US Streamlines Visa Application Process for Kenyan Students
On Wednesday, June 7, the US Department of State streamlined the Visa application process for international students, including Kenyan applicants, who wish to study abroad.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) conference in Washington, D.C., stated that the new process enabled international students to apply for Visas without an interview.
He added that the development represented a significant departure from the traditional application process, which required an interview.
In addition, the department extended the timeframe for submitting Visa application forms from 120 days to a full year.
In addition to the Visa reforms, Blinken stated that the US government was actively pursuing partnerships with other administrations to increase the number of study abroad opportunities available to international students.
They noted that following the resolution of the initial phase of the pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of international students expressing interest in studying in the United States once more.
The representative further emphasized that measures were implemented to simplify the visa application process, aiming to facilitate and expedite the application procedure for students.He praised organizations like NAFSA for providing students with the necessary information on international opportunities and for hosting student exchange programs.
Raghwa Gopal, the CEO of M Square Media and an attendee at the event, praised the US administration’s efforts to expand study abroad programs as a crucial step.
These alterations are evidence of the changing landscape of global education. The simplification of the visa procedure and the emphasis on inclusion are crucial advances.“
"By eliminating the minimum length requirement for various scholarship programs, the US is opening doors to international education for students who may have previously been excluded due to familial or work obligations. This will indeed benefit students from all regions, including Africa,” he stated.
Gopal opined that short-term study programs would be advantageous for students because they would provide them with opportunities for increased international engagement.
He pointed out that short-term programs often serve as a springboard for further international engagement. He emphasized that such programs have the potential to break down barriers and inspire students to explore more opportunities.
The academic student programme permits international students to enter the United States as full-time students enrolled in an accredited college, university, secondary school, or other academic programme.
The institution must be authorized by the US government to admit international students, and the course must be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program.
US Streamlines Visa Application Process for Kenyan Students
