# **SUPPORTING STATEMENT**

#### Supplement A to Form I-539 

#### (Filing Instructions for V Nonimmigrant Status Applicants) 

**(OMB No. 1615-0004)**

A.  **Justification.**

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1.  The information collected is required by 8 CFR 214.15. This
    information collection will be used by nonimmigrants to apply for an
    extension of stay, for a change to another nonimmigrant
    classification, or for obtaining V nonimmigrant classification. This
    information collection is needed to accompany the Form I-539
    (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) in order to
    explain and provide instructions for the V nonimmigrant
    classification. As such, this information collection is necessary to
    explain what additional information applicants for V nonimmigrant
    status need to submit to prove eligibility for V nonimmigrant
    status.

2.  This information collection will be used by U.S. Citizenship and
    Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine eligibility for the
    requested immigration benefit. The information collection serves the
    purpose of standardizing requests for the benefit and ensuring that
    basic information required to assess eligibility is provided by
    petitioners.

3.  The use of this information collection currently provides the most
    efficient means for collecting and processing the required data.
    Although the Form I-539 can be filed electronically, Supplement A to
    Form I-539 is simply an instruction sheet asking for additional
    information from the petitioner.

4.  A search of the USCIS automated forms tracking system was
    accomplished and revealed no duplication. There is no similar data
    collected.

5.  This collection of information does not have an impact on small
    businesses or other small entities.

6.  Without this information there would be no means by which certain
    classes of nonimmigrant could apply for and receive an extension of
    stay or other nonimmigrant classification, or for an alien to obtain
    V classification.

7.  The special circumstances contained in Item 7 of the Supporting
    Statement are not applicable to this information collection.

8.  Comments will be addressed in the second submission.

9.  The USCIS does not provide payment or gifts to respondents in
    exchange for a benefit sought.

10. There is no assurance of confidentiality.

11. There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

12. [Annual Reporting Burden]{.underline}:

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a.  Number of Respondents 200

b.  Number of Responses per Respondent 1

c.  Total Annual Responses 200

d.  Hours per Response .5

e.  Total Annual Reporting Burden 100

> **Annual Reporting Burden**
>
> **The annual reporting burden is 100.** This figure was derived by
> multiplying the number of respondents (200) x frequency of response
> (1) x 30 minutes per response (.50).

## 

13. There are no capital or start-up costs associated with this
    information collection. Any cost burden to respondents as a result
    of this information collection are identified in Item 14. *(There is
    no fee charge for this information collection; however, there is an
    \$80 biometric fee associated with this information collection.)*

14. [Annualized Cost Analysis]{.underline}:

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a.  Printing Cost \$ 100

b.  Collection and Processing Cost \$ 17,000

c.  Total Cost to Program \$ 17,100

d.  Fee Charge \$ 80

e.  Total Cost to Government \$ 8,100

##### Government Cost

> **The estimated cost of the program to the Government is 8,100.** This
> figure is calculated by using the estimated number of respondents
> (200) multiplied (x) by one (1) hour (time required to collection and
> process information) x \$40 (the suggested average hourly rate for
> clerical, officer, and managerial time with benefits). In addition,
> this figure includes the estimated overhead cost of \$100 for
> printing, stocking, distributing and processing this form.

## **Public Cost**

> **The estimated annual public cost is** **\$ 17,000**. This estimate
> is based on the number of respondents 200 x 30 minutes (.50) x \$10
> (Average hourly rate). There is a \$80 fingerprint charge associated
> with this information collection (200 x \$80).

15. There has been a significant decrease associated with the burden
    hours previously reported for this information collection. The
    reason for this is likely that the total number of I-539 respondents
    were previously used instead of only the respondents that used the
    Supplement A. Moreover, as every year passes, there should be less
    applicants for this visa as more have adjusted to legal permanent
    status.

16. USCIS does not intend to employ the use of statistics or the
    publication thereof for this information collection.

17. USCIS is not seeking a waiver to display the expiration date of OMB
    approval of this information collection.

18. USCIS does not request an exception to the certification of this
    information collection.

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B.  **Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.**

> Not Applicable.

C.  **Certification and Signature**.

#### 

#### PAPERWORK CERTIFICATION

> In submitting this request for OMB approval, I certify that the
> requirements of the Privacy Act and OMB directives have been complied
> with including paperwork regulations, statistical standards or
> directives, and any other information policy directives promulgated
> under 5 CFR 1320.

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Stephen Tarragon Date

> Acting Chief,
>
> Regulatory Management Division.