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A NEW FORM - DS-157, SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

P 110032Z JAN 02

FM SECSTATE WASHDC

TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS PRIORITY

SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM

LAHORE POUCH

BELGRADE POUCH

DUSHANBE POUCH

PESHAWAR POUCH

UNCLAS STATE 006020

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: CVIS, CMGT, AUSP

SUBJECT: A NEW FORM - DS-157, SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

1. The Department announces the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). Effective immediately, all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply (including CA/VO/P/D and USUN), must fill out and submit to the post a DS-157 in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156). In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the use of the DS-157 is an interim measure that will allow posts to elicit information which, in some cases, will lead to a security advisory opinion (SAO). The new SAO procedures will be announced by septel. Until the new procedures are announced, posts should file the DS-157 with the DS-156 and should employ current procedures in order to determine visa classification and eligibility.

2. While use of this new form is mandatory for applicants mentioned in the preceding paragraph, posts may, at their discretion, require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to submit a DS-157 in conjunction with the DS-156.

3. The DS-157 is now available on the A/RPS/DIR Intranet site (http://10.4.64.84/). This site is the official repository for all Department forms. The form will soon be available to the general public on the Department''s Internet site (www.state.gov).

4. The General Services Administration will not stock the DS-157. However, posts may print the English version of the DS-157 locally, using the version on the A/RPS/DIR Intranet site as a camera copy, or they may order the English version from A/RPS/MMS/PRD. Posts are reminded that the DS-157 is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), which is administered by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Pursuant to the PRA, OMB gives approval for agencies to use "information collections" like the DS-157 for a maximum of three years at a time. Posts may not/not make any changes to the text of the DS-157, nor may they modify the layout.

5. Because of the need to be able to begin using this form quickly, the Department has secured emergency OMB approval for the DS-157. This emergency approval will expire on June 30, 2002. Accordingly, posts should not print more forms than they anticipate needing by this date. The Visa Office has begun the process of securing regular OMB approval to extend the validity of this form for three years beyond the emergency approval expiration. We will notify posts by septel when we receive regular OMB approval.

6. Translations: affected applicants must submit a DS-157 in the same language as that of the accompanying DS-156. Posts are responsible for translating the DS-157 locally. Translations must be accurate, and the layout of the translated DS-157 must look as much like that of the English version is possible. At the top of the form, "U.S. Department of State" should not be translated and should remain in English. No Department approval is required for translations.

7. Size: the DS-157 is designed for 8.5 X 11 or A4 paper, and the Department strongly encourages posts to use a full size version. However, if posts want to shrink the form to a smaller size, they may do so provided that the form remains legible. In no case may posts refuse to accept the full-size DS-157 from an applicant.

8. As with the DS-156, posts may request MRV funds to pay for expenses of printing and/or translating the DS-157.

POWELL

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