Avoid Fraud

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  1. Entry
  2. Selection
  3. Preparing for the Interview
  4. The Interview
  5. After the Interview
  6. Avoid Fraud

U.S. Embassy Kinshasa encourages all applicants to avoid fraud and malfeasance by preparing their own DV Program entry and application.  Each year, consular officers refuse visa applicants who are victims of fraud, who are not qualified for the DV Program, or who make disqualifying mistakes on their entry or application. Avoid disqualification by following these tips from U.S. Embassy Kinshasa:

  • KNOW THE RULES & FOLLOW THEM. Read the rules on our website.
  • DON’T FAKE A FAMILY. Don’t add unrelated people to your entry. If you marry someone for the sole purpose of immigrating to the U.S. or if you add children who are not yours, then your visa will be refused.
  • ENTER YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. Declare all of your family members in your entry: include your spouse and biological children under 21, even those who do not live with you or who will not travel.
  • ENTER ONCE. Enter only ONE time per year. If you are married, then both you and your spouse may submit an entry as the principal applicant.
  • CHOOSE THE CORRECT COUNTRY. Verify that you have selected the correct country of chargeability. If you accidentally select Cook Islands or Christmas Islands, for example, then your visa will be refused.
  • USE YOUR VALID PASSPORT NUMBER. Do not use a fake passport number. If you entered with a fake passport number, your visa will be refused and no fees will be refunded for your application. Using a fake passport number is serious and could also impact your ability to travel or immigrate to the United States in the future.
  • TAKE A NEW PHOTO & UPLOAD IT CORRECTLY. Take a new passport photo without eyeglasses if you use them. Do not use your photo from last year. Ensure that the photo and biographic information matches each family member. If you accidentally submit one person’s photo twice, or if the name does not match the photo, then you will be disqualified.
  • OBTAIN YOUR REAL DIPLOME D’ETAT. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent work experience. Do not submit a fake diploma – you will be disqualified. If you do not have a diploma, read which professions could allow you to qualify at travel.state.gov.

If you are a victim of fraud or cyber café malfeasance, notify DVKinshasa@state.gov.

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