Visa Information: How to Apply for USA Visa in Kenya

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Do you dream of visiting the White house or any attractive destination in the United States? Then, you must take a step and apply for a USA visa to see your dream come true. We are proud to provide you with detailed information on how you can easily apply for a USA visa in Kenya.

Before you can apply for a US visa, you need the basic travel document – the immigration passport.  If you want to apply for an immigration passport, you can visit the nearest immigration office in your city or visit their website for more information.

Generally, a citizen of Kenya who wants to visit United States must first obtain a visa. There are two categories of USA visas, immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Immigrant visas are issued to people from other countries who intend to live permanently in USA. Non-immigrant visas are issued for people who wish to visit the United States temporarily. There are different types of Non-immigration USA visas:

  • Work Visa: Kenyans who have been offered an employment from a US employer to live and work in United States.
  • Student Visa: A student visa (F1 Visa) is offered to international students who want to study full-time at any accredited academic institution in United States.
  • Family Visa: The family visa is granted to US Citizens who wants to sponsor their families – spouses, children, wives, siblings or parents to join them in the US.
  • Tourist or Business Visa: This type of visa (known as B1 and B2 visa) is granted to those who need a short travel entry permit for business (B2 visa), tourism or visitation (B1 visa).

Visa Requirements

  • An immigration passport, which must be valid for 6 months after the intended stay.
  • A passport photograph (2” x 2”).  See photograph requirements.
  • A US visa application form. ( The US Embassy does not accept hand written application forms)
  • Proof of payment of Application fee. You can make payment at Postbank or through Mpesa. If you make your payment through Mpesa, you will need to provide nine (9) digits provided via sms to confirm the transaction.  ( Application fee is not refundable)
  • A proof of financial status – your original bank statement from a commercial bank recognized by Central Bank of Kenya.
  • Applicants may be asked to provide other documents substantiating their travel purpose.

Additional Documents for Student Visa:

  • SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security for individual program. ( You can pay this fee via western union or mail) Payment must reflect on the Embassy’s computer system.
  • If someone is sponsoring your studies, financial proof is required from your sponsors.
  • You should apply for your visa in advance. Application should be made no earlier than 4 months prior to your school resumption date.
  • A valid I-20 or DS-2019 form which must indicate that the student has paid the unsubsidized cost of the education.

How to Apply for USA Visa

All applicants are required to book an interview appointment on U.S. Visa Service website.

  • Start your application process by completing the visa application form DS-160.
  • Create an account at the website and fill out all your travel information.
  • Print out a deposit slip found in your account. You will use the slip to pay the visa application fee via mpesa or Postbank.
  • Once you have paid the application fee, enter the receipt number in your account on the Visa Service website.
  • Then, you will be taken to the calendar, where you can select your preferred appointment date.

Interview appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis and the Embassy conduct interviews Monday through Thursday morning. Applicants without all the required documentation will not be interviewed.

Visa Processing

US Visa application processing is resolved within 2 – 3 calendar days after your interview. Your visa will be ready for pick-up or will be delivered by courier. For cases where administrative processing is required, it may take about 60 days for your application processing to be resolved.

Please visit the US Embassy in Kenya or visit their website for detailed visa information.

United State Embassy Office Address

United Nations Avenue Nairobi
P. O. Box 606 Village Market
00621 Nairobi, Kenya

If you have any questions about how to apply for a USA visa, please let us know in the comment box below.

 

Our Readers Comments

  1. Good info..soon al be applying

  2. Is it a must you have a bank account?en how much cash in it

  3. How much is application fee?

  4. When should one send that application ie deadline for applying

  5. The difference between a Non Migrant and Migrant Visa?

    • Immigrant visas are issued to people from other countries who intend to live permanently in USA. Non-immigrant visas are issued for people who wish to visit the United States temporarily.

  6. i would like to Visit AMERICA.a tour to go and visit the State House.

  7. Hi there.i would really like to visit my brother there who is there by Green card.i have tried to no success.thankyou.

  8. You denied students visas.

  9. Greetings to you.
    Thank you for the resoucerful info
    Kindly let me know
    1what visa am i entitled to incase of going to minister to a church in two weeks?
    2what are the requirements to this visa?
    3How does it apply if the ministry/church is paying for everything i.e
    Ticket,hosting generally everything
    Expecting to hear from you.
    Kind regards

    • Hi Samuel, For this kind of visit, You’ll need to apply for a visitor’s visa (visa category B-1). Complete your application form – Form DS-160 online, upload your picture, pay the application fee and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

  10. HOW CAN I FIND SEVIS ID PLEASE?

    • The SEVIS number is found on your form in the top right corner. Each Form DS-2019 is printed with a unique identifier known as a “SEVIS ID number” in the top right-hand corner, which consists of an “alpha” character (N) and up to 11 numerical characters For example: N0002153458.

  11. Thanks alot,all Detail is online!

  12. Applying for u s greencards

  13. well inform but my question is can american visa applies for somali citizens if i have a somali passport may i apply your visa reply me

    • Are you a Somalian citizen living in Kenya? Do you have a residence or work permit?

  14. How can I get to change an interview date? I was given a date that is after the required travel date. I need to bring it forward.

    • Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. You can request an emergency appointment at the Consular Section in Nairobi. Please send an email to visitorvisanairobi@state.gov with your full name, date of birth, passport number, and reason for urgent travel.

  15. I want my daughter who is in form 4 to visit my mum for 1 Month before the results are out n she won’t hv a Bank statement coz she doesn’t hv an account. What happens? How do I go about it?

    • Hi Angie, You will have to sponsor your daughter which means you will submit your own bank statement among other documents that shows that your daughter will be coming back to continue her education.

  16. What are the requirments needed for application of a green card?

  17. Hi my case is different, i become a victim of cone men who pretended to offer scholarship.i av there details; is there any assistant to stop this from victimizing other people

  18. I wiil b traveling there next year en am currently living outsyd Kenya, how can i apply?

  19. currently am working in UAE, can i still apply for the US visa

  20. Wat kind of documents r required plz

  21. So happy to hear this

  22. Good information,keep it up

  23. I don’t have a bank account, yet can i appy without it,,,or u tell me how i do it?tnx,,,reply me

  24. I hve appleid 4 visa last year november….i want to confirm if itz out……wen wl it b?

  25. hey hoping all is well, kindly let me know if there’s any other invitation letter do i need to have when am going for an interview for business travel of a month.

    Regards,

  26. Thank you so much for letting people know.i my self,i have tried even applying for greencard lottery for several times not to succeed.my dreams was to become an American citizen but did not qualify.so how can you help me get there?

  27. Please help me get there.how much is required one to have in the bank?

  28. good news for all kenyans i hope all kenyas get usa visa

  29. I am a 35yrs old kenyan citizen working as a firefighter/emergency medical technician with the kenya ports authority..aparently I have found it hard to manage work and as well feed my family and continuing studying more since the pay is peanut, I was wondering if I could apply for a visa to enable me get to america, find a job at the same field that will enable me do all that at the same time, with my family too..I have a family of three, my wife and two kids of 2yrs and a 1yr old, boy n a girl respectively.
    I love a merica, God bless it !
    Thanks in advance.

  30. How much is required

  31. thank you,at least you could have told us how much is the application fee

  32. Can one be working and also schooling? What about you don’t have the money ?what Advice are going to give reply me on fb

  33. Hi…do kenyan passports have a book number and if so where can it be found? Also applying for tourist visa… do i select tourism/medical treatment (B2) on form?? Thanks

    • I need to apply for tourism visa how much amount of money do I need to have in my account

  34. I always imajine me and my kids cruising in America the biggest vacation ever!! I will surely apply for visa one of this days god help me please!!

  35. thats a big process,how much is the application fee anyway

  36. My name is ruth and i want apply for a us visa to visit my fiance i have everything u are asking but don’t have the bank account my fiancee is going to pay for everything…the main purpose for me visiting is because we wandt get married in the us .please how much do i go around

  37. Hey admin I have received an invitation letter from my friend in the states so what are the requirements that I need to visit him for few weeks?

  38. For over a year now, i have been supporting a 16 year old boy in kenya. I support all his schooling, all his needs travel, medical expenses, everything. He asked if i would adopt him and be his mother and bring him here. I love this boy and want him to come here ti the states and be here with me. Where do i start to bring him home here to me? What will be the easiest and fastest way to bring him here?

  39. I am very grateful for the information that you have given in this site which I find straight foward and easy to understand. At the moment I am going through a job interview with a group in the USA. If all goes well, I am probably beginning the job in August 2015. How would I go about getting an employment visa? Is it possible to renew my employment visa while in the states or to I have to travel back to my home country to do the same? How long is an employment visa valied for a foreigner in the states?

    • Please leave your comment…
      Christine… i big up you…..
      if all goes well i could love to be your friend

  40. God bless it is not very complicated

  41. please send me the mpesa paybill number that i am supposed to use to send the money

  42. To begin with, I would like to commend you for the systematic arrangement that you have put in place for visa acquisition. It is good.

    However, the provision for re-scheduling an appointment for visa (especially when the changes have to be in 2 or 3 days) rather looks awkward, in that the dates that may be available after the previous (first) appointment may not augur well with the intended dates of travel. For such cases, how about making a provision for such alternative dates to be available for such clients as early as possible so as not to inconvenience the visitor(s)?

    I am experiencing this dilemma right now. I was scheduled for an appointment on 27.4.2015 for my travel dates 20 – 28 May 2015. To re-schedule the appointment, the dates available are beyond my travel dates (from 11th June 2015). How may you assist me in this, for I have to travel between the dates for a purpose.

    Thank you.

  43. I have been trying to call the numbers (020-5006656, 020 6190600) provided for this purpose but to no avail. Which alternative numbers do you have? Please help.

    Thanks

  44. Hi, today (27/05/2015) I have received my i-20 from a university in the US. I AMS supposed to be in the US by 05th Aug, 2015. How do i go about getting my visa now that I have less than four(4) months left?

  45. hi i need to visit my cousins who stay in the Usa do i require an invitation to apply for a visa or what are my requirements

  46. I have found it difficult to get the necessary information on visa fee payment – where is the needed form to take to the bank?

  47. I want to know more Information about how to apply a visa for USA.

  48. Is it possible for me to get a visa if i have an unpaid loan with my bank.

  49. hi there,,,,,my fiancee wants me to go live with him in the states,,,what do i require to travel there and the procedures???

    • Hi,am Francis.. I want to go and live with my uncle at the united states of America and further my studies,how can I apply for the visa.. Please help 🙁

    • Hi Martha,how far have you gone,,mi PIA natafuta visa

  50. Hi I would like to visit my boyfriend in USA and I would like to know the document s I should have when applying for a visitation Visa In UsA.

  51. Hi my question is I’m a lady of 51 years owning properties in Nairobi and Kimana Hotels in Nairobi county ,kanjido county’s and Mombasa county very bussy also doing government projects but my two kids are in u s a schooling And for sure me as a person can’t afford to stay in u s a cos of my staters and work but I would request for ten years visa cos of visiting my children often maybe for two weeks or a mouth what are the requirements?

  52. I am belong to india I have permit in kenya so I want visit usa how can I apply visa pls ….

  53. I am belong from india and i have a permit in kenya.how can i apply us visa and what document i need kindly advise.

  54. can one travel with a passport to u.s.a and buy a visa at immigrants in USA.

    • Hi Magrina, You can’t get US visa at the point of entry. Kindly apply for a visa at the US Consulate in Nairobi.

  55. Hi, I have a new friend from chicago, ive asked if i can visit her she accepted but is requesting me to send her some money for my visa preparation. Am confused. Id like to know if what shes telling me is genuine or she just wants to conne me

    • Hi Duncan, kindly apply for US visa directly at US Embassy. Do not send anyone money.

  56. how easy is it to get a visa for a student
    Need to study in USA.
    Dad is a citizen there and am in Kenya

  57. My husband and I hosted a international student from Narok,Kenya from 2010-2011 we would very much like to see him again, we would love for him to come here to live but I hear thats almost impossible, but we at least would like him to travel here to visit at our expence he is 19 and really has nothing of his own, how do we go about this process?? Thank You

  58. Can an indian citizen residing in kenya apply for a USA visa from kenya ???

  59. I have a boyfriend I met on-line and wants me to visit him can I be given vise in such case

  60. How can I get a US visa to visit my fiance who’s US citizen in the States

  61. Is it true you use travel agents to help one get a visa.with certain fee.and how much is visa application for a short term visit in USA. Thankyou

  62. how long will it take for the visit visa to be processed?

  63. Was invited to attend a conference by the commission on the status of women on empowerment of rural women being a woman from the rural area but was denied on account of being single and have no children yet I have a permanent job which I had to come back to. Does being a woman mean only those with children and married this being an individuals choice.

  64. Hi, am trying to create an account after the application. difficult for me to find how to do that.
    please help

  65. I sent an application yesterday but i have not yet paid for the fees yet how do i go about it,i need to pay so as to book for an interview i want to pay via mpesa,how do i go about it please

  66. Good evening, my name is Jaykumar Maheshbhai Patel and I would like to ask that after I have done register(Court marriage) what are the documents required for appying visitors visa)

  67. We are planning to visit a friend in August 2018- what is requirement. Do you need an invitation letter. We have four children aged 14, 13, 11 and 1 year – what will be the application fee. On interview – do you need me and my wife to attend or only myself? Kindly advise

  68. hello i want to visit some one in regards to finding a school, what do i need plus i dont have enough on my bank acount. thanks , await reply

  69. Hello, I found the information on the website to be helpful but I still have unanswered questions. My friend wants to come visit me from Kenya. She has a passport does she need a visa? How can she come to the United States for a visit?

  70. hi, i have finished the visa application, how do i pay via mpesa

  71. Helloo am a kenyan teacher need a tourist holiday visa to USA for two months that’s November n December . am I entitled to getting it

  72. I’m a Nigeria living in Kenya how can I apply and what are the main things I suppose to put in place since I have my uncle who want to invite me to come over for a visit pls need urgent reply to what to do …thanks

  73. after completing online application form DS160 how long am i supposed to wait for the response?

  74. I’m a Nigeria living in Kenya how can I apply and what are the main things I suppose to put in place since I have my brother who want to invite me to come over for a visit pls need urgent reply to what to do …thanks

  75. My B2 Visa expires on 31st October. I will be traveling on Business between 19th-27th August. Am l still within the permitted time lines to travel on this Visa?

  76. Hey, Am a Kenyan Citizen. I wish to apply for a visa for the purpose of getting a connecting flight to the Caribbean Islands via US. Which will be fairer than a direct flight to the same destination. Kindly advise on the ideal Visa type.

  77. Hello, how fast is it to get a visa for church ministry to the United States? I intend to fly to Florida where I have been invited for ministry.

  78. Hi, I am Néhémie from DRC, but have been studying in Kenya. My KPP expired. Now I Have a valid I-20 issued by a University in the USA where I will be going for my further sudies. I Would want to apply for F1 visa. Do I need to go to my Contry Ambassy? What is it required for me?

  79. Hey I would like to apply for a visit visa for one month,what are the requirements needed please,do you need an invitation letter.
    Kindly advise

  80. Hi , i would like to visit my brother who is in US who needs care since doesn’t have someone to take care of him.what are requirements to get a visit visa and where do i start..kindly reply…

  81. Can reapply again and after how long will I reapply please.kindly reply me soon. thanks again.

  82. greetings,
    i have finished visa application which site should i use to make visa payments.
    thank you.
    Duncan

  83. Please give me an estimate of the application fee, I need to know so that I can budget for my son who will be travelling to the states to meet family members .

  84. Hey I just wanted to know how can a residence of US invite someone.My step mum is white and she wants to invite me to the states.How will she do it from her end for me to get the needed documents to apply for the VISA

  85. Which site can I use to apply for a visa?

  86. which is the process to use when applying visa and how much

    • The process vary for each visa category and like wise each visa category had different kind of fees. So be specific what visa are you applying for depending on your purpose of visit

  87. Very useful information. How many blank pages (minimum) does one need in his passport before successfully applying for a us visa?

  88. Hi I wanted to know if I can book for interview the same day as my mum because we are travelling together to same destination. Help me on how to go about it.

  89. Can a visa applicant be accompanied by a parent during the interview?

    • No visa applicant escorts are not allowed at the embassy. Only escorts allowed are for children, disabled applicants and interpreters for applicants who cannot communicate effectively in English or Swahili

  90. Am student in a University and I have been invited to USA to represent the institution for short one week program which form do i need to fill

  91. I want to visit a family friend in the US for only one month what the requirements
    Thank you in advance

  92. Can the visa be issued in a shorter time?

  93. Thanks for the information. My wife is a citizen of Usa and wants to come to kenya to pick me but i am a Nigerian citizen. Pls what do i need to do

  94. Hello,
    Thanks for this informative piece.
    Could you offer some advice on telecommuting with respect to a work visa? Not traveling there, but being legally eligible for remote jobs with US companies

  95. HOW MUCH AMOUNT IS REQUIRED IN BANK STATEMENT AND FOR WHICH PERIOD?

  96. Am applying for a non immigrant visa but somehow had booked an appointment in the request notarial and other services not listed above. Can this appointment still be used in my interview in visa application.

  97. Hello
    I’m traveling to the USA in December for 1month. I’m a foreign student here in Kenya and my student pass is processing. I might not get it by then. Will that be an issue at the airport if i have a visa extension and my USA visa valid ? What else do I need to do to avoid any issue when at the airport? Thank you

  98. Hello am Amos…..planning to study in Washington but I have not yet gotten acceptance letter though I have a relative living there who is willing to accommodate me before and after my admission…..please advise on the type of visa to apply if am to visit there before admission…..look forward to your reply

  99. How much is the Visa charges?

  100. how much for visa charges?

  101. HI, Am samuel . There is a certain company in the USA that is willing to offer me an employment. What are the procedures and the requirements for me in order to get there.

  102. Hello. I filled an application form but i cant find the part where im supposed to make payments. Someone help please

  103. I am waiting for the admission letter and paper work from Virginia Theological Seminary in the US, kindly help me know how and when I am supposed to pay for the SEVIS (i.e. 200 US Dollars)?

    Thanks in advance.

  104. Hello,
    I’m an international student in Kenya with a student permit, and I’ve been invited for a month visit by my uncle. I am not having a Kenyan bank account and it is my uncle sponsoring my trip.
    How do I go about the bank statement details required?
    Thanks

  105. Hello How much is the visa charge planing for mission

  106. Hello what about me I would like to visit my boyfriend in United States and I don’t really have a bank account how can I do it please I need help

  107. Pls am a Nigerian studying in kenya. Can I apply for a US visa from here in Kenya? Or do I necessarily have to fly back to Nigeria to get that done?

  108. kindly how much will it cost for a travel visa

  109. Please tell how much is the application fee is and how much I need to have in the bank to visit the States for around 90 days and also how long is the maximum amount of time one can get with a B1 visa

  110. We have a Kenyan friend who is trying to get to a close friend who is dying. She is the director of our mission over there , She has been denied 3 times even with all the required documentation. Wondering where to turn, even contacted our Senator no luck.

  111. I have already submitted the DS -160 application form for US visa. My question is where and how do I pay the $160 application fee. Thanks

  112. Hello,
    Please tell me what is required if i want to visit my cousin in USA. Do i need an invitation letter?

  113. I wanna apply one very soon…..

  114. Hi, i want to find out if a Ghanaian resident of Kenya can apply for a USA visa in Kenya?

  115. We intend to travel to America in June for two weeks on some software training which is sponsored by a parastatal in Kenya.Some of our colleagues have their Kenyan pass ports expiring in November 2019 and we are already in mid April.
    Are we time barred for the trip and can the said pass ports be used for the journey?

  116. Hello, I’m being invited for the African missionary project to go and educate more on Kenya ant it’s missionary needs. Kindly advise me. What visa am i entitled to?.
    Also what are the Visa interview requirement documents I need to have upon the scheduled date.
    Thanks

  117. hello,

    i need to apply for a green card to canada.

    please assist

  118. Hey! i’ve a question can i apply for Work visa while i hold my F1 visa if a company has offered me a job?

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