Student

2)    Application requirements:
    •    Documents: 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 Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20A-B for F visa or I-20M-N for M visa) issued by a U.S. educational institution approved  to accept foreign students. Any accompanying dependent(s) (spouse and/or children) must be listed on the I-20.
      •    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: Two copies 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.

    •    Visa application fee: 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 in addition to the SEVIS fee and 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. This would include a letter of sponsorship from a governmental authority, if applicable.

Note: Initial-entry applicants may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date of their academic program noted on the I-20.

CONTINUING STUDENTS: