Kenyans seeking to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 face a major change starting September 2, 2025. The U.S. Department of State has announced that most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including Kenyans—will now need to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This new visa policy reverses the more flexible rules put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and will affect thousands of travelers, students, businesspeople, and families.
The change, announced on July 25, 2025, applies to nearly all nonimmigrant visa categories. These include B-1/B-2 (tourist and business), F-1 (students), J-1 (exchange visitors), H-1B (specialty workers), L-1 (intra-company transfers), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), E-1/E-2 (treaty traders and investors), and more. Even children under 14 and adults over 79—who were previously exempt—will now generally be required to appear in person for an interview.
What’s Changing and Who Is Affected
The new rule means that almost all Kenyans applying for a U.S. visa, whether for the first time or for renewal, must go to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi for an interview. Only a few exceptions remain. For example, some B-1/B-2 (tourist or business) visa renewals may still qualify for a waiver, but only if the application is made within 12 months of the previous visa’s expiration, the previous visa was issued when the applicant was at least 18 years old, and there have been no prior refusals or findings of ineligibility. Diplomatic and official visas (A, G, NATO) may also still be eligible for waivers at the discretion of consular officers.
For most other categories—including students, workers, and even young children and the elderly—an in-person interview is now required. Consular officers still have the power to waive interviews in rare cases, but this will be the exception, not the rule.
Why the Change?
According to the U.S. Department of State, the new visa policy aims to standardize procedures worldwide and strengthen security. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States 🇺🇸 allowed many applicants to skip in-person interviews to reduce backlogs and make travel easier. Now, the government says it is returning to pre-pandemic standards to better prevent fraud and ensure thorough screening.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State explained, “This change is about making sure our visa process is secure and consistent for everyone, everywhere.” Immigration law firms like Fragomen and Erickson Immigration Group have issued alerts, advising clients to prepare for longer processing times and more complex planning.
How Will This Affect Kenyans?
The impact on Kenyans will be immediate and significant. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi already faces high demand for visa appointments, and requiring in-person interviews for almost all applicants will likely lead to longer wait times. Families with young children or elderly members must now plan for everyone to attend the interview in person. Students hoping to start classes in the United States 🇺🇸 and workers with job offers will need to factor in extra time for scheduling and attending interviews.
Key Practical Implications:
- Longer Wait Times: Expect delays in getting visa appointments and processing, especially during busy travel seasons.
- Less Flexibility: Planning international travel, study, or work assignments will require more lead time.
- Renewals Affected: Even frequent travelers and those renewing visas must usually appear in person unless they meet the narrow B-1/B-2 renewal exception.
- Children and Elderly: Families must now bring children under 14 and adults over 79 to the embassy, which was not required before.
- Employers and Schools: Kenyan employers and educational institutions must adjust timelines for sending staff or students to the United States 🇺🇸.
Step-by-Step: What Kenyans Must Do
From September 2, 2025, Kenyans applying for a U.S. visa should follow these steps:
- Identify Your Visa Category: Know which type of nonimmigrant visa you need (B, F, J, H, L, etc.).
- Check Embassy Instructions: Visit the U.S. Embassy Nairobi website for the latest procedures and appointment details.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 online application and print the confirmation page.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Follow instructions on the embassy website to pay the required fee.
- Schedule Your Interview: Use the embassy’s online system to book an in-person interview.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and all supporting documents.
- Attend the Interview: Go to the U.S. Embassy Nairobi on your scheduled date.
- Wait for Processing: After the interview, wait for your visa to be processed and your passport to be returned.
Expert Advice and Community Impact
Immigration attorneys warn that the new rule will increase the administrative burden for both applicants and consular staff. “Applicants should plan well in advance and expect longer wait times,” said a Nairobi-based immigration lawyer. Employers and schools are also being told to adjust their timelines, as the visa process will now take longer for most people.
The travel industry expects a temporary slowdown in U.S.-bound travel from Kenya as people adjust to the new requirements. Some families may have to delay trips or change plans if they cannot secure interview appointments in time.
Background: Why Did the U.S. Change Its Policy?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States 🇺🇸 expanded interview waivers to help reduce backlogs and make travel easier. This helped many Kenyans and others get visas more quickly. However, the U.S. Department of State now says that returning to in-person interviews is necessary for security and fraud prevention.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move brings U.S. visa policy back to pre-pandemic standards and is part of a global effort to make the process more secure and consistent.
What Should Kenyans Do Now?
Kenyans planning to travel, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 should:
- Start the visa process early to allow for possible delays.
- Check the U.S. Embassy Nairobi website regularly for updates and instructions.
- Gather all required documents before scheduling an interview.
- Be prepared for in-person attendance for all family members, including children and elderly relatives.
- Consult official resources like the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for the latest information.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. Department of State may adjust the policy in the future based on feedback and operational needs. For now, Kenyans and others must follow the new rules and plan ahead. Staying informed and starting early will help applicants avoid unnecessary stress and delays.
For the most current updates, always check the official embassy and Department of State websites before making travel plans.
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