State wants your thoughts on a form that companies and people must fill out if they break rules about exporting defense stuff. This helps keep track of violations under the Arms Export Control Act. You’ve got until July 31, 2026, to share your feedback—no money changes now, just making sure the process works well and isn’t too hard.

Previous: 2026-02751 — Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis

The CDC is looking for experts to join the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis (ACET) to help fight and eventually end TB. If you know a lot about TB or related health fields and want to make a difference, send your nomination by March 31, 2026. This is a chance to shape policies and strategies without any pay but with a big impact on public health.

Next: 2026-02753 — Adoption of Recommendations

The Administrative Conference of the United States just adopted four smart new recommendations to help federal agencies work better and fairer. These changes affect how agencies get government records, handle temporary rules, run adjudication offices, and team up with state and local governments. The updates kick in soon and aim to save time and improve fairness without extra costs.