NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

1. Residence in Congo:  Non-residents’ applications will rarely be approved, and this is under the Consular Officer’s discretion.
2. Passport:  Each traveler should submit his own passport.
3. Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months longer than your intended period of stay in the United States.
4. The NIV application forms (DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158) must be completed. You will have to answer all of the questions.  If the question does not apply to you, complete with “Not Applicable” as necessary.  The DS-156 form MUST be completed on line using the website http://evisaforms.state.gov.  Once you have completed the form online, you will print it and bring all three pages to your interview.
5. Photograph: one unmounted full-face photograph (roughly 2 inches square or 50mm x 50mm) with the head centered in the frame and taken within the past six months. It may be either in color or black and white and must be taken against a white or off-white background showing the applicant facing the camera directly. Photos should be stapled on corners, avoiding the applicant’s head.
6. A letter of admission must be written on the school letterhead and exclusively prepared and signed by competent school authorities.
7. The I-20 form issued by the selected school must be prepared and signed only by competent school authorities.  You must begin classes at your school before or on the closing date indicated on the I-20.   You may only plan to enter the U.S. 30 days before the start of classes.
8. The originals of the following documents: State Diploma, school records from at a minimum your most recent two years of study, other diplomas, and other demonstrable accomplishments related to the proposed field of study should be included in the file.
9. Knowledge of the English language allowing you to begin an academic program.  Quality English-language training is available in Kinshasa at all levels.  If you intend to study English in the United States prior to enrolling in an academic program that will result in an internationally recognized degree (Associate, B.A., M.A., or Ph.D.), then you must submit an I-20 for the proposed academic study.  An I-20 for only the English-language training portion of your studies will not allow the Consular Section to adequately evaluate your qualifications. 
10. Justification of sufficient financial resources to cover the entire length of studies.  You must demonstrate that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds now to pay for the first year and that you have access to sufficient funds (salary or other financial assets) to pay for all subsequent years of schooling.
11. The interview: You will have an interview with a Consular Officer of the United States of America, during which time your application will be examined.
12. SEVIS: make sure that the school has registered you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and be prepared to show evidence that you have paid this fee.

NOTE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS TO USA

Before leaving the USA, carefully check with your university academic director to ensure that your I-20 will be current when you apply for a new visa.  You should also take with you to the visa interview copies of your school transcripts for the entire period you have been in the United States and continued.

Non-residents’ applications will rarely be approved, and this is under the Consular Officer’s discretion.