Many Kenyans, each year, apply for a United States of America visa for many different reasons including work, school, or leisure. Applying for a U.S.A visa can be a long and tedious process but it doesn’t have to be. You have to be patient and follow due process because the consulate is serving several Eastern African countries and the applications can be overwhelming. It also varies depending on the type of visa one is applying for.
Types Of Visas
B-1/ B-2 Visa: For tourists, business visitors, or those visiting family.
F-1 Visa: For students attending an academic program or English language program.
J-1 Visa: For exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange.
H-1B Visa: For skilled workers in specialty occupations.
L Visa: For intracompany transferees who work in managerial positions or have specialized knowledge.
For beginners, here’s a general guide and tips on how to apply for a U.S.A Visa:
1. Complete Form DS-160
This is the online non-immigrant visa application form which must be filled out accurately and completely. It is found in the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
2. Pay Visa Application Fee
After completing the DS-160 form, you are required to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount is dependent on the type of visa you are applying for.
3. Schedule an Appointment
Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to schedule an appointment for your visa interview. You will need the DS-160 confirmation number to schedule your appointment.
Some applicants, e.g. children under 14 or adults over 79, might not require an interview. Check the specific embassy guidelines.
4. Preparing For The Interview
The required documents include:
- A valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.A.)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- A passport-sized photo that meets U.S. visa requirements
- Documentation supporting your visa type (e.g., invitation letter, proof of financial support, etc.)
- Appointment Confirmation letter, which you receive after scheduling your appointment online.
- Additional documents are dependent on your visa type, like employment letters, proof of financial stability, school acceptance letters, etc. Additional requirements, such as SEVIS fees for student visas or additional forms for certain work visas may be needed.
5. Interview Process
The visa interview is conducted at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Here the embassy expects you to discuss your travel plans conclusively, the purpose of your trip, and ties to your home country.
You may also need to provide fingerprints (biometrics).
6. Visa Approval
Once your visa is approved, you will be informed about how your passport with the visa will be returned to you. The passport will typically be returned to you with the visa stamp within a few days to a couple of weeks.
If denied, an explanation will be given on why your application was rejected. Common reasons include incomplete documentation or insufficient evidence of strong ties to your home country.
Visa processing times vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
7. Processing Time
After a successful interview, most non-immigrant visas are processed within 3 to 5 business days. Some applications may require further administrative processing, which can take additional time typically taking a few weeks and rare cases, several months.
During peak travel seasons (summer/ winter holidays), processing times can take longer due to increased application volume. Political instability and health pandemics, or natural disasters can affect consulate operations.
You can check the status of your visa application on the CEAC Visa Status Check Website by entering your DS-160 confirmation number and the location where you applied.
For further up-to-date information, visit the official U.S. Department of State website or the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate.
