How to Apply For Green Card in Kenya Online

The United States is a land of opportunity, attracting millions of people worldwide who seek better education, employment, and quality of life. If you’re a Kenyan citizen wondering how to apply for green card in Kenya online, you’re not alone.

A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) is one of Kenyans’ dreams since it allows its holder to live and work in America for a lifetime. Applying for a Green Card is, however, tiresome and frustrating.

This article will walk you through hand in hand all you need to master how to apply for green card in Kenya online, starting from the qualification requirements, how to apply, and advice on how to maximize your success.

Whether it is your initial application or following having made an application before that was unsuccessful, you will have all the knowledge needed to ensure your application runs smoothly and is successful.

1What is a Green Card Exactly?

2Understanding the Green Card Application Process

3What Are the Green Card Categories?

3.11. Family-Based Green Cards

3.22. Investment-Based Green Cards

3.33. Refugee/Asylum

3.44. Employment-Based Green Cards

4How to Apply For Green Card in Kenya Online

51. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Application

5.12. Family-Based Green Card Application

5.23. Employment-Based Green Card

6Green Card Application Requirements in Kenya

7Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

8Green Card Application Fees

9Frequently Asked Questions

10Conclusion

11References

12Recommendations

What is a Green Card Exactly?

Before we move to how to apply for green card in Kenya online, first let’s explain what a green card is. You’d guess it’s “green” because, well, it isn’t even green anymore. The name was actually named after the original color, but now it’s officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.

A green card grants you permission to live and work in the United States indefinitely. It’s like being handed a VIP pass to the American dream, an entrance to opportunities that might not be available in Kenya.

Understanding the Green Card Application Process

The first thing you have to do when applying for a green card in Kenya is to understand the different paths toward one. There are many ways to obtain a green card, including family-sponsored, employment-based, refugees, or diversity visa lottery.

In that case, an American citizen or lawful permanent resident files with the USCIS a petition to sponsor the green card process of a family member or companion. The petitioner must be an immediate relative of one of these categories: spouse, child under 21 and unmarried, or parent.

If you have an eligible relative, this could be the fastest way to obtain a green card in Kenya.

What Are the Green Card Categories?

You must be eligible under one of these categories to apply:

1. Family-Based Green Cards

Family sponsorship is one of the most common methods by which foreign nationals may immigrate to the United States. Green Card holders and U.S. citizens may sponsor qualified members of their family for legal status in the United States.

The U.S. citizen or Green Card holder sponsoring their relatives must prove that they can support the beneficiary economically. Green Card holders and U.S. citizens can file immigrant petitions for their wives, husbands, and children who are unmarried to secure legal entry into the United States for them.

US citizens like having the option to sponsor wider groups of relatives than Green Card holders. US Citizens can sponsor parents, brothers, sisters, and married children. The US Citizens must be over the age of 21 to sponsor parents, brothers, and sisters.

But there are still limitations on who can be sponsored by an otherwise legal citizen. They can no longer sponsor their aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, their in-laws, or their cousins, but only close relatives and next of kin.

Also Read – Latest on how to Apply for a Passport Online in Kenya

2. Investment-Based Green Cards

Foreign nationals can obtain a Green Card to the United States by investing between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in business ventures in the country to generate employment opportunities.

The investment must benefit the U.S. economy, and the target country must have created at least ten full-time employment opportunities for the American people.

3. Refugee/Asylum

Those persons who are awarded refugee or asylum status within the United States are eligible for a Green Card if they qualify.

They are able to apply for an adjustment of status and become permanent residents. The process is not as scary as it sounds, and we are here to help.

4. Employment-Based Green Cards

Foreigners may get a Green Card to stay in the United States if they are offered permanent employment by an employer in the United States and if the employer is prepared to sponsor them for a Green Card.

More educated and skilled persons have a greater chance of being granted an employment-based Green Card to move into the United States.

Below is a step-by-step procedure on how to apply green card in Kenya online, prepared specifically for Kenyan readers:

1. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Application

It is the easiest method since most Kenyans qualify. The U.S. government runs the program once every year, normally from early October to early November.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Wait for Official Announcement: The DV Lottery portal opens when the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi or official Department of State website makes the announcement. Avoid being scammed by phony agents or websites.

Get Ready Official Documents: Your national ID, passport, birth certificate, highest educational qualification certificate, and recent passport-size photo will be required.

Visit Official DV Website: Only use the official government portal (https://dvprogram.state.gov/). No payments are required for entry.

Fill Out the Application Form: Give your full names (as they appear on your passport), date of birth, place of birth, country of origin for eligibility purposes (Kenya), address, phone number, email address, educational level, and spouse and children details.

Upload a Recent Photograph: Has very rigid U.S. photograph requirements—white background, no glasses, no headwear.

Double-Check Your Entries: Little errors can lead to disqualification. Carefully check your details before you send it in.

Submit Your Application: Once satisfied, submit online. You’ll get a confirmation page with a unique number — print or screenshot it immediately! It is your only proof of entry.

Wait for Results: Results are announced in May of the following year. Use your confirmation number to check if you’ve been selected. Only check through the official site.

Important Notes

There is no fee for entering the lottery.
The U.S. Embassy does not charge for consultation or entry applications.
Never use middlemen who demand money first. There are many scammers out there — especially in Nairobi’s CBD and River Road!

Also Read – International Passport Price: How to Apply for Your Nigerian Passport Online and Cut Cost in 2025

2. Family-Based Green Card Application

If you have immediate relatives living in the U.S. as citizens or green card holders, they can sponsor you.

Steps:

Have your relative in the U.S. sponsor an immigrant petition (Form I-130) for you.
When this petition is approved, you’ll be notified to begin the visa application online via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Fill Form DS-260 online.
Schedule a medical exam with a U.S. Embassy-approved clinic in Nairobi — usually IOM or the Migration Health Centre.
Gather your documentation: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate if applicable, police clearance, and financial support affidavits from your sponsor.
Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi upon being called.
In case you are approved, you’ll be granted a visa (with “IV” notation), and upon arrival in the U.S., pick up your green card.

3. Employment-Based Green Card

For professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs who get job offers or sponsorship from U.S. employers.

Steps:

Your U.S. employer files an immigrant petition (Form I-140).
You proceed for consular processing, submitting Form DS-260 online.
Go for the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi with all the supporting documents.
Sponsorships for jobs are rare for fresh graduates unless for highly-sought skills (tech, health, engineering, agriculture).

Green Card Application Requirements in Kenya

Although requirements differ slightly by category, the following are common requirements:

Valid passport.
Birth certificate.
Documentation of level of education (minimum KCSE or equivalent for DV Lottery).
Police Clearance Certificate issued by DCI.
Marriage certificate (for married individuals).
Medical examination reports from approved physicians by the embassy.
Passport photos (according to US standards).
Affidavit of support (from the sponsor, if applying under family category).
Completed online application forms (DS-260 for DV and employment/family categories).

Incorrect documents will result in automatic rejection. Don’t take chances!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Green card application is not always a cakewalk. Below are some of the common challenges faced by Kenyans and how to overcome them:

Long Waiting Times: It can take months or even years. Don’t panic and utilize this waiting time to get ready for your potential relocation.
Document Collection: It is a nerve-wracking experience to collect all the documents. Make a checklist and start early.
Interview Jitters: The interview for the visa makes most of the candidates nervous. Practice in front of family and friends to boost confidence.
Financial Burden: Application fees and associated charges can accumulate. Take the consideration of using good financial aid to ease these charges.

Also Read – How to Use the Nigeria Passport Application Portal 2025

Green Card Application Fees

It is important to know the cost involved to plan your application. Below is a summary of the major charges:

Fee Type	Amount (USD)
Form I-130 (Family Petition)	$535
Form I-140 (Employment Petition)	$700
Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application)	$325
USCIS Immigrant Fee	$220
Medical Examination	Varies

Remember that these charges are not constant, so always check the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a green card in Kenya to the USA?

Visit dvprogram.state.gov during the entry period, fill out the online application, submit your photo, and enter at no charge.

Can I apply without a passport?

No. You must have a valid passport upon applying.

How can I tell if I have won?

See online results in May using your confirmation number.

Can my entire family go with me?

Yes, if you qualify, you can bring your spouse and children under 21 on your application.

Conclusion

If you’ve been having aspirations to move to the US, learning how to apply for a green card online in Kenya is your beginning. It’s simple, completely free, and accessible annually for a certain period.

By arranging your documents, applying in good time, and not becoming a victim of fraud, you can do your best in the green card application in Kenya.

To Kenyans, it’s not just a form to fill — it’s a life-changing experience. Take it seriously, follow the rules, and who knows — you might be the next lucky winner of a new life in the USA.

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