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: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0091.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State (CA/VO).
• Form Number: DS-117.
• Respondents: Aliens applying for special immigrant classification as a returning resident.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 875 per year.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 875.
• Average Hours Per Response: 30 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden: 438 hours per year.
• Frequency: Once per respondent.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to 60 days from February 9, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• E-mail: VisaRegs@state.gov (Subject line must read DS-117 Reauthorization).
• Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): Chief, Legislation and Regulation Division, Visa Services—DS-1884 Reauthorization, 2401 E. Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20520-30106.
• Fax: (202) 663-3898

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 Lauren Prosnik of the Office of Visa Services, U.S. Department of State, 2401 E. Street, N.W., L-603, Washington, DC 20522, who may be reached at (202) 663-2951 or prosnikla@state.gov.