PRA N-470 Supp Statement (2-23-06)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization

Form N-470

(OMB No. 1615-0056)

1. Justification.

1. The Form N-470 is necessary to determine whether an alien, who intends to be absent from the United States for a continuous period of a year or more is eligible to preserve residence for naturalization purposes. Applications shall be filed either before or after the applicant’s employment commences but before the applicant has been absent from the United States for a continuous period of one year (8 CFR 316.5(d)).

2. The data collected on this form will be used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security, to determine if the alien is eligible to preserve residence for naturalization purposes.

3. The use of this form currently provides the most efficient means for collecting and processing the required data. In this case the USCIS does not employ the use of information technology in collecting and processing information. However, this form has been designated for e-filing under the Business Transformation Project.

4. A search of the automated forms tracking system was accomplished and revealed no duplication. There is no similar data collected.

5. This collection of information does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.

6. This form is used by persons wanting to leave the country for extended periods of time without jeopardizing their continuous presence requirement for naturalization. If this form were not available, certain individuals would not be able to leave the country without repercussions to their naturalization eligibility.

7. The special circumstances contained in Item 7 of the Supporting Statement are not applicable to this information collection.

8. USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register on March 10, 2006 at 71 FR

12391, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any

comments on this information collection.

9. USCIS does not provide payments or gifts to respondents in exchange for a benefit sought.

10. There is no assurance of confidentiality.

11. There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Annual Reporting Burden:

1. Number of Respondents 375

2. Number of Responses per Respondent 1

3. Total Annual Responses 375

4. Hours per Response 1

5. Total Annual Reporting Burden 375

Annual Reporting Burden

The annual reporting burden is 375. This figure was derived by multiplying the number of respondents (375) x frequency of response (1) x 1 hour per response. This estimate is based on prior USCIS experience with the program.

13. There are no capital or start-up costs associated with this information collection.

Any cost burden to respondents as a result of this information collection are identified in Item 14. (There is a fee charge of $155 associated with this information collection.)

14. Annualized Cost Analysis:

1. Printing Cost $ 135

2. Collection and Processing Cost $ 57,990

3. Total Cost to Program $ 58,125

4. Fee Charge $ 58,125

5. Total Cost to Government $ 0

Government Cost

The estimated cost to the Government is: $58,125. This estimate is based on the number of respondents (375) multiplied by the suggested fee charge of $155 (which includes the average hourly rate for clerical, officer, and managerial time with benefits, plus a percent for the estimated cost of printing, stocking, distributing and processing this form).

Public Cost

The estimated annual public cost is $61,875. This is based on the number of respondents 375 x frequency of response (1) x 1 hour x $10 (Average hourly rate) plus the number of respondents (375) x fee charge of ($155).

15. There is no increase or decrease in the number of burden hours previously reported for this collection of information. However, there has been an increase of $22,125 in costs. This increase in cost is associated with an increase in fee.

16. USCIS does not intend to employ the use of statistics or the publication thereof for this information collection.

17. USCIS is not seeking a waver to display the expiration date of OMB approval of this information collection.

18. USCIS does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection. See attached Item 19 of Form OMB 83-I.

2. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

Not Applicable.

3. Certification and Signature.

PAPERWORK CERTIFICATION

In submitting this request for OMB approval, I certify that the requirements of the Privacy Act and OMB directives have been complied with including paperwork regulations, statistical standards or directives, and any other information policy directives promulgated under 5 CFR 1320.

___________________________________ _________________

Richard A Sloan, Date

Director,

Regulatory Management Division,

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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