HOW TO APPLY FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA
How do I book an appointment?
All applicants, including children and those for visa renewal, MUST book an appointment by clicking here. Please read instructions carefully and bring your appointment letter to your scheduled appointment.
When should I schedule an appointment?
Please schedule your visa appointment well in advance to account for any delays. Many visas are valid for one year and allow the person to travel to the U.S. anytime during the visa’s validity.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Scheduled appointments may NOT be changed or cancelled.
What time should I arrive?
Applicants should appear no earlier than 30 minutes prior to, or 30 minutes after the appointment time. E.G. If your appointment is at 7:00am, you should not arrive before 6:30am or after 7:30am.
How long do appointments take?
Wait times for an interview can vary. We suggest that applicants bring reading material to occupy themselves while they wait for their interview. The Consular Section also has vending machines that accept Kenyan Shillings in coins. We advise that applicants bring coins if they think that they might want to avail themselves of snacks or drinks from the vending machine.
What happens if my visa application is approved?
If your application is approved, it will take atleast 48 working hours to process the visa. Visa collection is every Monday to Thursday at 2pm apart from the last Wednesday of the month.
What documents do I need to bring?
• A signed Passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of return from the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make a separate application. Please note we DO NOT accept mutilated passports.
• Mandatory complete and printed DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) for each applicant – duly signed, all questions answered. To access the form please click here http://evisaforms.state.gov. The Embassy DOES NOT accept hand written application forms.
• All male applicants between the ages of 16 – 45 years MUST complete DS-157
• A passport sized photograph (2” X 2”). The photo must have a white or off-white background, taken within the last six months (FULL FACE not profile photos). Side photos will not be accepted. For more information click here.
• White and yellow copies of non-refundable fee receipt from Commercial Bank of Africa for each applicant. $131USD (Payable in Kenya shillings only).
• It is suggested to bring documents that demonstrate your ties to your country of residence. However, submission of supporting documents does NOT guarantee that you will be issued a visa.
What additional documents do I need as a Student/Exchange Program Visa Applicant?
• Unless otherwise exempted, participants whose SEVIS I-20 or DS 2019 form, was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid through a special website (fmjfee.gov), via western union, or by mail on form I-797. Please note the Embassy will NOT accept student applications if the SEVIS payment does not reflect in our computer systems.
• Students need to bring test scores and financial exhibits from their sponsors.
• I-20 or the DS-2019 form must be valid. If expired we can accept an extension letter, fax or email from the student’s prospective school, college, university.
• Names and date of birth on the passport’s bio-data page and the information on the I-20 or the DS 2019 form must correspond.
• Students should apply for their visa well in advance of their reporting date for school; however they should apply no earlier than 120 days prior to their reporting or expected date in school.
• If issued visas, students or the exchange program visitors cannot report to school more than 30 days before the intended date of arrival as per the I-20 or DS-2019.
What additional documents do I need as a returning student/exchange visitor?
• Form I-20/DS-2019 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months.
• A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled or previous school (student)
• Financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your school.
• Returning students/exchange visitors are NOT required to pay the SEVIS fee.
Additional documents for Other Visa Applicants
• H1Bs, L1s, Q1s, P1s, R1s (petitions based) and C1 applicants do need visas. For more information visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1286.html
• The above may have to pay an issuance fee depending on the visa type and nationality.
• Certain nationalities may also pay issuance fees depending on the visa type. More information is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/fees/fees_1341.html
PLEASE NOTE:
- Applicants without the above documents will NOT be interviewed.
- Applicants need to demonstrate their social, economic and family ties to their country of residence.
- No firearms, liquids, powder, gels, food and beverages or smoking inside the embassy compound. This applies to baby formula, powdered food and lotion.
Additional questions: 363-6491 (Please note that this number is not for appointments)