Kenyans planning to travel to the United States have been urged to pay close attention to new changes in the visa application process that will take effect from September 2, 2025.
The U.S. government has announced that most people applying for non-immigrant visas will still be required to attend an in-person interview, including those who are below 14 years or above 79 years.
This update marks a shift from the earlier process where certain age groups were previously exempted.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule depending on the type of visa one is applying for.
Those applying for specific visa categories like A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 will not be required to attend the interview.
These visas mostly apply to diplomats, government officials, and staff of international organisations. The U.S. government has decided to exempt these individuals because their travel is seen as official and essential for international relations.
Their roles are viewed as sensitive and important for global diplomacy, and this is why they are not subjected to the same scrutiny as regular applicants.
Kenyans who are renewing their B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas can also benefit from the interview waiver if they meet specific conditions. The key requirement is that the previous visa must have been valid for its full duration and must have expired within the last 12 months.
In addition, the applicant must have been 18 years or older at the time the previous visa was issued.
Renewal applications must also be made in the applicant’s home country, which for Kenyans means submitting their application to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
Even with these exceptions, the final decision lies with the consular officer. This means that an applicant who qualifies for the interview waiver might still be called in for an interview if the officer feels it’s necessary.
The consular team has full authority to evaluate and request an interview for any reason they find appropriate.
These new rules will replace the previous Interview Waiver Update that had been active since February 18, 2025.
Kenyans looking to travel to the U.S. have been advised to regularly visit the U.S. embassy’s official website to stay informed about the latest updates and to understand the current status of operations at the embassy.
This update is part of the U.S. government’s continued efforts to tighten visa rules and better manage who enters the country. In July, the U.S.
Embassy in Nairobi issued a strong warning to Kenyans, reminding them not to engage in fraud or attempt to cheat the system.
The embassy stated that any attempt to bypass the visa process could result in a lifetime travel ban.
This move reflects a tougher stance by the U.S. in its immigration and visa policies, aiming to ensure that only genuine applicants are allowed into the country.
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