Unaccompanied Alien Children Sponsor Application Packet
OMB Information Collection Request
0970 - 0278
Supporting Statement Part A – Justification
August 2025
Type of Request: Revision
Submitted By:
Office of Refugee Resettlement
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Summary
This request is to add three new forms to the information collection and revise four existing forms. Details about changes are described in section A15.
Circumstances Making the Collection of Information Necessary
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) Bureau provides care and custody for unaccompanied alien children until they can be safely released to a sponsor, repatriated to their home country, or obtain legal status. ORR funds residential care provider facilities that provide temporary housing and other services to children in ORR custody. Generally, care provider facilities are State licensed (with the exception of those located in states unwilling to consider them for licensure and temporary emergency or influx facilities) and ORR requirements to ensure a high-level quality of care. Services provided at care provider facilities include, but are not limited to, education, recreation, vocational training, acculturation, nutrition, medical, mental health, legal, and case management.
ORR uses several instruments directly related to the care of unaccompanied alien children. The forms in this information collection allow ORR to achieve compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and other legal requirements related to the assessment of potential sponsors for unaccompanied alien children.
Legal Authorities
Homeland Security Act (HSA), 6 U.S.C. 279 – Transferred responsibilities for the care and placement of unaccompanied alien children from the Commissioner of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service to the Director of ORR.
William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), 8 U.S.C. 1232 – Creates requirements for the placement, services, and discharge of unaccompanied alien children in federal custody. The TVPRA directs ORR to:
Create policies to ensure unaccompanied children are protected from traffickers and others seeking to victimize them or otherwise engage them in criminal, harmful, or exploitative activity
Make a determination that the proposed custodian is capable of providing for the child’s physical and mental well-being, which will at minimum include verification of the custodian’s identity and relationship to the child, if any, as well as an independent finding that the individual has not engaged in any activity that would indicate a potential risk to the child
Unaccompanied Alien Children Program Foundational Rule, 45 CFR Part 410 – Establishes a uniform set of standards and procedures concerning the placement, care, and services provided to unaccompanied alien children in ORR care that is consistent with ORR’s statutory duties and implements minimum standards for care of unaccompanied alien children.
410.1202(a) states that potential sponsors shall complete a sponsor application package and 410.1203(c) sets forth the requirements in the Sponsor Care Agreement.
410.1202(b) directs ORR to conduct a suitability assessment to determine whether the potential sponsor is capable of providing for child’s physical and mental well-being. It also sets forth the minimum requirements for the assessment.
410.1202(c) states that ORR may require an investigation of the sponsor’s living conditions, evidence of the sponsor’s ability to support the child, and interviews with household members. It also requires ORR to conduct criminal records checks on sponsors.
410.1202(d) requires ORR to assess the potential sponsor’s relationship to the child and child’s family.
410.1202(f) requires ORR to evaluate the child’s functioning and if there are any risks such as if the child was a victim of sex or labor trafficking, has history of criminal involvement, behavioral issues, violence, individualized needs, substance use, or parenting or pregnant children.
410.1202(g) requires ORR to evaluate any potential risks posed by the sponsor such as criminal background, substance use or history of abuse or neglect, physical home environment, and/or other child welfare concerns.
Ms. L Settlement Agreement, No. 18-CV000428 (S.D. Cal. 2023) – Establishes requirements for continue reunification of families under a streamlines process, prohibits separations except in limited circumstances, and provides certain non-monetary support to class members.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pub. L. 119-21 – Establishes requirements around the vetting of potential sponsors for unaccompanied alien children, including requirements to collect certain information from potential sponsors and adult residents of their household (§ 87001(b)(1)).
Background Checks
The former INS performed investigative background checks on the potential sponsor requesting release of an unaccompanied alien child during the sponsorship review process. During the transition period, DHS performed these checks on these sponsors. As of August 2, 2004, DHS ceased its performance of background checks on sponsors and the physical release from custody.1
ORR conducts public records checks, sex offender registry checks, and fingerprint-based background checks on all potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers. ORR also sends information to other agencies and entities, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to conduct parts of the fingerprint-based background checks in ORR’s suitability process. ORR retains primary responsibility for conducting suitability determinations for sponsors and, as appropriate, adult members of their household and adult caregivers. ORR coordinates and works with its federal partners, including the FBI, in this effort.
In June 2018, DHS resumed performing some aspects of background checks for those individuals that ORR requires fingerprints from, pursuant to a joint Memorandum of Agreement signed by ORR and DHS in April 2018 (MOA). ORR subsequently issued four operational directives (December 2018, March 2019, and two in June 2019) that reduced the number of individuals requiring fingerprint checks and discontinued using DHS ICE to obtain immigration status. These operational directives were subsequently incorporated into the ORR Policy Guide. In March 2021, the 2018 MOA was terminated and information sharing between DHS and ORR reverted to the previous MOA to reduce information sharing for the purpose of immigration enforcement.
Purpose and Use of the Information Collection
The purpose of the forms included in this information collection is to allow ORR to achieve compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and other legal requirements related to the assessment of potential sponsors for unaccompanied alien children. Information specific to each form follows.
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2): This instrument collects respondents’ written consent to background investigations with Federal, state or local law enforcement and/or child welfare agencies, and information to allow ORR to make a determination of whether the child will be safe in the custody of the potential sponsor, as well as other adult household members. After the information is collected, it may be sent electronically to HHS/Program Support Center (PSC) for review and processing. The expected respondents of this instrument are potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers. This form is available as a PDF and as part of a web-based application.
Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3): This instrument collects information related to the potential sponsor’s ability to provide for the child’s mental and physical well-being. ORR uses the information collected to determine the suitability of a potential sponsor as a custodian of a child. After the information is collected, it is transmitted electronically to the ORR official responsible for approving the release. The expected respondents of this form are potential sponsors. This form is available as a PDF and as part of a web-based application.
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5): This instrument informs potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers of the steps they must take to be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are collected electronically at grantee or contractor-operated digital fingerprinting sites or submitted via mail using FBI fingerprint cards (form FD-258, OMB Ctrl. No. 1110-0046). The expected respondents of this instrument are potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers.
Letter of Designation for Care of a Child (Form SAP-6): This instrument is filed by a child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to specify a potential sponsor to whom they wish to grant caregiving authority for their child. The form is optional (not required for release) but helps non-parent sponsors access community resources or answer questions from government authorities about the nature of their relationship with a child in their care.
Affidavit of Financial Support (Form SAP-8): This instrument may be used by sponsors to fulfill the proof of income requirement in Form SAP-3. The instrument is used as evidence that the sponsor receives financial support from another individual, thereby demonstrating that there are sufficient financial resources to provide for the physical and mental well-being of the child. The expected respondents of this form are individuals financially supporting the sponsor and sponsors.
Sponsor Application for Ms. L Separation Cases (Form SAP-9): This form is a shorter version of the Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3) that is used as part of the streamlined reunification process required under the Ms. L Settlement Agreement. The form mostly collects the same information about the sponsor as Form SAP-3, except that fields asking for information about household members or alternate caregivers are not included. The expected respondents of this form are Ms. L class members (generally, parents and legal guardians who were separated from their child when taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security for a reason that is not permissible under the Settlement).
DNA Testing Instructions (Form SAP-10) – This instrument informs potential sponsors of ORR’s DNA testing requirement. ORR requires DNA testing to support proof of relationship between the potential sponsor and the child when the sponsor purports to be biologically related to the child. ORR requires DNA results that confirm biological parentage, biological grand-parentage, avuncular relationship (when an uncle or aunt is a full sibling to a parent), or siblingship (full or half), to establish biological relationship with the child. The expected respondents of this instrument are potential sponsors.
The instruments are available in English and Spanish. English is the official language and authoritative version of all federal information.
Information collected from potential sponsors, adult household members, and adult caregivers using these instruments may be shared with HHS’ contractors; grantees; Federal, state or local law enforcement and/or child welfare agencies; and federal partners, including FBI and DHS, for the purpose of conducting background checks to determine the potential sponsor’s and their home’s suitability, and as otherwise permitted under the Privacy Act.
See UAC Policy Guide Section 2.2.3 The Sponsor Application, Section 2.2.4 Required Documents for Submission with the Sponsor Application, Section 2.10.4 Ms. L Reunification Process, Section 2.5.1 Background Check Requirements, and Field Guidance 26 – Fingerprint Background Checks and Acceptable Supporting Documentation for a Family Reunification Application, and Field Guidance 27 – DNA Testing Expansion for related sub-regulatory guidance.
Use of Improved Information Technology and Burden Reduction
ORR developed a web-based application that includes the Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2) and Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3) in April 2023. Since access to adequate information technology cannot be assumed for all individuals completing these forms, ORR also maintains fillable PDF versions. The PDF versions allow individuals who have access to computers to complete and file the form electronically, while also allowing the option to complete and file the forms by hand.
To the extent possible, biometric information is collected electronically and, in all cases, it is converted to an electronic format for transmission to federal partners. In addition, mobile fingerprint scanning devices will be used to take prints for subsequent fingerprint checks that are done after initial fingerprint checks are performed.
ORR plans to update the web-based sponsor app to align with the proposed revisions for Forms SAP-2 and SAP-3 and will submit a nonsubstantive change request when development is complete. ORR also plans to incorporate other PDF forms in this collection into the web-based app and will submit additional nonsubstantive change requests as that work is completed.
Efforts to Identify Duplication and Use of Similar Information
The information being collected by these instruments are not obtainable from other available sources.
Impact on Small Businesses or Other Small Entities
The proposed information collections will not burden or impact small businesses.
Consequences of Collecting the Information Less Frequently
Not having the information provided through these instruments would impede ORR from performing its charged duty of making care and placement determinations for unaccompanied alien children in its care. In order to make a determination regarding the suitability of a potential sponsor, ORR needs to collect the information requested in these instruments. The instruments are necessary for the continuous function of the sponsorship review process for releasing children from ORR custody.
Most potential sponsors only sponsor one child, but some may apply to sponsor multiple children at the same time (e.g., sibling groups). These instruments are collected once per sponsorship attempt, which includes attempts to sponsor multiple children at the same time. In the event that a child transfers to another care facility, the new care provider facility would have access to the file. In some cases, the care provider facility conducts concurrent planning and investigates more than one potential sponsor per child in order to meet the goal of releasing a child to a sponsor in a timely and safe manner. In those cases, each potential sponsor would complete the Sponsor Application Packet. Though exact figures are unavailable, overwhelmingly most potential sponsors only apply to sponsor a child(ren) one time. Therefore, most potential sponsors are completing and signing the forms only once.
Special Circumstances Relating to the Guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.5
None of the characteristics outlined in 5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2) apply to the instruments in this collection.
Comments in Response to the Federal Register Notice and Efforts to Consult Outside the Agency
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR Part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), ACF published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the agency’s intention to request an OMB review of this information collection activity. This notice was published on April 25, 2025 (90 FR 17438) and provided a sixty-day period for public comment. During the notice and comment period, responses were received from five commenters, each containing multiple comments. Attachment A provides a summary of those comments and ORR’s responses.
Explanation of Any Payment or Gift to Respondents
No provision or gift to the respondent will be provided.
Assurance of Confidentiality Provided to Respondents
ORR has established a system of records to ensure the level of confidentiality pursuant to the Privacy Act. 5 U.S.C. 552a. ORR’s system of records notice, titled 09-80-0321 ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Administrative Program Records, was published on December 12, 2024 at 89 FR 100500.
A Privacy Act statement describing the authority for collecting the information, the principal uses, the routine uses that may be made of the information, and the effect of not providing all or some of the requested information, is provided to potential sponsors and, as appropriate, adult members of their households and adult caregivers. Under published routine uses, information may be shared with federal partners, including FBI, where it will be managed and used in accordance with their policies.
Biographic Information – Official copies of the information collections reside at ORR grantee facilities and electronic copies are circulated between the facilities and ORR offices. The completed forms are stored in a secure database that requires two-factor authentication for all users.
Biometric Information – Fingerprints collected by ORR are used specifically for background check purposes utilizing Federal databases. DNA collected is used specifically to confirm a biological relationship between the potential sponsor and the child. DNA is collected by the ORR contractor performing the DNA tests and destroyed after confirmation of results. ORR does not receive or store biological material.
Justification for Sensitive Questions
The Sponsor Application asks potential sponsors whether individuals in their households have contagious medical conditions, whether the minor has any health conditions, and whether they or any individual in their household have criminal history. This information is necessary to ensure children are released into a safe environment.
ORR also collects the fingerprints of the potential sponsor, adults in the potential sponsor’s household, and adult caregivers. ORR informs the potential sponsor that this information is necessary for conducting background checks and for making a suitability determination.
In addition, ORR conducts DNA testing of potential sponsors when they purport to have a biological relationship with the child. ORR informs potential sponsors that this information is necessary to confirm the relationship and for making a suitability determination.
The potential sponsor signs the Sponsor Application. Individuals from whom ORR collects fingerprints and DNA provide consent by signing the Authorization for Release of Information.
Estimates of Annualized Burden Hours and Costs
Estimated Burden Hours and Opportunity Costs for Respondents
Estimates used to calculate respondent burden are based on the following factors:
Each potential sponsor must complete the Family Reunification Application.
The potential sponsor, their adult household members, and adult caregivers complete the Authorization for Release of Information and have their fingerprints collected. ORR estimates there is an average of three adult household members and one adult caregiver per sponsor.
The Letter of Designation is completed by parents and legal guardians when applicable.
DNA is collected from sponsors claiming to have a biological relationship with the child (parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who is a full sibling to a parent, siblings).
Applications for approximately 165 Ms. L class members are expected to be processed per year.
ORR estimates approximately 35% sponsors will submit an Affidavit of Financial Support.
Estimates for the number of respondents are drawn from data in the ORR database.
Most respondents only apply to sponsor a child(ren) once.
The average burden hours per response are drawn from observed completion times and include the time it takes the respondent to listen to their assigned unification specialist explain the instrument, ask follow-up questions, gather the required information and enter it into the instrument, gather required supporting documents, submit biometric information, and get documents notarized, as applicable. The estimate also takes the following factors into account:
Travel may be necessary to obtain identity documents or notarize documents, as applicable. Travel is also required for respondents who are required to submit fingerprints and DNA.
Respondents will need to engage third parties to obtain all required information and documents. Third parties may include the respondent’s household members, family, employer, accountant or tax preparer, bank, landlord, health insurance provider, notary, consulate, and certain Federal, State, or local government agencies.
ORR assumes most respondents make minimum wage. The Federal minimum wage rate was multiplied by two to account for fringe benefits and overhead – $7.25 * 2 = $14.50
Instrument Title |
Annual Total Number of Respondents |
Annual Total Number of Responses per Respondent |
Average Burden Hours per Response |
Annual Total Burden Hours |
Average Hourly Wage |
Total Annual Cost |
||
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2) |
183,588 |
1 |
0.50 |
91,794 |
$14.50 |
$1,331,013.00 |
||
Family Reunification Application (Form SAP-3) |
76,569 |
1 |
1.50 |
114,854 |
$14.50 |
$1,665,383.00 |
||
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5) - Initial Fingerprinting |
183,588 |
1 |
1.25 |
229,485 |
$14.50 |
$3,327,532.50 |
||
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5) - Mobile Fingerprinting |
76,569 |
2 |
0.50 |
76,569 |
$14.50 |
$1,110,250.50 |
||
Letter of Designation for Care of Child (Form SAP-6) |
19,202 |
1 |
0.75 |
14,401 |
$14.50 |
$208,814.50 |
||
Affidavit of Financial Support (SAP-8) |
26,799 |
1 |
1.00 |
26,799 |
$14.50 |
$388,585.50 |
||
Sponsor Application for Ms. L Separation Cases (Form SAP-9) |
165 |
1 |
1.00 |
165 |
$14.50 |
$2,392.50 |
||
DNA Testing Instructions (Form SAP-10) |
54,252 |
1 |
1.00 |
54,252 |
$14.50 |
$786,654.00 |
||
|
Estimated Annual Burden Hours Total: |
608,319 |
Estimated Annual Cost Total: |
$8,820,625.50 |
||||
Estimates of Other Total Annual Cost Burden to Respondents and Record Keepers
Respondents and record keepers will not incur any direct monetary costs, other than their time, in the completion of these instruments.
Annualized Cost to the Federal Government
Annualized Cost for Federal Staff
The annualized cost estimate for each of these instruments considers the time of a GS-12 Step 1 federal staff member in the Washington, DC locality to explain the instruments to the potential sponsor and coordinate the collection and the subsequent transmission of the instruments back to ORR. Federal staff will also assist the potential sponsor in setting up a fingerprinting appointment and coordinate DNA testing, when applicable. Federal staff review all information provided by potential sponsors in the instruments to assess suitability to care for the child.
The hourly rate was multiplied by two to account for fringe benefits and overhead – $43.17 * 2 = $86.34
No additional costs will be incurred by the federal government for developing computer systems or storing the instruments as those systems are already in place.
Instrument Title |
Annual Total Number of Federal Staff |
Annual Total Number of Responses per Federal Staff |
Average Burden Hours per Response |
Annual Total Burden Hours |
Average Hourly Wage |
Total Annual Cost |
|
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2) |
110 |
1,669 |
0.25 |
45,898 |
$97.18 |
$4,460,367.64 |
|
Family Reunification Application (Form SAP-3) |
110 |
696 |
1.00 |
76,560 |
$97.18 |
$7,440,100.80 |
|
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5) - Initial Fingerprinting |
110 |
1,669 |
0.75 |
137,693 |
$97.18 |
$13,381,005.74 |
|
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5) - Mobile Fingerprinting |
110 |
696 |
0.50 |
38,280 |
$97.18 |
$3,720,050.40 |
|
Letter of Designation for Care of Child (Form SAP-6) |
110 |
175 |
0.50 |
9,625 |
$97.18 |
$935,357.50 |
|
Affidavit of Financial Support (SAP-8) |
110 |
244 |
0.50 |
13,420 |
$97.18 |
$1,304,155.60 |
|
Sponsor Application for Ms. L Separation Cases (Form SAP-9) |
110 |
2 |
0.75 |
165 |
$97.18 |
$16,034.70 |
|
DNA Testing Instructions (Form SAP-10) |
110 |
493 |
0.75 |
40,673 |
$97.18 |
$3,952,602.14 |
|
|
Estimated Annual Burden Hours Total: |
38,280 |
Estimated Annual Cost Total: |
$3,720,050.40 |
|||
Annualized Printing Cost
This estimate assumes that record keepers print and mail instruments to approximately 25% of respondents at a cost of $0.05 per page.
Instrument Title |
Annual Total Number of Respondents |
Annual Total Number of Responses per Respondent |
Pages per Instrument |
Total Pages |
Cost per Page |
Total Annual Printing Cost |
|
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2) |
183,588 |
1 |
4 |
734,352 |
$0.05 |
$36,717.60 |
|
Family Reunification Application (Form SAP-3) |
76,569 |
1 |
10 |
765,690 |
$0.05 |
$38,284.50 |
|
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5) - Initial Fingerprinting |
183,588 |
1 |
1 |
183,588 |
$0.05 |
$9,179.40 |
|
Letter of Designation for Care of Child (Form SAP-6) |
19,202 |
1 |
2 |
38,403 |
$0.05 |
$1,920.15 |
|
Affidavit of Financial Support (SAP-8) |
26,799 |
1 |
5 |
133,996 |
$0.05 |
$6,699.80 |
|
Sponsor Application for Ms. L Separation Cases (Form SAP-9) |
165 |
1 |
7 |
1,155 |
$0.05 |
$57.75 |
|
DNA Testing Instructions (Form SAP-10) |
54,252 |
1 |
1 |
54,252 |
$0.05 |
$2,712.60 |
|
|
Estimated Annual Burden Hours Total: |
1,911,436 |
Estimated Annual Cost Total: |
$95,571.80 |
|||
Explanation for Program Changes or Adjustments
New Instruments
Affidavit of Financial Support (Form SAP-8): This instrument may be used by sponsors to fulfill the proof of income requirement in Form SAP-3. The instrument is used as evidence that the sponsor receives financial support from another individual, thereby demonstrating that there are sufficient financial resources to provide for the physical and mental well-being of the child. The expected respondents of this form are individuals financially supporting the sponsor and potential sponsors.
Sponsor Application for Ms. L Separation Cases (Form SAP-9): This instrument is a shorter version of the Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3) that is used as part of the streamlined reunification process required under the Ms. L Settlement Agreement. The form mostly collects the same information about the sponsor as Form SAP-3, except that fields asking for information about household members or alternate caregivers are not included. The expected respondents of this form are Ms. L class members (generally, parents and legal guardians who were separated from their child when taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security for a reason that is not permissible under the Settlement).
DNA Testing Instructions (Form SAP-10): This instrument informs potential sponsors of ORR’s DNA testing requirement. ORR requires DNA testing to support proof of relationship between the potential sponsor and the child when the sponsor purports to be biologically related to the child. ORR requires DNA results that confirm biological parentage, biological grand-parentage, avuncular relationship (when an uncle or aunt is a full sibling to a parent), or siblingship (full or half), to establish biological relationship with the child. The expected respondents of this instrument are potential sponsors.
Revisions to Existing Instruments
All Instruments:
Replace “unaccompanied child” or “UC” with “unaccompanied alien child” or “UAC”
Replace “case manager” with “sponsor specialist”
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2):
Remove “in black ink” from the instruction at the top of the form to reflect that ORR accepts both wet and electronic signatures for this form
Add a column in the “Other name you have used” table where sponsor applicants can indicate whether they are still using any of the other names they list
Add a field to collect either a Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (if applicable) as required by Pub. L. 119-21 § 87001(b)(1)(B)
Revise instructions in the address section to require addresses from age 18 to present to align with state/local sex offender registry check requirements
Add an attestation that the respondent understands the penalties for knowingly and willfully making false statement under 18 U.S.C. § 1001
Add an attestation the sponsor specialist must complete if they have assisted the sponsor applicant with entering information into the form
Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3):
Remove the “How to complete this application” and Frequently Asked Questions” sections. This information will be moved into a separate document.
Reword the field “Your email address or fax number” to read “Your email address”
Add an attestation that the respondent understands the penalties for knowingly and willfully making false statement under 18 U.S.C. § 1001
Add columns to the household member table to collect contact information (phone and email) as required by Pub. L. 119-21 § 87001 (b)(1)(F)
Add yes/no radio buttons for the questions in the “Health Information” section
Add an attestation the sponsor specialist must complete if they have assisted the sponsor applicant with entering information into the form
Revise the instructions for proof of identity in the Supporting Documents section as follows:
Clarify that original versions are accepted
Clarify that expired documents will no longer be accepted
Update the list of acceptable documents to algin with recent policy changes
Revise the instructions for proof of address in the “Supporting Documents” section as follows:
Clarify that an original version of the documentation must be provided
Update the list of acceptable documents to algin with recent policy changes
Add a requirement to provide proof of income documentation to algin with recent policy changes
Modify the list of acceptable proof of relationship documents to algin with recent policy changes
Add a textbox where the sponsor can explain why they are unable to meet any of the supporting documentation requirements (if appliable)
Letter of Designation for Care of a Child (Form SAP-6):
Add an attestation that the respondent understands the penalties for knowingly and willfully making false statement under 18 U.S.C. § 1001
Add an attestation the sponsor specialist must complete if they have assisted the sponsor applicant with entering information into the form
Revisions to Burden Estimates for Existing Instruments
Burden estimates for existing instruments were updates to reflect the following changes:
A decrease in the number of children in ORR care and corresponding decrease in the number of individuals applying to sponsor a child
An increase in the number of individuals required to undergo fingerprint checks and the frequency of fingerprint checks for sponsors. All sponsors, household members, and adult caregivers will be required to undergo a fingerprint check. ORR federal staff will take the sponsor’s prints using a mobile device two additional times during the vetting process – during the home study and just prior to physically releasing the child to the sponsor.
ORR will be moving sponsor vetting responsibilities from grantee/contractor staff to federal staff.
The specific changes to burden are as follows:
Authorization for Release of Information (Form SAP-2): The annual number of respondents increased from 81,532 to 183,588; the annual number of record keepers decreased from 235 to 0.
Sponsor Application (Form SAP-3): The annual number of respondents decreased from 122,950 to 76,569; the annual number of record keepers decreased from 235 to 0; the average burden hours per response increased from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Fingerprinting Instructions (Form SAP-5): The annual number of respondents increased from 81,532 to 183,588; the annual number of record keepers decreased from 235 to 0; the annual number of responses per respondent increased from 1 to 3 (for sponsors respondents only) with an average burden hours per response of 0.5 for the two additional responses (the average burden hours per response of 1.25 hours remains the same for the sponsor’s initial response).
Letter of Designation for Care of a Child (Form SAP-6): The annual number of respondents decreased from 41,181 to 19,202; the annual number of record keepers decreased from 235 to 0.
Plans for Tabulation and Publication and Project Time Schedule
ORR does not plan to publish the information provided by the respondents.
Reason(s) Display of OMB Expiration Date is Inappropriate
ORR plans to display the expiration date of clearance as set by OMB.
Exceptions to Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions
No exceptions are necessary for this information collection.
1 See Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Memo, Dated July 29, 2004
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Herboldsheimer, Shannon (ACF) |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2025-08-15 |