The United States (US) Embassy Nairobi has issued new directives and guidelines affecting all non-immigrant (DS-160) visa applications.
In a statement on May 6, the Embassy directed DS-160 applicants to adjust their profiles before May 18, 2024.
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The Embassy has warned that failure to comply with the guidelines will result in the cancellation of visa appointments.
“Visa Update! To improve customer experience, all non-immigrant visa applicants are required to present the same DS-160 application form during the visa interview as was used to book the appointment. Click here https://bit.ly/3UIHaPx for instructions on how to adjust your profile by May 18,” read the statement in part.
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New Visa Application Requirements
To meet the new visa processing requirements all applicants must do the following:
1.Locate your DS-160 confirmation page. If you do not have your DS-160 confirmation page, go to step #3 below.
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2.Log in to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ke to confirm the DS-160 number on your account matches the DS-160 number on the confirmation page.
“If the confirmation numbers do not match, go to step #3 below. If the numbers match, please attend your interview at the time you have scheduled,” the Embassy explained.
3.Go to https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx and follow the instructions there to complete a new D-160. Print out the confirmation page for your new DS-160 so you can bring that to your new appointment.
4.Log in to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ke again, click on the gear icon at the far-right end and select the edit button and replace the old DS-160 number with your new, correct DS-160 number.
“If you have any issues entering your new DS-160 number, click on Contact Us at the bottom of the webpage and follow the instructions to obtain assistance,” the statement read in part.
“If you fail to confirm or update your DS-160 number by May 18, the U.S. Embassy will cancel your appointment and instruct you to schedule a new appointment.”
Also Read: Larry Madowo Questions Nigeria’s Visa Charges
Application Fees Validity
Besides, the US Embassy explained that Visa application fees are valid to use for 365 days from date of purchase.
After the 365 days, if the applicant has not scheduled their interview appointment or submitted their application to apply for a US Non-Immigrant visa (including K fiancé visas), the fee will expire, and the applicant will forfeit the right to use the fee for a visa application.
“To check the expiry date of your visa fee, log into your account on this website (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/), click the Continue button, and select Payment Receipt option. The visa fee expiry date for each visa applicant is listed on the Payment Receipt,” the Embassy stated.
Individuals who fail to use the fee before the fee expiration date will be required to pay a new fee if they want to apply for a visa.
Future Appointments Can’t Be Cancelled
Additionally, scheduled appointments cannot be cancelled or rescheduled after the visa fee expiration date unless a customer pays a new visa fee.
“Your current appointment is still valid even if it is scheduled after the visa fee expiration date. Please plan to attend your scheduled visa interview appointment,” the Embassy explained.
“If you try to cancel or reschedule your appointment, the scheduling system will display a warning message indicating that your visa payment of the original appointment has expired and if you wish to continue with your appointment cancelation or reschedule, the system will require you to pay a new visa fee.”
Applicants will be required to pay a new visa fee if they miss their interview appointment and wish to continue with the visa application after the fee used to schedule the appointment has expired.
Also Read: U.S Embassy in Kenya Issues Travel Advisory, Hours After UK
Applicants Who Attended Consular Appointments
Kenyans who already attended the consular appointment but were refused and their visa application is still pending review are not affected by the visa fee expiration date.
The Embassy said their visa application is already in progress and they should follow the guidance received during interviews.
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