Feds Greenlight Artifact for 'First Homosexuals' Chicago Exhibit

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.

2026-06564 — Implementing First Responders Passport Act To Exempt Certain First Responders From Passport Fees

Starting April 3, 2026, certain first responders who help with disaster relief overseas won’t have to pay passport fees anymore. This new rule covers folks working under U.S. government contracts for search and rescue missions abroad, making it easier and cheaper for them to travel when disaster strikes. The government will cover the costs, helping about 400 team members from two Urban Search and Rescue Teams.

2026-06212 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Technology Security/Clearance Plans, Screening Records, and Non-Disclosure Agreements Pursuant to 22 CFR 126.18

The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from businesses and nonprofits about their tech security plans, background checks, and confidentiality agreements. They’re asking for public feedback by April 30, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. This update won’t cost extra but will keep the paperwork steady, with about 10,000 groups involved and 10 hours needed per response.

2026-06211 — 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Request for Commodity Jurisdiction Determination

The Department of State wants to keep collecting info from people asking if their products need special government approval before export. They’re asking for your thoughts by April 30, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming. About 300 folks a year spend around 4 hours each filling out this form, and the Department wants to keep things smooth and easy.

Previous: 2025-02487 — Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “Line, Form, Qi: Calligraphic Art From the Fondation INK” Exhibition

The U.S. government has approved special calligraphy art from the Fondation INK to be shown temporarily at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and possibly other places. This means the art is important to culture and sharing it here benefits everyone. Art lovers and museums get to enjoy this unique exhibition without extra costs or delays.

Next: 2025-02535 — Sunshine Act Meetings

The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Finance Subcommittee is holding an open meeting on February 19, 2025, to discuss important updates like 2024-2025 fee revenues, a 2023 financial audit, and possible changes to the refund policy. This affects carriers who register under the UCR Plan, with potential impacts on fees and refunds. Anyone can join via phone or Zoom, making it easy to stay in the loop and have a say!