What determines which applicant gets a visa at the US Embassy in Nairobi? Do the visa officers go through the applicant’s papers prior to the interview date? Do they have a pre-determined decision?
Well, these are the questions that have been bugging a majority of applicants who feel that they are denied the US visa at the US Embassy in Nairobi without good reason, and despite meeting all the requirements including strong ties back home, sustainable careers with good salaries, and established businesses.
So what actually influences the visa officer’s decision? We sampled some insights that Kenyans who have gone through the US visa application process shared in the popular tours and travel group Wanderlust Diaries which is owned by Dr. Amakove Wala.
One Kenyan commented;
“I have just been denied a US visa, the interviewer didnt give me even 2mins. Just two questions and i was denied . She didnt look even at my documents despite the fact i offered to show her my bank statement.
All my documents were in order, i had a genuine invitation letter, proper employment letter, bank balance was good and in all honesty i had no intention of over staying in the US. I am just devastated.”
In response, Kenyans commented;
Wangui: Their verdict is usually predetermined. You are lucky you were asked two questions. I wasn’t asked anything. The consular or whatever they are called just gave me a red card/slip and told me that I did not qualify to receive a visa.
Just like you, I had everything from invitation letter to bank statements. I also had a letter from Kenyatta University (this was years ago while in campus) stating that I was to come back to graduate. I was GENUINELY to come back to Kenya.
I wouldn’t have missed my graduation for anything. I vowed never to reapply and always feel 🤮🤮 when I am along Limuru Road near that area..I wonder how much their visa costs nowadays.
Martha: We should demonstrate thats if they don’t give someone visa then why keep the money. This is a business they are doing and they are making a lot of money. Our government should intervene that if someone is denied the visa to any country then they should give the money back.
How I successfully interviewed for my US visa at US Embassy in Nairobi
Kenia Esther who assists in visa applications for various countries provided insights as follows;
“It’s actually about moods. And in that embassy they exercise it a lot, because they know there’s nothing we can do about it. Kwanza women with PMS, don’t we do the same to clients some days? Hiyo visa ni luck na travel history husaidia mostly,” she said.
She disputed that decisions are made beforehand arguing that the visa officers at the embassy usually have limited time to go through the documents.
“One of my other clients who has lots of money and a good travel history was denied. I was quite surprised. Though I suspect she may have been unable to express herself clearly in English. It’s not predetermined. Some DS 160 forms are submitted night before interview and people still get visas,” said Kenia.