The US Embassy in Kenya has announced that the fees for certain nonimmigrant visas will increase from May 30, 2023, as part of a global update of consular fees by the US Department of State.
According to a statement issued by the embassy on Wednesday, the fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other categories, such as student (F) and exchange visitor visas (J), will increase from $160 (KES 21,800) to $185 (KES 25,206).
The fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 (KES 25,887) to $205 (KES 27,931). The fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will increase from $205 (KES 27,931) to $315 (KES 42,918).
The embassy said that the fee increases reflect the rising cost of the inputs associated with the services provided by consular sections around the world.
“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 statement read.
The embassy also clarified that individuals who already paid the existing, lower visa fee will not have to pay the difference once the fee increases on May 30, 2023. All visa fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days. Receipts for visa fees paid prior to October 1, 2022, will continue to be valid until September 30, 2023.
The embassy advised applicants to visit its website for more information on visa fees and application procedures.