The United States government has announced updated procedures for non-immigrant visa application that will affect Kenyan applicants starting September 2, 2025. The changes tighten the in-person interview requirements for most visa categories, with only a few exemptions granted.

In-Person Interviews Remain Mandatory for Most

Under the new rules, the majority of applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas will be required to attend an in-person interview, including minors under the age of 14 and senior citizens over the age of 79—groups that were previously exempt.

This move marks a significant shift in the U.S. visa processing policy and comes as part of broader efforts to enhance security and vetting procedures globally.

Limited Exemptions Apply

Exemptions will continue to apply for specific categories, primarily involving diplomats and government officials. These include visa classes A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1. Applicants in these groups are assumed to be traveling for official duties critical to international relations and are, therefore, not subject to the interview requirement.

Renewal Conditions for B-1/B-2 Visa Holders

Applicants looking to renew their B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), or B1/B2 (combined) visas may qualify for an interview waiver if the renewal is submitted within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration. Additional conditions include:

• -The applicant must have been at least 18 years old when their prior visa was issued.

• -The renewal must be submitted from the applicant’s country of nationality, meaning Kenyan applicants must apply through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

Despite meeting these conditions, the U.S. Department of State retains the right to request an in-person interview at the discretion of a consular officer.

Diversity Visa Applicants and Other Reminders

The 2025 Diversity Visa (DV) selections will open their online portal on May 4, 2024, providing eligible applicants the opportunity to check their status.

In light of the new requirements, Kenyan visa applicants are strongly advised to regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi's website for the latest updates on procedures, appointments, and embassy operations.

Crackdown on Visa Fraud

In a related move, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a warning in July 2025 against attempts to circumvent visa rules, emphasizing that fraudulent activity may result in a lifetime travel ban.

A statement released on Wednesday, July 23, cautioned Kenyans against misrepresentation or use of false documents when applying for a U.S. visa. “Any attempt to bypass visa regulations will result in permanent ineligibility,” the embassy reiterated.

Ongoing Policy Tightening

The September 2025 update replaces the previous interview waiver policy issued on February 18, 2025, and is part of a series of changes aimed at tightening immigration policies and screening processes globally. U.S. authorities have signaled that more procedural reforms may follow as immigration remains a high-priority policy issue.