UNCLASSIFIED
TELEGRAM                                          May 30, 2001


To:       ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR  POSTS - ROUTINE           

Origin:   VO                                                     

From:     SECSTATE WASHDC (STATE 93784 - ROUTINE)                

TAGS:     CVIS, CMGT                                             

Captions: None                                                   

Subject:  INTRODUCTION OF THREE UPDATED VISA FORMS               

Ref:      None                                                   
_________________________________________________________________

1. The Department announces the introduction of three
updated visa forms: Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor
Application (DS-156E, formerly OF-156E), Nonimmigrant
Fiance(e) Visa Application (DS-156K, formerly OF-156K),
and Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
(DS-117, formerly DSP-117). Effective immediately, these
forms replace any prior versions of the forms.

2. These forms are now available on the A/RPS/DIR Intranet
site (http://99.1.1.27/). This site is the official
repository for all Department forms. Posts should be able
to access that site through their Intranet connection.
The forms will soon be available to the general public on
the Department's Internet site (www.state.gov).

3. The General Services Administration will not stock
these three forms (which is why the OF-156E became the DS-
156E and the OF-156K became the DS-156K). Posts are
therefore responsible for printing the forms locally.
Posts are reminded that all three forms are 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 such "information collections" for a maximum of three
years at a time. Posts may not/not make any changes to
the text of the forms, nor may they modify the layout or
typeface.

4. Department thanks the many posts that provided input
for updating these forms.

5. Minimize considered.

POWELL