Move from Kenya to United States
Starter · 0%Moving from Kenya to the United States requires careful planning and understanding of various immigration pathways. The U.S. offers several visa options, including visitor visas, family-based migration, and employment-based routes. Each visa type has specific requirements, processing times, and costs associated. You should determine the most suitable visa for your situation and to prepare the necessary documents well in advance. The cost of living in the U.S. is significantly higher than in Kenya, with a delta of approximately 39.9 points. You should consider your financial readiness for this change. Typical net salaries are also higher, presenting potential for better economic opportunities. However, you must be aware of various regulations, including work authorization and tax residency rules. Ensure you verify all information with official government sources and licensed immigration professionals to avoid potential pitfalls in your migration journey.
Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites.
AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI · Editorial standards
Planning tools
- Interactive plan
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- Cost calculator
Compare living costs and salary signals.
- Eligibility quiz
Screen visa pathways before deep research.
- Scam check
Paste an offer or URL to match known fraud patterns.
- Arrival checklist
First-month tasks after landing.
- Community hub
Articles, tools, and corridor resources in one place.
Corridor articles
Browse blog →- US Makes End of Automatic EAD Extensions Final From 14 October 2026
DHS has finalized the end of automatic work permit extensions, effective 14 October 2026. If you file an EAD renewal now, your card stops on its printed end date unless USCIS approves the renewal first. Here is who is affected and how to plan.
- US Proposes Ending Deference for H-1B and L-1 Visa Extensions
DHS published a proposed rule on 14 October 2026 to end deference to prior approvals for Form I-129 extensions. Here is what the change means for H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN workers, and how to comment by 13 November.
- US Suspends Microsoft, Adobe and Six Outsourcing Firms From PERM Green Card Program
The US Labor Department froze new and pending PERM green card filings for Microsoft, Adobe and six outsourcing firms on 8 October 2026. Here is what the suspension covers, what 20 CFR 656.31 says, and the steps sponsored workers should take now.
- US Extends Social Media Screening to TN, TD and I Visas From 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, the US State Department reviews the online presence of TN, TD and I visa applicants. You must set every social media profile to public before your consular interview. Here is who is covered and how to prepare.
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Set up policy alertsPathway ranking
Top visas by your goal
Ranked from published visa records — always confirm eligibility on the official immigration portal.
- Rank 1Score 86
EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals
migration · 17-30 weeks
Matches work pathway signals (work, skilled)
Open visa guide →
- Rank 2Score 78
EB-5 Investor Visa
business · 24-48 months end-to-end
Matches work pathway signals (business)
Open visa guide →
- Rank 3Score 78
Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 / EB-3)
residency · 1-6 years depending on country of birth and category
Matches work pathway signals (employment)
Open visa guide →
Route comparison
Top pathways for work
Compare published visa routes on this corridor — not a eligibility guarantee.
EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionals
Best matchmigration · 17-30 weeks
Fees: Min Income Points: , · Min Savings: , (+2 more)
Open visa guide →
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Strong alternativework · 3-6 months standard; 15 days with premium processing
Fees: I129Fee: USD 460 (paid by employer) · Acwia Fee: USD 750-1,500 (+2 more)
Open visa guide →
EB-5 Investor Visa
Considerbusiness · 24-48 months end-to-end
Fees: I829Fee: USD 9,525 · I526EFee: USD 11,160 (+2 more)
Open visa guide →
Timeline tracker
If you apply today
Estimates from published processing times for United States. Always confirm on the official portal.
| Visa | Processing (published) | Est. weeks | Apply by (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 / B-2 Visitor Visa | 2-8 weeks (depends on consulate wait) | 8 | — |
| CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizen | 17-30 weeks | 30 | — |
| Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) | 17-30 weeks | 30 | — |
| E-1 Treaty Trader | 8-17 weeks | 17 | — |
| E-2 Treaty Investor | 8-17 weeks | 17 | — |
Risk awareness
Scams, laws & mistakes — United States
Review before paying fees or sharing documents. Report suspicious offers via our scam check tool.
- Scam alertmediumDocument Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge
In the United States, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may encounter a scam involving inflated…
- Scam alertmediumFake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee
Scammers in the United States often impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents to exploit newcomers. These…
- Scam alertmediumFake University or Scholarship Letter
In the United States, a prevalent scam targets students, parents, and scholarship applicants through fake university or scholarship…
- Scam alertmediumRental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract
In the United States, a common housing scam targets newcomers, students, families, and remote workers. Scammers often post fake apartment…
- LawcriticalImmigration Status and Overstay Rules
Your right to remain in the United States is contingent upon your specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free status.…
- LawcriticalWork Authorisation Rules
In the United States, holding a visa that permits entry does not guarantee the right to work. Different categories of visas have specific…
- LawhighTax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax residency in the United States is determined by the amount of time you spend in the country. If you live in the U.S. for a significant…
- Common mistakeadvisory
Paying unlicensed consultants who promise guaranteed visa approval
Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.
- Common mistakeadvisory
Using unofficial payment links instead of government portals
Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.
- Common mistakeadvisory
Submitting incomplete proof-of-funds or outdated bank statements
Common corridor planning mistake — verify with official sources.
Corridor feed
Guides, answers & people
- Q&Ahow much does it cost to go to usa from india for study
The costs of studying in the USA from India include several components. The application fee for a U.S. student visa…
- Q&Ahow much does it cost to move to usa
Moving to the United States from Indonesia involves various costs that can vary significantly based on individual…
- Q&Anaturalization citizenship mexico
To naturalize as a U.S. citizen, you must first be a lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a Green Card holder.…
- Q&Ahow long does us visa take to expire
The EB-5 Investor Visa is generally valid for two years from the date it is issued. This visa allows foreign investors…
- Q&Awhat documents do i need for pakistan visa
When applying for a Pakistan visa, you need to gather several important documents. The exact requirements can vary…
- Q&Ahow to move to us from india
Moving to the United States from India involves several steps, and the process can vary based on your situation. The…
- ArticleUS Makes End of Automatic EAD Extensions Final From 14 October 2026
DHS has finalized the end of automatic work permit extensions, effective 14 October 2026. If you file an EAD renewal now, your card stops on its printed end date unless USCIS approves the renewal first. Here is who is affected and how to plan.
- ArticleUS Proposes Ending Deference for H-1B and L-1 Visa Extensions
DHS published a proposed rule on 14 October 2026 to end deference to prior approvals for Form I-129 extensions. Here is what the change means for H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN workers, and how to comment by 13 November.
- ArticleUS Suspends Microsoft, Adobe and Six Outsourcing Firms From PERM Green Card Program
The US Labor Department froze new and pending PERM green card filings for Microsoft, Adobe and six outsourcing firms on 8 October 2026. Here is what the suspension covers, what 20 CFR 656.31 says, and the steps sponsored workers should take now.
- ArticleUS Extends Social Media Screening to TN, TD and I Visas From 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, the US State Department reviews the online presence of TN, TD and I visa applicants. You must set every social media profile to public before your consular interview. Here is who is covered and how to prepare.
- ArticleUS Raises ESTA, Parole and TPS Fees From 16 October 2026
DHS has raised H.R. 1 immigration fees for fiscal year 2027. From 16 October 2026, ESTA costs $40.62, the parole fee hits $1,050, and several TPS, asylum, and parole EAD fees rise by $10. USCIS rejects filings postmarked from 16 October with the old fee.
- ArticleState Department Restricts Visas for Child Abduction Obstruction From 28 September 2026
On 28 September 2026 Secretary Rubio announced U.S. visa restrictions for people who obstruct international parental child abduction returns, plus immediate family members. The policy cites INA 212(a)(3)(C) and follows the 2026 Hague noncompliance report.
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Kenya
🇰🇪Country migration profile
kenya
View country guide →
United States
🇺🇸Capital: Washington, DC · Americas
united-states
View country guide →
Corridor Snapshot
- Cost of living delta: +39.9 index points
- Net salary delta: +6386 per month
- Destination capital: Washington, DC
Move Timeline
- - 6-12 months: choose visa pathway, budget, and document plan
- - 3-6 months: gather proof of funds, translations, employment or study evidence
- - 1-3 months: confirm housing, insurance, travel, and arrival documents
- - First 30 days: complete local registration, banking, healthcare, phone, and safety setup
Official corridor links
- Kenya official immigration source
Use for departure, passport, and local exit obligations where relevant.
- United States official immigration source
Use for visa eligibility, forms, fees, appointments, and entry rules.
Top Visa Options
Assumptions & Limits
- - Corridor guidance combines structured country, visa, law, cost, and scam-alert data.
- - Official government portals override MigrantIQ summaries for eligibility, fees, forms, and appointments.
- - Cost and salary deltas are directional signals, not personal budget guarantees.
- - Use licensed advice for case-specific immigration or legal decisions.
Sources & Official Links
- MigrantIQ country and corridor data
Structured data from country, visa, law, and scam alert records.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Official destination source for current visa and entry rules.
Continue with official planning
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Plan Kenya → United States
Quick links from MigrantIQ for this corridor — visas, tools, Q&A, and stories.
Tools
Visas in United States
- B-1 / B-2 Visitor Visatourist
- CR-1/IR-1 Spouse of US Citizenmigration
- Diversity Visa Lottery (DV)migration
- E-1 Treaty Tradermigration
- E-2 Treaty Investormigration
- EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Cardmigration
- EB-2 Advanced Degree or Exceptional Abilitymigration
- EB-3 Skilled Workers and Professionalsmigration
United States embassies & consulates in Kenya
Where to apply from Kenya for visas and consular services to United States. 1 active mission listed. Always confirm with the mission before you apply.
- Embassy of Unitedstates in Nairobi, Kenya — Embassy, Nairobi
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Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key visa options include the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for tourism, CR-1/IR-1 for spouses of U.S. citizens, and the Diversity Visa Lottery. Employment-based visas like E-1 Treaty Trader and EB-1A for extraordinary ability are also available. Research each option thoroughly and check eligibility requirements on official government sites.
Documents typically required include a valid passport, visa application forms, proof of financial support, and any necessary civil documents like marriage or birth certificates. Each visa type has specific requirements, so verify the exact documentation needed for your chosen visa on official government portals.
You should plan for the higher cost of living in the U.S., which is about 39.9 index points higher than in Kenya. While exact amounts vary by location and lifestyle, having sufficient funds for initial expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, is essential. Review local cost estimates and verify any financial requirements for your visa.
Be cautious of scams such as overcharging for document translation, notary, or apostille services. Avoid fake border or fast-track assistance fees and be wary of rental deposits before viewing properties. Verify all offers and services through official channels to avoid potential fraud.
In your first month, prioritize settling in. Register your new address, obtain a local driving license, and learn about local laws. Open a bank account and understand the tax residency rules. Connecting with local communities can also help ease your transition.
Always verify visa information and immigration rules through official government sites, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State. Consulting with licensed immigration professionals can also provide clarity and ensure you follow the correct procedures.