[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 28, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 77764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-28268]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services


Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of Existing 
Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice of 60-day Information collection under review: 
petitioning requirements for H-1C Nonimmigrant Classification; Form 
OMB-26.

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    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted an emergency information 
collection request (ICR) utilizing emergency review procedures, to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in 
accordance with section 1320.13(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(iii) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The USCIS has determined that it 
cannot comply with the normal clearance procedures under this part 
because normal clearance procedures are likely to prevent or disrupt 
the collection of information.
    If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. All 
comments and/or questions pertaining to this pending request for 
emergency approval must be directed to OMB, Office of Information and 
Regulatory affairs, Attention: Desk Officer, Department of Homeland 
Security, 725--17th Street, NW., Suite 10235, Washington, DC 20503; 
202-3950-5806.
    During the first 60 days of this period, a regular review of this 
information collection is also being undertaken. During the regular 
review period, the USCIS requests written comments and suggestions from 
the public and affected agencies concerning this information 
collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until February 
28, 2005. During the 60-day regular review, all comments and 
suggestions, or questions regarding the information collection 
instrument should be directed to Mr. Richard A. Sloan, Director, 
Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, 
NW., Washington, DC 20529; 202-616-7600. Written comments and 
suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the 
proposed collection of information should address one or more of the 
following four points:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Overview of this information collection:
    (1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of a currently 
approved information collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Petitioning Requirements for H-1C 
Nonimmigrant Classification.
    (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: The agency 
form number is 1615-0065; the file number is OMB-26. U.S. Citizenship 
and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or Households. Public 
Law 106-95, Section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act allows petitioning hospitals to import registered 
nurses to work at those hospitals as nonimmigrants. The information 
collection is necessary for the USCIS to determine that the eligibility 
requirements and conditions are met regarding the nurse/beneficiary.
    (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 2,000 responses 
at 2 hours per response.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: 4,000 annual burden hours

    Dated: December 21, 2004.
Richard A. Sloan,
Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services.
[FR Doc. 04-28268 Filed 12-27-04; 8:45 am]
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