State Dept paperwork for spies' widows? Nah, just routine forms.
Published Date: 7/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Who can file DS-1884 petitions
You may file Form DS-1884 to seek special immigrant classification under INA 203(b)(4) if you are an employee or former employee of the U.S. Government abroad who performed faithful service for at least 15 years in exceptional circumstances. You may also file if you are the surviving spouse or child of such an employee, or of an employee who was killed in the line of duty.
Estimated filing burden and timing
The Department estimates 3,000 respondents will submit DS-1884, with an average time of 15 minutes per response and a total estimated burden of 750 hours. Responding is required to obtain or retain the immigration benefit covered by the form.
Where and how to submit DS-1884
You can get a paper copy of DS-1884 from consular posts 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. Individuals may also file the petition at an alternative consular section if a consular officer finds emergent or humanitarian circumstances warrant such filing.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-18630, Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Prohibited Exports, Imports, and Sales to or From Certain Countries-Cyprus
The Department of State is amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to reflect current defense trade policy toward Cyprus.
2026-17975, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The former Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Contact List, State-03 which is being rescinded, contained contact information from business, labor, agricultural and non-government organizations, and others working in the international economic arena as well as individuals who were interested in or requested information about economic issues. The information was used for inviting individuals to Department briefings on international economic issues, disseminating speeches and articles on economic issues by Department officials, and providing U.S. government fact sheets on major international economic issues.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15267, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Draft Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Notice of Availability and Request for Comment
The EPA just released a draft report on 1,1,2-trichloroethane, a chemical used in some industries, to see if it’s risky to people or the environment. They want everyone—especially businesses and communities near where it’s used—to share their thoughts by September 28, 2026. This could lead to new rules that might change how the chemical is handled, possibly affecting costs and safety practices.
Next: 2026-15269, 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Annual Brokering Report
The Department of State wants to keep collecting the Annual Brokering Report from people who make, export, or temporarily import defense items in the U.S. They’re asking for public feedback by August 28, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This report takes about 2 hours each year and affects around 1,142 businesses, helping the government keep things running smoothly.