Kenyans Eligible for 4,000 US Green Cards: Application Process Explained

The United States' 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program has commenced, offering Kenyan citizens a pathway to American permanent residency.

The application period, which began on October 2, 2024, represents a crucial opportunity for eligible Kenyans aspiring to build a new life in the United States. With approximately 4,000 visas allocated to Kenyan applicants out of the program's annual 55,000 total, this initiative, colloquially known as the "Green Card Lottery," continues to symbolize hope and opportunity for many. The US Embassy in Nairobi has announced a November 5, 2024 deadline for submissions and emphasizes the program's role in promoting diversity within the American immigrant population.

Unlike countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Brazil, which are excluded due to their substantial immigration history, Kenya's eligibility has sparked considerable interest among its citizens. The program's educational requirements stipulate that applicants must have either completed secondary education equivalent to a US high school diploma or possess two years of qualifying work experience in an occupation requiring extensive training. Prospective applicants must navigate a precise electronic submission process through the official Diversity Visa program website.

While the initial application is free, successful candidates should anticipate subsequent expenses related to visa processing, medical examinations, and documentation preparation. The selection process, conducted through a randomized computer system, will notify successful entrants beginning May 3, 2025, via the online Entrant Status Check portal. It is crucial for applicants to understand that selection marks only the beginning of a comprehensive journey. Successful candidates must undergo various procedures, including document verification, interviews, and mandatory background checks.

A non-refundable visa application fee of $330 (approximately Sh 48,000) is required, and applicants should be prepared for potential processing delays. The US Embassy in Nairobi has implemented measures to streamline certain visa processes, including interview waivers for specific visa renewals. This applies to various visa categories, including tourist (B1/B2), student (F1), and crew visas that remain valid or have expired within the past four years. For urgent travel necessities, such as medical emergencies or the death of an immediate family member in the United States, expedited appointment options are available, though these are strictly limited to genuine emergencies.

Despite the competitive nature of the program and its inherent challenges, the Diversity Visa lottery remains an unparalleled opportunity for eligible Kenyans. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in the United States, with a path to eventual citizenship. As the application window progresses, prospective candidates are advised to meticulously prepare their submissions, ensuring all requirements are met to avoid disqualification.