State Department Seeks Input on Crisis Form Renewal
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants your thoughts on renewing the Crisis Assistance Request Form, used by U.S. citizens and eligible family members facing emergencies abroad. They’re asking for comments by August 17, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too time-consuming. This form helps about 120,000 people a year get quick help during disasters or conflicts, and filling it takes just 5 minutes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Electronic crisis help form
The Department of State is renewing the Crisis Assistance Request Form used by U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and eligible family members to request consular help during disasters or armed conflict abroad. The collection is completed 100% electronically at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake (the link is activated when needed), covers an estimated 120,000 respondents, and takes about 5 minutes per response.
May enable government-arranged departures
The Department may use information entered on the form to arrange U.S. government‑coordinated departures (including chartered or non‑commercial transportation) in extreme situations where local infrastructure is damaged but safe movement is possible. Availability of U.S. government‑coordinated departure assistance can vary depending on the nature of the crisis.
LPR and family options may be delayed
U.S. citizens are always eligible to complete the form when it is activated, but the Department will decide at the time of a crisis whether to activate the form options for LPRs and eligible family members; those options may be activated later rather than in the initial stage. Completion of the form is voluntary.
Identity verified via passport records
The Department verifies identity information provided in the crisis form by checking Department of State passport records before approving eligibility for assistance. The Department stated this verification is part of how it evaluates submissions.
Minimal time burden to respond
The Department estimates the form will be completed by about 120,000 respondents, with an average time of 5 minutes per response and a total hourly burden of 10,000 hours; responding is voluntary. Comments on this collection are due by August 17, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
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.
2026-14278 — Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designations of Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras
The U.S. government has officially labeled the Juarez Cartel and Los Viagras as global terrorists because they threaten American safety and interests. This means their assets in the U.S. will be frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with them. These actions take effect immediately to stop their harmful activities and protect the country’s security and economy.
2026-13860 — Rescinding Portions of Department of State Title VI Regulations To Conform More Closely With the Statutory Text and To Implement Executive Order 14281
The Department of State is updating its rules to match the law more closely by removing parts that punished unintentional discrimination. From July 9, 2026, only intentional discrimination will be addressed under Title VI, meaning organizations receiving federal funds won’t be held responsible for accidental impacts. This change follows a new executive order promoting fairness and saves everyone from confusing and unfair rules.
2026-13736 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from sponsors who help exchange visitors get their J-1 visas. They’re asking for public feedback by August 7, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This affects about 1,420 sponsors and could take up to 45 minutes per form, but no new fees are involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14498 — Stationary and Portable Air Compressors From the People's Republic of China, Malaysia, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in Countervailing Duty Investigations
The U.S. is delaying its first decision on extra taxes for air compressors from China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This gives everyone more time to sort out the details before any money changes hands. If you’re a business importing these compressors, expect the new decision by mid-September 2026.
Next: 2026-14502 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let certain fishing boats catch and process tilefish in ways normally not allowed. This change helps researchers collect important data to better manage fish populations. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 3, 2026, to speak up—so don’t miss your chance!