Requirements to Travel to USA from Kenya

This post talks about the Requirements to Travel to USA from Kenya. It also lists down the types of Visa available.

Table of Contents

Types of Visa

There are two main categories of U.S Visas. They include Nonimmigrant Visas and Immigrant Visas,

Nonimmigrant Visas

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to persons who wish to visit, work, study, or conduct in the United States of America for a specific period of time.

In most cases, these Visas are normally issued for business trips, tourism, academic study, medical treatment. or temporary work.

Below is a list of types of Nonimmigrant Visas in Kenya;

Tourist Visas
Business Visas
Work Visas
Exchange visitor Visas
Temporary worker Visas
Transit Visas
Student Visas

Tourist Visas

These are visas that are issued to individuals who wish to visit a country for sightseeing, leisure, or visiting family or friends.

Business Visas

These are visas that are granted to persons who are traveling for business purposes such as conferences, meetings, or negotiations.

Student Visas

These are Visas that are issued to students who plan to study at a certain institution in any of the states in the United States of America.

These visas allow students to reside in America during the duration of their studies.

Work Visas

These are visas that have been issued to persons who have been offered employment in the United States of America for a specific duration or period.

Exchange Visitor Visas

Exchange visitor visas are issued for educational exchanges or for cultural exchange programs. They allow people to participate in an approved program for the purpose of instructing, lecturing, and teaching just but to mention a few.

Temporary Worker Visas

These visas are issued to workers working in the United States of America for a short duration of time. Most of these workers do not have permanent jobs

Transit Visas

These are visas that are issued to persons passing through the United States of America en route to another destination.

General Requirements for any type of USA Visa

After having looked at the types of Visas available for you to travel to the USA, here is a list of the requirements to travel to USA from Kenya. All travellers are automatically given a Travel Visa.

Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS 160 Application form)
A payment receipt to prove that you have paid a sum of $185 for the Nonimmigrant US visa Application. (It is important to note that you cannot get an appointment day if you have not paid this fee)
The $185 is non-refundable incase your Visa is rejected or in the event you cancel your appointment day.
A valid passport for travel to the United States. The passport should also have the most recently issued U.S. Visa
A passport colored photo taken within the last 6 months. It should have the following measurements 5 x 5 cm (or 2\” x 2\”)
Medical diagnosis from a physician working in a reputable Medical instituion. Ensure the physician is approved by the Embassy of the United States of America.
Sufficient funds/money that will cover all your expenses in the United States of American with ease.
Social media details (You should list down all your social media handles e.g Your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn account) The main reason why the U.S Embassy requires these details is because they would like to check your past activities on the internet for the last couple of years or even decades.
Every document must be written and answered in English.
Fingerprints except for children who are below the age of 14 years, elders over the age of 79 years, NATO applicants, A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, C-3, and people who are not physically able to give out their fingerprints.

Requirements for USA Study Visas

Provide evidence that you have been admitted to an Institution within the United States of America. (Ensure you bring your admission letter on your appointment day)
Pay the normal Visa Fee of $185
Pay an extra $350 for the SEVIS I-901 fee
Receipts proving you have paid the Visa and SEVIS I-901 fee

Requirements for USA Work Visas

Proof you hold the required certificates (Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates)
Job offer or offers from a US employer
A Professional CV or Resume that captures all your details
Proof that you have extra abilities that are of help to the people of the United States of America
A letter/s of recommendation from employers that you have previously worked with.

Requirements for USA Travel Visas

Receipts proving you have paid the Visa Fees (A total of $185)
A travel itinerary that showcases all the activities you intend to do while you are in the United States. The itineary should be as detailed as possible
Proof of Accommodation. Before travelling to the United States of America, visitors must provide a location of where they are planning to stay during their visit. It can be a hotel, a friend’s or relative’s house or a rented house,
In case you have been invited by a citizen in the United States of America, you should provide their invitation letter. The person inviting you should have enough room to host you.
If by any chance you are being sponsored by someone, you should provide a letter of affidavit. The letter should prove that your sponsor has the capability of financially supporting you during your whole stay.