The American government on Wednesday, May 3 increased the visa application fees for those seeking to visit there.
The changes take effect from May 30, 2023, a statement from the US embassy said.
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types which has been costing $160 (Sh21,800) will now attract $185 (Sh25,206).
This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas.
Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, which have been costing $190 (Sh25,885) will increase to $205 (Sh27,928).
“As of May 30, 2023, visa fees will be increasing for certain nonimmigrant visas. Visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other categories, such as student (F) and exchange visitor visas (J), will increase from $160 (Sh21,800) to $185 (Sh25,206).”
“The fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205. The fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor, and treaty applicants in a speciality occupation (E category) will increase from $205 to $315,” the statement said.
It added visas for work and tourism are essential to President Biden’s foreign policy, and we recognize the critical role international travel plays in the U.S. economy.
“The Department of State works hard to keep the costs associated with visas to a minimum, and the Department only recovers the costs of providing these consular services.”
“The United States Department of State has updated the cost schedule for consular fees after a review of costs associated with visa and other services around the world,” added the statement.
The statement said the slight increases in the costs of some fees reflect the rising cost of the inputs associated with the services provided by consular sections around the world.
Individuals who already paid the existing, lower NIV fee will not have to pay the difference once the fee increases on May 30, 2023, the statement said.
“All NIV fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days. Receipts for NIV fees paid prior to October 1, 2022, will continue to be valid until September 30, 2023.”
Thousands of Kenyans apply for visas to go to the US for various reasons.
