Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates

Resumen

This proposed rule sets forth the fees for consular services that are proposed to take effect on February 1, 1998, and makes appropriate implementing and other related changes in affected portions of title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically, the rule makes changes in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (``Schedule of Fees'' or ``Schedule'') published in 22 CFR section 22.1 and makes technical changes to 22 CFR Part 51 (concerning passport fees) and 22 CFR Part 53. The changes to the Schedule of Fees include adjustments to existing fees and a new processing fee for diversity visa applicants (see 22 CFR 42.33(i)), for which the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1997. The primary objective of the proposed adjustments to the Schedule of Fees is to ensure that the Department recovers the costs of consular services through user fees to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law. As a result of new data on the cost of services, the passport fee is being lowered while most other fees are being increased. In addition, the proposed Schedule of Fees is being restructured and streamlined. Fees for antiquated services no longer perf