America extends Visas for Kenyans visiting U.S.

The United States has extended the validity of Non-Immigrant Visas (NIVs) for temporary travel to America for business and tourism from one year to five years.

The U.S. Department of State has also extended visa periods for students accepted for a student exchange programme in America in the changes taking effect from September 22^nd.

This directive has effectively extended stay in America for more than 600 Kenyans by five years, after Kenya also extended to five years visitor visa validity for visiting Americans.

This comes after bilateral talks between Presidents Barack Obama and Uhuru Kenyatta during Obama July trip to Kenya, with about 14,000 Kenyans said to visit U.S. yearly for business and tourism.

While the extended validity for NIVs allows for multiple entries into the United States, it does not permit a stay of five years.

The length of stay for each visit to the United States will still be determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the designated port of entry.

Violations of granted duration of stay could result in NIV revocation.

In July, President Obama announced that Kenyans can now enjoy five year visas to the United States up from the previous one year maximum following bilateral talks between the two countries .

Obama made the announcement after the conclusion of a closed door session with President Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

“We will extend student and business visas for up to five years for Kenyans traveling to the United States and for Americans traveling to Kenya. This will make it easier for students to complete their studies and for businesses to make long-term plans,” said Obama.

Obama also said the two governments were working on commencing direct flights between the U.S. and Kenya.

Noting the potential of the directs flights, President Obama – who shied away from giving definite dates for their commencement – said the route will boost tourism and strengthen trade ties between the two trade partners.

“There are very specific protocols and security issues that have to be worked on before an actual date can be announced. We have sent representatives of our Department of Transportation and Homeland Security to work with your officials. I think real progress has been made,” said Obama.