Overseas Aid Forms: State Dept Seeks Input on Immigrant Petitions
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from U.S. government employees or their families living abroad who apply for special immigrant status. They’re asking for public feedback by July 6, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This update won’t cost applicants extra but helps keep the paperwork smooth and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
You must file Form DS-1884
You (an employee or former employee of the U.S. government abroad, or a surviving spouse or child) must submit Form DS-1884 to apply for special immigrant classification under INA 203(b)(4). The Department estimates 3,000 respondents, an average completion time of 15 minutes per response, a total estimated burden of 750 hours, and the form is filed once per application.
Multiple ways to get and submit the form
You can obtain a paper copy of Form DS-1884 from consular posts abroad or download it from https://eforms.state.gov, and you may submit the completed form in person at the consular section, by mail, or by email. If emergent or humanitarian circumstances apply, a consular officer may allow you to file at an alternative consular section.
60-day public comment window
The Department is requesting public comment on this information collection and will accept comments through July 6, 2026. You may submit comments via Regulations.gov (Docket Number DOS-2026-0430), email to [email protected], or regular mail to the Senior Regulatory Coordinator, Visa Services, Department of State.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-16969, 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Improving Customer Experience (OMB Circular A-11, Section 280 Implementation)
The Department of State as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, is announcing an opportunity for public comment on a new proposed collection of information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on a proposed extension of this collection.
2026-16210, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Official Gift Records and Gift Donor Vetting Records, State- 80, consists of an accounting of all donations received on behalf of the Department of State for the purposes of: maintaining a historical record, properly allocating donations given for a particular purpose, determining future solicitation and gift acceptance, and providing donors with acknowledgment letters for tax purposes. Gift Donor Vetting Records keeps an accounting of the due diligence vetting process conducted on individuals to determine the potential for conflicts of interest with respect to gifts, potential gifts, and potential partnerships with the Department of State.
2026-16207, Implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act
This rule would establish updated, procedural regulations implementing the Administrative False Claims Act (AFCA) at the Department of State.
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