The United States Department of State has implemented a significant policy shift requiring all visa applicants, including Kenyans, to attend their visa interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence. This new directive, which took effect on Thursday, October 1, 2025, eliminates the previous option of scheduling interviews in third countries for convenience or shorter wait times.

Under the updated guidelines, both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants will no longer be permitted to choose interview locations outside their designated district, unless they qualify for a rare exception. The broad waiver for in-person interviews, previously available for many nonimmigrant visa categories, has also been largely eliminated.

Historical and Political Context

For several years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of State offered flexibilities that allowed certain visa applicants to bypass in-person interviews or apply in countries other than their home country. This was often utilised by individuals seeking to avoid long wait times at their local embassies or for logistical reasons. However, the US government has been moving towards tightening immigration rules and increasing oversight of the visa process.

The current policy changes reflect a broader push to streamline the visa process and enhance security measures. The Department of State views in-person interviews as a crucial tool for detecting fraud, misrepresentation, and other indicators that might render an applicant ineligible for a visa.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The new policy, announced by the US Department of State, mandates that nonimmigrant visa applicants schedule their interviews at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. For Kenyans, this means the US Embassy in Nairobi will be the primary location for all visa interviews.

Limited exceptions to the in-person interview waiver remain for specific categories such as diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1). Additionally, individuals renewing certain B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visas within 12 months of expiration may still qualify for a waiver if they apply from their country of nationality or residence, have no prior visa refusals (unless overcome or waived), and have no apparent ineligibility.

Applicants who choose to schedule interviews outside their country of nationality or residence may face increased scrutiny and a higher likelihood of visa refusal. Importantly, visa application fees paid for applications outside the designated jurisdiction will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

This policy change is expected to significantly impact Kenyan citizens planning to travel to the US. Previously, some Kenyans may have sought interview appointments in countries with shorter wait times. The new rules will necessitate careful planning and potentially longer waiting periods for appointments at the US Embassy in Nairobi.

For US employers sponsoring international talent, the policy introduces new complexities in workforce planning and immigration timelines, particularly for sectors like technology and healthcare that rely heavily on foreign workers.

Evidence/Data Box

• Effective Date: October 1, 2025, for most nonimmigrant visa applicants.
• Interview Location: Must be in the applicant's country of nationality or legal residence.
• Interview Waivers: Largely eliminated for most nonimmigrant visa categories, including for children under 14 and adults over 79.
• Fee Policy: Fees for applications scheduled outside the designated jurisdiction are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Impact: Expected to lead to longer wait times and increased travel burdens.

Risks and Implications

The primary implication for Kenyan applicants is the potential for significantly longer wait times for visa interview appointments at the US Embassy in Nairobi. This could delay travel plans for education, employment, business, or tourism. The elimination of interview waivers for most categories, including for minors and the elderly, means that nearly all applicants will need to physically appear for an interview.

The policy also places a greater burden on applicants to demonstrate their residence if applying in a country other than their nationality. The non-refundable nature of visa fees for incorrectly scheduled appointments adds a financial risk for those who do not adhere to the new guidelines.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the US Department of State has outlined the new policy, the full extent of its impact on visa processing times in specific countries like Kenya remains to be seen. The Department has stated that existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be cancelled. However, applicants who had previously planned to seek interviews in third countries will need to reschedule in Nairobi, potentially adding to the local backlog.

There is also ongoing discussion regarding the balance between security enhancements and the practical challenges faced by international applicants. Some critics argue that while the H-2A farm guest worker program is being made easier to use, high-skilled immigration faces increased hurdles.

Timeline and Next Steps

The policy requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence became effective immediately on Thursday, October 10, 2025. The elimination of most interview waivers for nonimmigrant visas took effect earlier, on Monday, September 2, 2025, with some sources indicating October 1, 2025, for most nonimmigrant visa applicants.

Immigrant visa applicants will also be required to interview in their country of residence or nationality starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

What to Watch

Kenyans planning to apply for US visas should closely monitor the official website of the US Embassy in Nairobi for specific guidance and updated appointment availability. It is crucial to complete the DS-160 online application form accurately and gather all required supporting documents, including a valid Kenyan passport and proof of visa fee payment, before scheduling an interview.

Applicants should anticipate longer processing times and plan their travel well in advance. The US Department of State continues to update its visa news and policies, and staying informed through official channels will be vital for a smooth application process.