U.S. Embassy in Kenya

What countries were impacted by the Proclamations?

• Certain applicants from the following countries had been, but no longer are, ineligible for visas under Proclamations 9645 and 9983:  Burma, Eritrea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Yemen.

What changed as a result of President Biden’s Proclamation?

• Before the Proclamation signed January 20, individuals from those countries targeted under Proclamations 9645 and 9983 could apply for a visa and be considered for a waiver only if Proclamations 9645 and 9983 were the only bases for their ineligibility.  
• As of January 20, those restrictions are no longer in effect, and the State Department will pursue processing for applicants from those countries, without regard to those proclamations, consistent with applicable law and visa processing procedures, including any related to processing during COVID-19.  

How soon will applicants be able to get visa interviews?  

• Interview wait times vary by post and have been severely affected by COVID‑related limitations, as well as the type of visa application, e.g. immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Please check here [https://ke.usembassy.gov/visas/] for further information about visa processing in Nairobi.

What happens to applicants who were informed they were subject to one of these proclamations, if their cases remain pending?  

• For visa applicants who would have been otherwise eligible for a visa but for the restrictions under Proclamations 9645 and 9983 and are currently being considered for a waiver of the restrictions, consular officers will be taking steps to adjudicate those applications, subject to completion of any required security vetting procedures and other applicable grounds of inadmissibility.

What happens if I was previously denied a visa under Proclamation 9645 and 9983?

• President Biden’s proclamation directs the Department to develop a plan to ensure that visa applicants are not prejudiced as a result of a previous visa denial due to the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983 if they choose to re-apply for a visa.
• Over the coming weeks, the Department will develop guidance for visa applicants who were previously denied under the travel bans. We will provide more detail when we are able.
• Those who had nonimmigrant visa applications denied may reapply.

Will the Proclamation from President Biden have an impact on my case if I was advised that I was subject to those proclamations, but my case is in administrative processing?

• Administrative processing may not be related to the proclamations, as it covers many situations. Please email the consular section with any questions.