State Department Updates Diplomat Visa Application
Published Date: 6/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants to update the form used by foreign government officials and international organization employees applying for A, G, or NATO visas. They’re asking for public feedback by July 6, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too time-consuming. This affects about 17,000 applicants who spend around 30 minutes filling out the form, with no new fees involved.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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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
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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: 2026-11346, 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Risk Analysis and Management (RAM) OMB Control Number 1405-0204
The Department of State wants your thoughts on a form they use to manage risks for contractors and grantees. They’re asking for comments by July 6, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too time-consuming—it takes about 1.5 hours to fill out. This helps keep things running smoothly without wasting anyone’s time or money.
Next: 2026-11348, Certain Van-Type Trailers and Subassemblies Thereof From Mexico: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
The U.S. government found that Mexican makers of van-type trailers are getting unfair financial help from their government. Because of this, extra taxes (called countervailing duties) might be added to these trailers to keep things fair for U.S. businesses. The final decision will line up with other trade checks and is expected soon, so companies should stay tuned and get ready.