Tips to Help You With Your Immigration Process

A lot of Kenyans love the idea of travelling abroad and relocating to the U.S or the U.K. Often times it’s associated with the idea of greener pastures and more money. In the same breath, an equal amount of Kenyans fail to crack the code and are unable to pass the immigration tests or have their visa denied. We have highlighted some key tips to consider before starting the immigration process and relocate to Canada or any European country the right way.

As of the 2010 census, there were an estimated 92,638 Kenyan-born persons living in the US alone. That number as of 2020 is at 150,000. Albeit this number could have gone down because of the deportation laws set by Trump that saw up to 100 Kenyand deported in 2016.

The above has just answered where do most Kenyans immigrate to followed by the UK. Other European countries are Sweden, Netherlands, Canada and Australia. On the African continent, there is not much in-house relocating but countries like Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania and surprisingly South Sudan.

The Gulf region like Saudi, Qatar, Dubai and Kuwait mostly attract Domestic workers or blue-collar jobs.

Statista on the figures of where Kenyans emigrated to as of 2020.

How can a Kenyan immigrate overseas? Well, according to the people there, it’s fairly easy if you have the right requirements as those mentioned in this article. However, if you are a bit impatient you can utilise agencies that will probably charge you Ksh100,000 going up.

Start the immigration process through e-citizen

First things first. Do you want to go to the US, UK? You need to be psychologically ready and have a purpose for going. Greener pastures alone are not convincing to the immigration officers. Have a solid plan. A lot of the interview questions are psychologically set to determine your eligibility to go get a Visa. Therefore what you will be doing there, for how long and where you are going to stay are very important questions.

Another important key area is your medical examination report as well as your police clearance certificate. As for medical purposes, the examination is done to make sure you arent a public health risk due to communicable diseases. Certain diseases that can make you fail your medical are Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. The CDC is very clear on quarantinable diseases like smallpox and the now Covid 19. Generally, any global pandemic or world health risk related illness can disqualify you from getting a visa.

In regards to a Police clearance certificate, well, you know no one wants a criminal in their own home!

Once you have passed your medical checkup, tested for Covid and passed, your chances might just be higher. But does a medical report guarantee you passage to the other side? You need a visa. The requirements are pretty standard for some countries where you just pay and board, or pay at the border or no need for a visa at all!

However, always have a passport that is valid for 1-year just to be safe.

Kenyans have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 69 countries and territories.

To the good part. After you have secured your appointment, passed your interview and are eligible for a visa, what do you need to go abroad?

Money. You can never have enough of it. You need this even before you start the whole visa application process in Kenya. Despite the current state of economic affairs, Kenya still is one of the most affordable places to live. Basic hint. A Ksh20. Avocado will cost you Ksh400 in the U.S.
Check travel updates. Just because you got your golden ticket doesn’t mean you risk it all for a short-lived life. Learn the culture Do and Donts e.t.c. In as much as the grass is greener on the other side, so is the reality of socio, political issues and natural calamities.
In the case of leisure, research places you can go with your visa. Schengen visas are highly recommended here if Europe is where you are going.

For those that require a visa, note that it outlines the number of days you can stay.

A single entry visa is simple as it covers Holidays, tourism and business.
Transit visas are the easiest to gt as you are just passing through and mostly get awarded 72 hours stay.
Multiple Visa is for frequent flyers and the most coveted Courtesy Visa which caters to diplomats that is the envy of all.

All the mentioned visas in Kenya cost around $51 to $100.Since the dollar fluctuates, so you have to calculate in real-time and confirm with the related embassy for actual costs. After filling an application form a bank slip will be given to you for deposit. Please note that a visa does not guarantee entry.

We could compare travelling in Africa vs Europe/U.S but it ultimately depends on your lifestyle, where you want to go, what you are going to do and how long you would like to stay. Whatever floats your boat traveller!