New US Visa Fee to Hit Kenyans Harder From October 2025
Kenyans planning to travel to the United States will soon face a heavier financial burden as the US government introduces a new Visa Integrity Fee of Ksh32,280 (USD 250), effective October 1, 2025.
The new charge will apply to almost all non-immigrant visa categories, including those for tourism (B1/B2), students (F1), business travel, temporary workers, and exchange visitors (J1). It will be levied in addition to the existing visa application fees already in place.
Who Will Be Affected?
Any Kenyan applying for a temporary US visa will be impacted. This includes individuals seeking to visit family, attend school, participate in work programs, or engage in short-term business trips.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the Visa Integrity Fee is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the vetting process and safeguard American national interests.
Refunds Possible for Compliant Travelers
Interestingly, travelers who depart the US within five days of their visa’s expiration—or those who fully comply with all immigration terms may be eligible to reclaim the extra surcharge.
Why the Sudden Change?
This move follows a recent policy update in June 2025, in which the US State Department announced tougher scrutiny for international students applying for study visas.
As part of that process, student and exchange visa applicants must now make their social media profiles public to facilitate in-depth vetting by US authorities.
“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify applicants who are inadmissible to the United States,” the US Department stated.
Enhanced Screening: Social Media in Focus
Kenyan students looking to study in the US under F, M, and J visa classifications will now undergo more comprehensive background checks. These will include a review of their online activity to ensure they pose no threat to US national security.
The US government emphasized that these steps are necessary to ensure that visa holders engage in lawful activities consistent with the stated purpose of their admission.
What Kenyans Need to Know
- New Fee: Ksh32,280 ($250), effective October 1, 2025.
- Applies To: Tourist, student, business, work, and exchange visitor visas.
- Possible Refund: Available for compliant travelers who exit the US within 5 days of visa expiry.
- Social Media Checks: Required for all student and exchange visa applicants.
Kenyans intending to visit the US are advised to start budgeting early and prepare for a more rigorous visa application process in the coming months.
For more updates on US visa policies and international travel news, stay tuned to TheStar.co.ke.
