Kenyan students in US risk losing visas for deferring studies

Kenyan students in the United States risk losing their visas if they fail to adhere to their academic programmes.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Nairobi cautioned the students that they risk having their visas being revoked if they are not compliant with the conditions of their stay.

“Heading to the U.S. on a student visa? Ensure you stay on track! If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S visas,” the embassy warned.

According to the embassy, such conduct also carries the risk of losing eligibility for future US visas and travel plans.

The warning comes after the embassy last month directed that Kenyans applying for US visas list their social media handles for each and every platform.

It said the social media details, dating back to the last five years, should be indicated on the DS-160 Visa application form.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” it said.

The US mission warned that omitting social media handles could lead to denial or ineligibility.

“Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial or ineligibility for future U.S. visas.”

The directive was part of enhancements to the tourist screening process established to safeguard national security and public interests.

In June, the US Department of State announced increased vetting and screening measures to deter illegal entry into the North American nation.

It directed visa applicants who set their social media account settings to private to readjust them to public to allow for in-depth analysis and determination on whether their entry to the US is warranted or not.