NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

How do I book an appointment?

All applicants, including those for visa renewal, MUST book an appointment at http://nairobi.usembassy.gov. Read and follow instructions carefully.

Please bring your appointment letter to your scheduled appointment.

PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR VISA APPOINTMENT WELL IN ADVANCE.

SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS MAY NOT BE CHANGED OR CANCELLED.

APPLICANTS SHOULD APPEAR NO EARLIER THAN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO, OR 30 MINUTES AFTER THE APPOINTMENT TIME. E.G., IF YOUR APPOINTMENT IS AT 8:00 A.M. YOU SHOULD NOT PRESENT YOURSELF BEFORE 7:30A.M. OR AFTER 8:30A.M

What documents do I need to bring?

• 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 an application.
• Completed and printed DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) for each applicant – duly signed, all questions answered. Please access http:evisaforms.state.gov or http://nairobi.usembassy.gov to access the form.
• All male applicants between the ages of 16 – 45 years MUST complete DS-157  also available at http://nairobi.usembassy.gov
• 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 on our recommended studios access http://nairobi.usembassy.gov
• White and yellow copies of non-refundable fee receipt from Commercial Bank of Africa for each applicant. $131  (Payable in Kenya shillings only).
• It is suggested to bring documents that demonstrate your ties to your country of residence.

Students/Exchange Program Visa Applicants

• All F1, J1, M1 applicants and their dependents MUST complete DS-158 http://nairobi.usembassy.gov
• 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.
• 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 accept an extension letter, fax or email from the student’s prospective school, college, university.
• Information – 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, 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.

Returning students/exchange visitors need:

• 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.

Other Visa Applicants

• H1Bs, L1s, Q1s, P1s, (petitions based) and C1 applicants do need visas.  For more information visit http://nairobi.usembassy.gov
• 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://nairobi.usembassy.gov

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A VISA.  APPLICANTS NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND FAMILY TIES TO THEIR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE

SUBMITTING FRAUDULENT INFORMATION MAY RENDER YOU PERMANENTLY UNABLE TO VISIT TO THE USA.  DECISION IS BASED SOLELY ON THE INTERVIEW.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: NO FIREARMS, LIQUIDS, POWDER, GELS, FOOD AND BEVERAGES OR SMOKING INSIDE THE EMBASSY COMPOUND. THIS APPLIES TO BABY FORMULA, POWDERED FOOD AND LOTION

QUESTIONS? Contact us at 363-6491 (Please note that this number is not for appointments)