U.S. Tightens Visa Screening for Kenyans, Warns of Revocation and Fraud Penalties

The United States has rolled out stricter visa screening measures for Kenyans, emphasizing continuous monitoring of visa holders and severe consequences for non-compliance or fraud.

Coupled with procedural changes in visa collection, the new policies aim to bolster security and deter illegal immigration, significantly affecting Kenyan applicants.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the heightened scrutiny in a recent statement: “We expect – and the law requires – all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid. This includes respecting our laws, behaving appropriately according to their visa type, and continuing to meet these standards throughout their stay in our country.”

The State Department further clarified that screening persists post-issuance, with violations potentially leading to visa revocation and deportation.

In a related move, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya implemented a new visa collection process on April 7, 2025.

Applicants must now collect passports and documents from BLS International’s office in Westlands, Nairobi, instead of embassy premises.

Applicants receive an email with a shipping reference number and pick-up instructions, with documents available within five business days of approval.

Identity verification is mandatory, and a fee-based option allows changing delivery locations.

The U.S. Embassy also issued a stark warning against visa fraud on April 11, 2025. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard stated that using fake documents, lying on applications, or overstaying could result in a lifetime U.S. entry ban and additional penalties.

“Failing to disclose the whole truth can lead to visa denial and long-term ineligibility,” he noted, reinforcing the integrity of the visa process.

These measures align with global U.S. visa policy changes under Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025.

A notable shift, shortens the interview-free visa renewal eligibility from 48 to 12 months, likely increasing wait times for Kenyans as in-person interviews become more frequent.

While specific wait times for Kenya remain undisclosed, similar delays in other countries, such as over 440 days in India, suggest potential challenges ahead.

“It’s a tougher process now,” said Peter Mwangi, a Nairobi student applying for a U.S. study visa. “You feel like you’re under a microscope even after getting approved.” The changes have sparked concerns among applicants, many of whom rely on U.S. visas for education, business, or family ties.

U.S. officials defend the policies as essential for national security and legal compliance.

Kenyans are advised to provide accurate documentation, follow the new collection procedures, and prepare for ongoing eligibility checks to navigate the tightened system.

For visa collection details, visit [ais.usvisa-info.com](https://ais.usvisa-info.com). Fraud prevention information is available at [ke.usembassy.gov](https://ke.usembassy.gov).