United States of America visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Kenyans visiting United States of America

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a American Visa.

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (2 x 2” dimension) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

United States Of America Visa for Kenyans

Facts about United States Of America

The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
 
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
 
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.

Drug use is illegal in the country and carries lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Foreign nationals from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen are not eligible to travel to the United States.

Types of United States Of America Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 15 days 180 days
Student visa 5 - 15 days Valid for the duration of your study
Work visa 15 - 90 days 3 years
Transit visa 5 working days 29 days
Official visa 3 - 5 days Indefinite

General Requirements for United States Of America Visa

  • A Kenyan passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (2 x 2” dimension) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country, e.g. verification from applicant’s employer.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical Insurance.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
United States Of America Tourist visa United States Of America Student visa United States Of America Work visa United States Of America Transit visa United States Of America Official visa

United States Of America Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for Kenyans who want to visit United States for tourism purposes, business purposes or a combination of both purposes.
  • For tourism purposes, you need to obtain a B-2 visa. For business purposes, you need to obtain the B-1 visa.
  • People who seek medical attention in the United States can also obtain the B-2 visa.
  • This category of visa does not allow you to take permanent residence in the country.
  • You can neither study or be gainfully employed with this category of visa.
  • Evidence of employment and family ties which shows you have the intention of returning to Kenya after the duration of your trip.
  • If you are traveling to the country for medical purposes, there is a need to get the diagnosis from your local doctor and the reason why you cannot get the treatment in Kenya.
  • You need a letter from the medical institution in the United States that is willing to treat you, the letter should state in detail the length and cost of the treatment.
  • Applicants who are less than 18 should make sure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • If you intend to extend your stay, you must file a request with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

United States Of America B-1 (Business Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The USA business visa is also known as a B-1 visa.
  • You are eligible to the B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States. These business activities include:
    • Consulting with business associates.
    • Traveling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or a conference on specific dates.
    • Settling an estate.
    • Negotiating a contract.
    • Participating in short-term training.
  • The B-1 business visa is valid for six months, but can be extended to a year. 
  • The B-1 visa is highly discretionary and can often be denied if there isn't enough evidence that applicants are returning to Kenya after their stay expires.
  • There is no visa dependent category for the business visa  applicants. It is generally not a good idea to take your spouse or children while traveling to USA on a B-1 visa.
  • Certain people are allowed to transit through the United States using B-1 visa.
  • You are required to have a letter of invitation from the company you are visiting in the US detailing the purpose and duration of your trip. Your job position should also be indicated in the letter.
  • A letter from your employer stating that your business leave has been approved. Pay slips from the last three months should be attached to this letter.
  • Interviews are only done for applicants between 14 and 79 years of age.
  • To be eligible for the business B-1 visa, you must demonstrate the following:
    • The purpose of your trip is to enter the United States for business of a legitimate nature.
    • Your plan to remain for a specific limited period of time.
    • Funds to cover the expenses of the trip and your stay in the United States.
    • You have a residence outside the United States in which you have no intention of abandoning, as well as other binding ties which will ensure your return abroad at the end of the visit.

United States Of America B-2 (Tourist Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The United States tourist visa is also known as the B-2 visa.
  • The B-2 visa is for Kenyans visiting the United States for the following:
    • Visiting for holiday.
    • Touring various cities in the US.
    • Visiting friends or family.
    • Participating in social events hosted by various organizations.
    • Visiting the US for medical treatment.
    • Participating in events or contests related to music or sports, for which you will not receive payment.
    • Enrolling in short study courses for which you will not receive credit. For example, cooking classes.
  • If you do not fall in any of the categories above, you are not eligible for a B-2 visa.
  • All applicants between 14 and 79 years old must go through the US tourist interview at the US Embassy they are applying in.
  • Here are the documents required for a B-2 US Tourist visa application:
    • An original passport with at least three months validity beyond intended stay.
    • A letter which describes the purpose of your trip.
    • Proof of financial means. Financial or bank statements to prove you have the finances to stay in the US of at least $266 for each day of your planned stay.
    • Ties to your home country. Family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return.
    • Social media details
    • Criminal records or letter from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions.
    • Documents relevant to your prior visits. This only applies if you visited the US before.
  • If you are a student, you should bring your recent school result, diplomas/degrees and transcripts with you when you visit the Consulate or Embassy for the interview

United States Of America Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is for Kenyans looking to study in the United States.
  • There are four types of student visa, they include:
    • F-1 visa- Students applying for a program which requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F-1 visa. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs.
    •  J-1 visa- the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
    • M-1 visa- the M-1 visa is a type of student visa reserved for vocational and technical schools. While the process remains similar to an F-1 visa, the difference is that on entering, the M-1 visas are time stamped and students cannot overstay their visit.
    • Q-1 visa- the Q-1 visa is for participants in an international cultural exchange program.
  • The school you intend to attend and the course of study determine what category of student visa you will be applying for.
  • The J-1 visa is meant for studying when various organizations sponsor you.
  • M-1 visa is for those attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institution.
  • If you want to attend a college, university, elementary school, high school, seminary or language training course, the appropriate visa type is the F-1 visa.
  • You should have applied to study in the institution of choice and must have been accepted before you can apply for any of the categories of the student visa.
  • The admission letter from the institution you have been admitted to is mandatory.
  • It is also necessary to provide proof of accommodation.
  • Those with an M-1 visa may not work until they have completed their study.
  • F-1 allows you to do on-campus work with restrictions.
  • Minors should ensure their parents sign the application form.

United States Of America F-1 (Student Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The F-1 visa is issued to international students intending to attend one of the educational institutions in the United States.
  • This visa allows you to attend elementary school, university, graduate school and other degrees.
  • Before applying for this visa, you must have been accepted to one of the institutions in the country.
  • With this visa, you can get a driver’s license, open a bank account and travel in and out if the country at any time.
  • Holders of this visa can also transfer between schools if they get accepted to an institution they like better.
  • A letter of acceptance from the institution you have been accepted to should be presented during the visa application process.
  • Proof of proficiency in English language is required. This may be in form of results from TOEFL or IELTS tests.
  • Original transcripts and certificates from previous schools is required.
  • If you have been awarded a scholarship, you are required to have a proof of this.
  • Proof of paid visa application fee should be presented before you can be granted this visa.
  • If your visa expires before the expiry of your visa, you are free to apply for an extension to cover the period of your study.
  • You are allowed to work part-time while school is in session or full-time during breaks.
  • Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years can enter the United States with an F-2 visa.

United States Of America J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is also referred to as a working holiday visa.
  • J-1 visa is designed for exchange program participants.
  • Those who can apply for the J-1 visa are Camp Counselors, Government Visitors, Interns, Physicians, Professors and Research Scholars, Teachers, Trainees, Work and Travel Participants, Short-term Scholars and Specialists in different areas.
  • Potential participants of the J-1 visa must have a sponsor.
  • You have a 30-day travel grace to make arrangements to return to Kenya after the expiry of your visa.
  • You can transfer to another program within the same category with this visa.
  • Interns and trainees are not allowed to work in unskilled labor positions or jobs that require more than 20% of office support work.
  • Short-term scholars are not permitted to be in the country for more than 6 months.
  • J-1 visa holders can be accompanied by their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 years with a J-2 visa.

United States Of America M-1 (Vocational And Non-Academic Education Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who want to enroll in vocational studies such as cooking classes, technical courses, flight school, cosmetology etc.
  • M-1 visa holders can complete their vocational studies full-time and get an associate or other type of degree.
  • Holders of this visa cannot transfer schools within the first six months of their program.
  • With this visa, you cannot work full-time out of campus.
  • Students with the M-1 visa cannot get their Bachelor’s degree during their time in the country.
  • Before you can be issued the M-1 visa, you must have applied and accepted into one of the vocational institutions in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa must show through TOEFL and IELTS tests that they have a high English language proficiency.
  • Proof of paid visa application fee should be provided.
  • All M-1 visa applicants are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee which costs $200. The receipt of this payment should be kept as it will be presented during the visa application process.
  • Transcripts and certificates of previous schools attended should be provided.
  • The visa is valid for the duration of your studies.
  • Holders of this visa are allowed to work on campus part-time when school is in session and full-time when school is on break.
  • You need to get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or M-1 visa work permit before you will be allowed to work in the country.
  • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of the M-1 visa holder can enter the country with an M-2 visa.

United States Of America Q-1 (Cultural Exchange Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Q-1 visa provides Kenyans the opportunities for cultural and employment exchange programs through the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • This visa is a two-way beneficial visa. Kenyans will be able to learn the United States culture and will also inform US citizens about the culture and customs in Kenya.
  • Applicants of this visa must not be less than 18 years of age.
  • You must have sufficient knowledge about the cultural aspects of Kenya and you must be able to communicate these to people.
  • Sponsors of a Q-1 visa holder must have a registered business in the US and organize events to provide cultural exchange information from the participant.
  • The cost of the visa application fee is $190. You may be subject to other fees depending on the country.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • Holders of the Q-1 visa cannot be accompanied by their spouse or children. They should apply for the appropriate visa type to enter the country.
  • The visa is valid for the length of the program or 15 months, whichever is shorter.

United States Of America Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows a Kenyan to take up paid employment temporarily in the United States.
  • The period of working time should be noted in the employment contract.
  • There are various types of work visa which include; H, I, L, O and P visa.
  • Receipt number of Nonimmigrant Worker (I-129 Form) form filed by your employer is required.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees.
  • Proof of incentive that you will return to your country after your work with the exception of H-1B and L visa.
  • If you are applying for a L visa, you will need to have a filled I-129S form which should be taken along with you for your visa interview.
  • Visa interviews are generally required for between the ages of 14 and 79 years but not for those younger or older than this range.
  • Spouse and children of various work visa categories can accompany work visa holders.

United States Of America H-1 (Temporary Workers Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The H-1 visa is the most important division of the H visas. The other categories of the H visa are H-2 (for seasonal workers), H-3 (for trainings) and H-4 (for spouse and children of H-1, H-2 and H-3 visa holders) visas.
  • Holders of the visa are permitted to work temporarily in the United States.
  • The H-1 visa is categorized into H-1B (Person in Specialty Occupation), H-1B1 (Free Trade Agreement) and H-1C (Foreign Registered Nurses).
  • Before an employee can start the visa application process, an approval from the USCIS and DOL must have been granted.
  • A letter from your employer in the United States is required. The letter should describe your job position and your employer should confirm that he/she intends hiring you.
  • Degree and non-degree diplomas and certificate from previous school attended is required.
  • You should possess your updated curriculum vitae or resume.
  • Letter from your previous employers on your employment history and skills should be provided.
  • This visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended.
  • Spouse and children of a H-1 visa holder can accompany enter the country with the H-4 visa.

United States Of America H-2A (Visa For Agricultural Workers) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for those who will work on temporary or seasonal agricultural work.
  • Applicants of this visa are allowed to take up agricultural related jobs for a specific period of time.
  • Work done under this visa does not take more than 1 year to complete.
  • For foreigners to be employed and issued this visa, there must be proof that US citizens are not willing, qualified, able or available to work in those positions.
  • Applicants of this visa are required to show that they have incentive to return to their country after the expiry of their visa.
  • Employers should get certification from the department of labor (DOL) before hiring.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • This visa is valid for 1 year.

United States Of America H-3 (Special Education Visitors Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to visit the United States to receive training or special education for a specific period of time.
  • Applicants of this visa must have applied and been accepted to their preferred training institution.
  • The certificate given at the completion of this program is not a full academic degree.
  • Holders of the H-3 visa are not permitted to work during their time in the country. Only practical work that is part of the curriculum of the training program is allowed.
  • Only 50 people from other countries are allowed to enter the United States on this visa.
  • An invitation letter from the training institution which applicant has been accepted to is required.
  • Proof of paid visa application fee is required.
  • The visa is valid for 2 years and you are expected to leave the country at the expiry of your visa.

United States Of America L-1 (Intracompany Transfers Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows a company operating in the United States with a branch in Kenya to send employees from their Kenyan branch to a branch in the United States.
  • Applicants of this visa are expected to take up executive or managerial position which requires specialized knowledge.
  • If the reason for visiting the US is to attend meetings, conferences or similar work and not for employment, the L-1 visa will not be granted.
  • The L-1 visa is of two types, the L-1A (Managers and Executives) and L-1B (Specialized Knowledge) visas.
  • Before you are issued this visa, you must have been employed in the company for not less than one year in the past three years.
  • Applicants of this visa must have specialized knowledge or have a managerial or executive position.
  • Your employer who has a branch in the United States must have given you an intracompany transfer offer in a managerial, executive or specialized knowledge position before you can begin your application.
  • This visa will only be issued to you if your employer has paid certain fees to the USCIS.
  • You should present you CV or resume during the visa application process.
  • Applicants are required to show photographs of them inside and outside of work.

United States Of America I (Media And Journalist Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows journalist and those who work in the information or media to enter into the United States for the purpose of doing jobs related to media.
  • Applicants of this visa must be employed in a media company outside the United States.
  • Those who are qualified for this visa include journalists going to the US to collect news information about events, journalists with a contract from a foreign company etc.
  • Holders of this visa are allowed to enroll for some university courses which are not full-time.
  • Applicants of this visa cannot work for a company in the United States.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • You must present medical documents that prove that you are in good health.
  • Proof of clean criminal record.
  • Letter from your employer in Kenya describing the purpose of your visit in the United States which must fall within the activities of the I visa.

United States Of America O-1 Visa (Person With Extraordinary Ability) Eligibility & Requirements


  • Kenyans who intend to apply for this visa must have extraordinary abilities and high educational degrees.
  • Those who have been recognized in the film or television industry are also candidates of this visa type.
  • Applicants of this visa must have been offered a job in the United States before the application process can start.
  • If the skills you will doing at the place you have been employed is not the same as your extraordinary skill, you will not be issued this visa.
  • The O-1 visa is of two types; O-1A (for extraordinary abilities in education, business, science and athletics) and O-1B (for extraordinary abilities in film or television industry or in arts).
  • To be considered as having extraordinary skills, you must have received a prize for excellence in your field, have judged the contribution of others in your field or be paid a very high salary.
  • Proof of your extraordinary skill is required.
  • Proof of paid visa application is required.
  • A letter from your employer in the United States should be presented during the visa application process.
  • Applicants planning to travel with the spouse and children should have the original marriage certificate for their spouse and original birth certificate for their children.

United States Of America P (Visa For Athletes) Eligibility & Requirements

  • The P visa is meant for Kenyans in sports, performances, entertainment and culture who are visiting the United States for a performance.
  • There are four types of P visa which are P-1, P-2 visa, P-3 visa and P-4 visa.
  • A team of athletes or group of entertainers applying for this visa must have more than two members.
  • Athletes can engage in part-time study during their time in the country.
  • You are required to present a letter from your employer outlining the details of your performances or events.
  • Document confirming that the group is more than 1 year old and each member’s role in the group should be provided.
  • Itinerary with events and performances including dates and duration of each event.
  • The visa application fee is $160.

United States Of America Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to make short stays in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa intend transiting through United States to their destination country.
  • Visa and flight ticket of your destination country should be presented during the visa application process.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • You must have a clean criminal record.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • You are not allowed to study or work during your time in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 29 days.
  • You are required to exit the country before the expiry of your visa.
  • There is no extension to the transit visa.

United States Of America Crewmember Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa for Kenyans who work on sea vessels or international airlines transiting through the United States.
  • Crewmembers can stay in the United States for a maximum of 29 days.
  • You are not allowed to extend your stay in the country.
  • Holders of this visa must enter and leave the United State in the same dock or airport.
  • After leaving the United States, you can only reapply for this visa after 6 months.
  • You are neither allowed to enroll for a study program nor apply for a Green card.
  • A letter from your employer stating detailing the name of the vessel, duration of stay in the United States, date and port of entry, date and port of exit as well as your job position should be provided.
  • Continuous discharge certificate is required.
  • Clean criminal record.

United States Of America A-1 (Diplomatic Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for diplomats who intend to enter the United States to develop bilateral relationship between the governments of the United States and Kenya.
  • Those holding the diplomatic visa cannot travel under the visa waiver program.
  • Only Heads of State or Government can get the diplomatic visa for any purpose. Other government officials must have a purpose that is related government work before they can obtain the A visa.
  • Government officials who are eligible for this visa include; Head of State, Consular officer who will serve in their country’s consulate or embassy, ministers or cabinet members of the Kenyan government.
  • Also, European Union or African Union representatives of governments may be issued this visa.
  • Diplomatic visas are processed faster than any other non-immigrant visa.
  • Diplomatic note written by the Kenyan government stating your full name, date of birth, position within the government, purpose and duration of travel, description of your duties and job position.
  • Spouse and unmarried children of an A-1 visa holder can enter the accompany the diplomat to the country.

United States Of America Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

B-1 (Business Visa)

B-2 (Tourist Visa)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

F-1 (Student Visa)

J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa)

M-1 (Vocational and Non-Academic Education Visa)

Q-1 (Cultural Exchange Visa)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

Work visa

H-1 (Temporary Workers Visa)

H-2A (Visa for Agricultural Workers)

H-3 (Special Education Visitors Visa)

L-1 (Intracompany Transfers Visa)

I (Media and Journalist Visa)

O-1 Visa (Person with Extraordinary Ability)

P (Visa for Athletes)

190.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

190.00 (USD)

Transit visa

Transit Visa

Crewmember Visa

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Official visa

A-1 (Diplomatic Visa)

0.00 (USD)

United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Kenya

Location

Address

Nairobi

United Nations Avenue, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya.

https://www.ke.usembassy.gov/visa/

essa_contactus+ke+info+en@visaops.net

+254 20 764 0121, +254 20 363 6000

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of visas are available?

There are over 15 USA visa types available for you, depending on the purpose of your travel.

Should I book my travel before the interview?
Applicants are strongly advised not to book travel before their interview, until they receive their passport and visa.
I changed my name, is my US visa with my old name still valid?
If you legally changed your name, you will need to obtain a new passport. Once you have obtained a new passport, you can then apply for a visa.
I have a nonimmigrant visa that will expire soon. Do I need to go through the whole visa application process again?
Yes, you will need to go through the entire visa application process each time you apply for a visa, even if your visa is still valid.
How long does my passport have to be valid in order to apply for a US visa?

The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United States.