How to Apply
Exchange Visitor
All exchange visitors must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (J) prior to arrival in the United States. Minor children included in a parent’s passport require their own application and fee. Note: Travelers born in the United States and those with U.S. citizenship must enter and depart the United States with a U.S. passport and do not require a visa.
Personal interview: Visa applicants ages 14 through 79 must appear in person before a Consular Officer for an interview and to scan their fingerprints for biometric identification. Note: Applicants with passports from Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria: if you are 14 years or older, you must fulfill the interview requirement.
Applicants should request an interview at the Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their area of permanent residence. For example, those applying in Kuwait City should be Kuwaiti citizens or hold legal Kuwaiti residency and be able to demonstrate strong economic, familial and/or social ties to the country.
U.S. immigration law requires that nonimmigrant visa applicants present evidence of strong economic, familial and/or social ties to a residence outside of the United States to which they are compelled to return upon the timely completion of their degree or educational program. Applications unable to demonstrate such ties will be refused.
How to Apply:
1) Schedule an appointment: To begin the application process, visit https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=KWT&appcode=3 to schedule your visa appointment online. This website contains scheduling instructions and links to online visa application forms. When scheduling your appointment, please include your phone number and email address so that we may contact you if necessary.
Requesting an expedited appointment
2) Application requirements:
Document: Complete the following documents in their entirety and bring them to your interview at the Embassy:
Nonimmigrant visa application (DS-156): Include the full address where you will be staying initially while in the United States. Effective October 1, 2006, you will be required to fill out this form online, print it and bring it with you to your interview. The Consular Section will no longer accept the DS-156 completed by hand.
Contact information and work history for nonimmigrant visa applicant (DS-158)
Original Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) issued by an approved exchange visitor program sponsor
Supplemental nonimmigrant visa application (DS-157): Only if you are: 1) a male applicant age 16 through 45 OR 2) an applicant (male or female) age 16 and older with a passport from Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
Note: Incomplete or unsigned forms will not be accepted.
• Photograph: Provide one (1) photo with the following requirements:
• 5cm x 5cm in size
• Taken within the last six (6) months
• In color or black and white
• White background
• Displays full face (looking directly at the camera)
• Wearing sunglasses is not acceptable
• Head coverings: Women: acceptable for religious reasons but may not cover any portion of the face including the forehead, jaw line, eyebrows and cheeks. Men: not acceptable.
• Military, airline or other personnel may not wear hats or uniforms
Passport: A copy of your passport photo page. Your name and date of birth must be written in English by the issuing country (even for minor children included in a parent’s passport). The passport must have a minimum validity of six (6) months.
SEVIS registration fee: Applicants must pay a nonrefundable SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) registration fee. Click here for payment instructions. Please bring a payment receipt to the interview. This fee is waived for those traveling under U.S. Government sponsorship.
Visa application fee: A Burgan Bank receipt, A Burgan Bank receipt, valid one (1) year from the date of issuance, for the $131 (40KD at current exchange rate) fee is required. Have your passport with you when paying the fee. This fee is nonrefundable even if a visa is not granted. This fee is waived for those traveling on diplomatic passports or on official government business.
Applicants with a valid $100 (30.5KD) Burgan Bank receipt purchased before January 1, 2008, do not need to pay the higher fee if they are interviewed on or before January 31, 2008. Starting February 1, 2008, applicants with a still valid $100 (30.5KD) Burgan Bank receipt must return to Burgan Bank and purchase a second receipt for $31. You can then present both receipts at the interview.
Evidence of financial support: Applicants must show evidence of financial support for the duration of study.
Note: You may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the initial start date of your program.
Two-Year Foreign Residency Requirement:
An exchange visitor is subject to INA 212(e) requirement if the following conditions exist:
1) The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the United States government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;
2) The exchange visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the exchange visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (Exchange Visitor Skills List 9 FAM 41.62, Exhibit II);
3) The exchange visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.
For additional exchange visitor information, please visit the Department of State website or Destination USA.
Click here to watch a short video about the application process.
After reviewing the frequently asked questions, email us at consularkuwaitm@state.gov if you still have an inquiry regarding consular services.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW