When you apply for the US visa, there are three types of responses that you can get from the consular officer. The first is an acceptance which comes in a blue sheet, the second is a rejection which comes in a pink sheet.

The third, which is contained in a yellow sheet could be interpreted to mean that your application needs further processing and, or assessment.

Whereas the majority of applicants get the pink sheet, and the known minority the blue sheet, there are some applicants who also receive the yellow sheet.

One Kenyan lady who got a yellow sheet after applying for her US visa boldly shared her experience and the anxiety that comes with receiving this type of response. Here is what she shared:

“Getting the dreaded pink paper at the US embassy is heartbreaking; but have you ever gotten the yellow paper after an approval?

Let me tell you, that thing gives chest pains, especially given that you had been told your visa is approved only to then receive what looks like a refusal.

My first time applying for the US visa was in 2022. My passport was only 3 months old and I took a leap of faith knowing well the number of unsuccessful stories from people.

I might lack everything but when it comes to confidence, I have it in plenty. I am the type of person who applies for a job requiring PhD with my KCSE certificate without shame.

I went in to the counter for my interview with nothing but confidence, no rich travel history, my bank account reading nothing and the only ties being my kids.

The lady at the counter seemed to vibe with me because she really gave me ample time to express myself because I have a heavy accent and my English is not so good. Questions ranged from how much I earn, how the 2020 pandemic had affected my job, why I think its necessary for me to travel and then pap, I got the BLUE PAPER.

I couldn’t believe it myself. On my way home, I called everyone I thought would have time to listen to me and told them that I had gotten an approval for the US visa.

Then the next day, shock on me; I got an email from the embassy asking me to submit a supplementary questionnaire. I replied immediately, and then on the next day, I receive another email saying that my application had been put on administrative  processing.

Demeaned & rejected: Our visa interview woes at the US Embassy in Kenya

They then they sent my passport back with a remark stating ‘NO VISA’! Ooh chest pains! It took one month before I finally received an email from the embassy requesting me to resubmit my passport. The administrative processing was over and my visa had been approved.

I finally received my visa, though for a limited duration unlike the usual 5 years. All in all, I travelled to the land of milk and honey and to be sincere, that Homeland stamp is the most prestigious stamp you can ever have on your passport!”