US increases Visa fees for Kenya students

United States non-immigrant Visa fees has been increased by between Sh 800 and Sh1,500.

Non-immigrant visas are for temporary visitors who enter the US for tourist, business, and study purposes. 

Students and tourists who have been paying Sh10,500 to get the US Visa will now pay Sh11,200 while professional athletes and temporary workers in the US who fall under the specialty non-immigrant category will pay Sh 12,000.

The new charges take effect on June 4. The price increase is a reflection of the increase for all US Visa applicants around the world.

The last time there was an adjustment in Non-Immigrant Visa fees was in 2008, due to effects of the exchange rate then.

The fee increased from Sh9,000 in February of that year reflecting the shifts in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Kenyan Shilling.

Pay difference

In a statement Friday, the US Embassy in Kenya said applicants will pay the Sh10,500 fee prior to the June 4 date next Friday but those who will go to the Embassy for an interview afterwards will be required to pay the difference in fees of either Sh800 or Sh1,500.

The Embassy, however, clarified that the procedures for payment of the fees remain the same.

“In its management of all consular services and operations, it is normal practice for the Department of State to adjust Visa fees to reflect increased costs of operations,” the statement from the Embassy said.

The Department of State is required by the US federal legislation to recover costs through fees charged for Visa services.