> \[Billing Code: \]
>
> **DEPARTMENT OF STATE**
>
> \[Public Notice: \]
>
> **TITLE:** 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-160,
> Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, OMB 1405-XXXX
>
> **ACTION:** Notice of request for public comments.
>
> **SUMMARY:** The Department of State is seeking Office of Management
> and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described
> below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public
> comment in the *Federal Register* preceding submission to OMB. We are
> conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
> of 1995.

-   Title of Information Collection: Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic
    > Application

-   OMB Control Number: None

-   Type of Request: New Collection

-   Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Services
    > (CA/VO)

-   Form Number: DS-160

-   Respondents: All nonimmigrant visa applicants

-   Estimated Number of Respondents: 12,300,000

-   Estimated Number of Responses: 12,300,000

-   Average Hours Per Response: 75 minutes

-   Total Estimated Burden: 153,750,000 hours

-   Frequency: Once per visa application

-   Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain Benefit

> **DATE(S):** The Department will accept comments from the public up to
> 60 days from \[insert date of publication in the *Federal Register*\].
>
> **ADDRESSES**:
>
> You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

-   Web: Persons with access to the internet may also view and comment
    > on this notice by going to the regulations.gov website at
    > http:www.regualtions.gov/index/cfm.

-   Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): Chief, Legislation and
    > Regulations Division, Visa Services---DS-160, 2401 E. Street,
    > N.W., Washington D.C. 20520-30106.

    > You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information
    > collection title, and OMB control number in any correspondence.

> **FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:** Direct requests for additional
> information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including
> requests for copies of the proposed information collection and
> supporting documents, to Andrea Lage, who may be reached at (202)
> 663-1399.
>
> **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

-   Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary
    > for the proper performance of our functions.

-   Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the proposed
    > collection, including the validity of the methodology and
    > assumptions used.

-   Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
    > collected.

-   Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including
    > the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of
    > technology.

Abstract of proposed collection:

The Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) will be used to
collect biographical information from individuals seeking a nonimmigrant
visa. The consular officer uses the information collected to determine
the applicant's eligibility for a visa. This collection combines
questions from current information collections DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa
Application), DS-156E (Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader Investor Application),
DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé Application), DS-157 (Nonimmigrant
Supplemental Visa Application), DS-158 (Contact Information and Work
History Application), and DS-3052 (Nonimmigrant V Visa Application).

Methodology:

The DS-160 will be submitted electronically to the Department via the
internet. The applicant will be instructed to print a confirmation page
containing a bar coded record locator, which will be scanned at the time
of processing. Applicants who submit the electronic application will no
longer submit paper-based applications to the Department.

> (Date) Stephen A. Edson,\
> Deputy Assistant Secretary,\
> Bureau of Consular Affairs,\
> Department of State.