U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is seeking public comment on a proposal to extend, without any changes, the information collection for Form G-1566, the Request for a Certificate of Non-Existence. The agency published a 30-day notice in the Federal Register on June 30, 2026, opening a new comment period that runs through July 31, 2026.
The notice follows an earlier 60-day comment period that opened on April 20, 2026, during which USCIS reported receiving no comments from the public. The extension request is being submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Form G-1566 is used by individuals or households to ask USCIS whether any immigration records exist for a named subject. If the agency finds no records, it issues a Certificate of Non-Existence (CNE). If records are found, USCIS does not issue a certificate but notifies the requester that records exist.
According to the notice, USCIS estimates that 470 people will submit the form annually, with each response taking approximately two hours to complete. The total annual hour burden is estimated at 940 hours, and the total annual cost burden to the public is estimated at $24,205.
The agency is asking commenters to address four specific points: whether the collection is necessary for agency functions; the accuracy of USCIS's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and methods to minimize the burden on respondents, including through electronic submission.
Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov under docket ID USCIS-2021-0021 and must include OMB Control Number 1615-0156. All submissions become public record.
Informational content only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.