State Dept. Implements New DS-156 Form

R 121853Z FEB 03
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY KABUL

UNCLAS STATE 040347

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: A REVISED DS-156, NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

REF: 03 STATE 032648

1. The Department announces the introduction of an updated Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156).  Posts should begin using the revised DS-156 as soon as possible.  The form was modified to assist posts in collecting data elements required for entry in NIV 4.01 (see Reftel).

2. The updated DS-156 includes additional questions, a dedicated space on the form for a 1-D barcode sticker, and has been redesigned to synchronize questions to match the sequence of data fields on NIV 4.01.  The date format has also been revised to match the (DD-MMM-YYYY) format used on the NIV 4.01 system.

3.      Note also that the updated DS-156 includes specifications for a revised photo format for NIV processing.  Septel will provide full details and revised FAM notes, but the new photo format matches that used for U.S. passports.  The change is being made to improve the quality of photos captured in the CCD and allow for more robust use of facial recognition technologies.

4. The Form DS-156 is now available on the Department's A/RPS/DIR Intranet site and Internet site (http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/c4455.htm).

5. Posts may print the English version of the DS-156 locally, or they may order the English version from Phyllis Smith of A/RPS/MMS/PRD.  Posts are reminded that the DS-156 is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), which is administered by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  Posts therefore must not make any changes to the text of the DS-156, nor modify the layout.  While there are no plans at this time to revise the form again before its 8/31/2004 expiration date, the Department advises posts to maintain no more than a 6- month supply of the DS-156.

6. Pursuant to 9 FAM 41.103, posts may translate the DS-156 locally, provided that the translation is accurate and that the layout of the translated DS-156 looks as much like that of the English version as 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, though posts must forward a copy of the translation to the Department (CA/VO/F/P).  To assist posts that will be translating the DS-156, an unlocked ".pdf" file of the DS-156 is posted on the Internet site listed in para 2.

7. Posts may request or reprogram MRV funds to pay for expenses of printing and/or translating the DS-156.  Posts should e-mail Betty Ng (CA/EX/RES) or Tracy Henderson (CA/EX/RES) if they have any funding questions.

POWELL