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Immigration Responsibilities for International Students in Kenya

International students enrich our academic and cultural landscape. However, to pursue higher education in Kenya, an international student must adhere to specific immigration regulations. Here's an overview of your key responsibilities:

Legal Entry and Stay.

  1. Please make sure that all payments are done via the ecitizen portal while seeking immigration assistance at the points of entry. Beware of people parading themselves as immigration officers at the points of entry.
  2. It is your duty to ensure that your details are recorded in the border control system before entering the country else you will have gained entry into the country illegally.
  3. Make sure you obtain a valid stamp authorising your entry into the country at all times. The stamp is issued at the immigration points only and not any other point.
  4. The stamp issued remains valid for a certain duration after which it expires. Always make sure that you check the stamp for validity and seek extension assistance before expiry until you obtain a student pass.
  5. The most crucial immigration document for any international student in Kenya is a Student Pass.
  6. It is an offence to receive education or training at any educational or training establishment within Kenya without a pupil's pass ( section 30 (7) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations,2012).
  7. Student's pass is not an authority to engage in any form of employment either for gain or not.
  8. Application to be submitted three months before commencement of studies.
  9. Applications are submitted through the Department of Immigration Services. Strathmore university's international student office will usually assist and guide you through the process.
  10. Renewal of the Student Pass is required annually or after two years depending on the approved duration.

Immigration Preparedness

  1. To ensure a smooth arrival and avoid unnecessary delays or the possibility of being turned back, possessing all required documentation is crucial before travelling to Kenya as an international student. Download the list of requirements from the website.
  2. Register yourself with the international students office via this portal. Click on the access portal to proceed.

Internship/Research Pass/Permit.

This is a document issued to person(s) seeking to enter and remain in Kenya for the purpose of undertaking Internship or academic research within kenya. The applicant must be accepted as an intern or researcher in an institution within Kenya.

Application Requirements.

  1. A duly filled, signed and stamped application Form 30, by the institution's authorised personel (Both new and renewal cases) .
  2. Detailed and Signed cover letter from the institution indicating the internship or research topic to be pursued and the duration and should be addressed to the Director of Immigration Services.
  3. Signed commitment letter from the sponsor - both new and renewal cases.
  4. National passport copy of the sponsor - both new and renewal cases.
  5. A copy of your Resume or CV.
  6. Copy of a valid national passport both new and renewal cases (the bio-data page).
  7. Current immigration status for the pupil/student- both new and renewal cases (If in the country).
  8. Two (2) recent passport size colour photos. - both new and renewal cases.
  9. Duly certified Copies of basic academic certificates.
  10. Copy of research permit from the National Council for science and Technology for those undertaking research programs
  11. Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service.

Notice!

  1. Copy of research permit from the National Council for science and Technology for those undertaking research programs (For researchers).
  2. Documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorised /recognized institution .

Student Pass.

International students wishing to pursue education in Kenya must obtain a Student Pass. This document is issued under section 30(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations (2012) and requires prior acceptance into an approved educational or training institution.

Application Requirements.

  1. A duly filled, signed and stamped application Form 30, by the institution's authorised personel (Both new and renewal cases) . You will print out the form at the end of the application for a Student pass. In case you want to reprint your application form, you can do so by going to "My Applications" section here
  2. Detailed and Signed Cover letter addressed to the Director of Immigration Services from the institution indicating the course to be pursued and the duration - both new and renewal cases.
  3. Signed commitment letter from the sponsor - both new and renewal cases.
  4. National passport copy of the sponsor - both new and renewal cases.
  5. Proof of funds for self-sponsored students - both new and renewal cases.
  6. Copy of a valid national passport both new and renewal cases (the bio-data page).
  7. Current immigration status for the pupil/student- both new and renewal cases (If in the country).
  8. Two (2) recent passport size colour photos. - both new and renewal cases.
  9. Duly certified Copies of basic academic certificates for those joining Tertiary Institutions and Universities -new cases.
  10. Certified copies of progress report/transcripts obtained(by the issuing institution) -for renewal cases.
  11. Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin, or if a resident, from the Kenya Police Service.

Notice!

  1. All documents in foreign languages should be translated into English by either the Embassy, Public Notary, or authorised /recognized institution -both new and renewal cases.
  2. Student's pass is not an authority to engage in any form of employment either for gain or not.
  3. Application to be submitted three months before commencement of studies..
  4. All citizens of the East Africa Community(Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) are exempted from payment of Student / Research / internship pass fee. But, everyone is required to apply and obtain a student pass.

Alien Card.

Kenya's Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011 (Part VII, Section 56) mandates the registration of all foreign nationals residing in Kenya for periods exceeding 90 days. The Act defines a foreign national as anyone who is not a Kenyan citizen.Registration Certificate Validity for General Foreign Nationals is up to two (2) years and Permanent Residence Permit Holders up to three (3) years of validity.

Application Requirements

  1. A dully filled, signed and stamped online application Form 50. You will print out the form at the end of the application for a foreign certificate (Alien card).
  2. A copy of a valid passport to establish identity and nationality
  3. Copy of a valid national passport both new and renewal cases (the bio-data page).
  4. Two (2) recent passport size colour photos. - both new and renewal cases.
  5. Copy of valid Permit and/or pass.
  6. If the application is for a renewal the applicant will be required to produce a previous foreign certificate.

Notice!

  1. For lost alien cards, the applicant will be required to produce a valid police abstract as proof of loss.
  2. A foreign national’s registration certificate remains the property of the Kenya government. The holder shall surrender it to the nearest immigration officer when s/he ceases to reside in Kenya or to at the port of departure from Kenya.
  3. Kindly note that penalty in form of arrears will be charged at Kshs.1000 for every year or part thereof for the years not registered since the commencement of the residency.