Understanding U.S. Visa Fees and Refusal Rates for Kenyans

Applying for a U.S. visa involves several steps and costs, and for Kenyans, understanding these requirements is key. In 2026, the nonrefundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for U.S. visitor visas stands at $185. This fee is paid before an interview can be scheduled. The refusal rate for B visas in Kenya has also seen an increase, reaching 68.23% in fiscal year 2025, up from 34.86% in fiscal year 2021. This means that a significant number of applicants pay the fee without their visa application being approved.

The $185 fee covers various common nonimmigrant visa types, including visitor visas (B1/B2), student visas (F1), exchange visitor visas (J1), and transit or crewmember visas (C1/D). While the fee is set in U.S. dollars, the equivalent in Kenyan Shillings is approximately KSh 24,050, based on an exchange rate of KSh 130 to the dollar. It is important to note that this fee is nonrefundable, meaning it is not returned even if the visa application is denied.

Visa Fee Variations by Category

While the $185 fee is common for many nonimmigrant visas, the U.S. Department of State outlines different charges for other visa categories. These fees are subject to change and are listed in U.S. dollars.

Petition-Based and Fiancé(e) Visas

For certain petition-based visas, such as the H visa (including H1B), the fee is $205, approximately KSh 26,650. The K1 fiancé(e) visa has a fee of $265, which is about KSh 34,450. These fees are also nonrefundable and are paid before the application process can move forward to an interview.

Immigrant Visa Processing Fees

A separate set of fees applies to immigrant visa processing. For immediate-relative and family-preference immigrant visas, the charge is $325 per person. This includes applications for spouses under the CR1 or IR1 categories, which would cost approximately KSh 42,250 per person. These fees are distinct from the nonimmigrant application charges.

Exemptions from Visa Fees

Certain individuals are exempt from paying the nonimmigrant application charge. These exemptions typically apply to some diplomatic applicants and exchange visitors sponsored by the U.S. government. The specific circumstances and visa category of the applicant determine eligibility for an exemption.

The Proposed Visa Integrity Fee

In July 2025, Congress enacted a $250 Visa Integrity Fee intended to be applied to most nonimmigrant visas upon issuance. However, as of September 2026, the U.S. Department of State has indicated that the collection of this fee has not yet begun, and no implementation date has been set. If this fee were to be collected in addition to the standard application fee, the total for a visitor visa could reach $435, or about KSh 56,200. It is crucial for applicants to understand that this is a potential future charge and not part of the current application fee.

Payment Methods and Scheduling

Applicants in Kenya must pay the nonimmigrant application fee through the official U.S. visa appointment portal before they can book an interview. Accepted payment methods include M-Pesa and designated bank branches, such as Equity Bank. It is essential to keep the payment receipt, as it is required to schedule the interview and must be retained throughout the entire application process. The U.S. Embassy in Kenya advises nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their interviews in their country of residence or nationality.

Understanding Refusal Rates

The increase in the B-visa refusal rate for Kenyans, from 34.86% in fiscal year 2021 to 68.23% in fiscal year 2025, provides important context for applicants. While this national percentage does not predict the outcome of an individual application, it highlights the importance of preparing thoroughly. The Nairobi embassy processes over 100,000 visa applications annually, and interview availability can vary. Applicants are generally advised to allow several weeks to three months for an interview appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions