Opening a US Tourist/Business Visa in Kazakhstan: Requirements, Documents, Features

Planning a business or tourist trip to the USA? You probably know that you can only enter the country with a visa. Obtaining it is not as easy as it may seem. But everything is possible if you prepare all documents in advance and are ready for an interview with a visa officer.

There are B-1 and B-2 standard visas. They are issued for short tourist and business trips within the USA. A B-2 visa allows entry into the country for medical treatment.

A B-1 standard visa is issued when the applicant travels to the USA for a conference or event, business negotiations, educational events, consultations, etc. A B-2 visa gives the "green light" for personal trips. With it, you can travel, participate in non-commercial events, visit relatives, and receive doctor's consultations.

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, you must carefully read the requirements, and most importantly, meet them. When preparing for a meeting with the consul, the applicant must prepare as much evidence as possible that they do not plan to stay in the country and obtain immigrant status.

You will have a high chance of getting a visa if you show that:

• the purpose of the visit is to attend a short event belonging to one of the types listed above;
• you will be in the country for a certain period of time;
• you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in America;
• you have a guarantor of your return to your homeland - these are relatives (spouse, children, parents), and property (including business).

To apply for a visa to America for Russians you must first pay the consular fee. You also need to provide a package of documents consisting of:

• electronic application, completed according to form DS-160;
• international passport (its validity period must exceed the period of stay in America by at least 6 months);
• 50x50 mm photograph (taken no earlier than six months ago).
• receipt for payment of the consular fee, which is non-refundable.

The process of obtaining a US visa for Russians in Kazakhstan is accompanied by a number of features. Let's consider each in more detail.

1. The passport must meet the requirements
The document must have at least 1 blank page – this is where the visa and entry/exit stamps for the USA will be placed. The passport's validity period must exceed the end date of the trip by at least 6 months – if you plan to return in April, the passport's validity period must not expire earlier than October of the current year.

2. Correct Photo
When filling out the application, you will need to upload a photo. You must also bring one printed photo with you to the interview. Don't forget the following:

• format – 5cm x 5cm; photo studios usually know about this, so it's enough to just say that you need a photo for applying for a US visa;
• absence of unnecessary details – the photo must be taken against a white background, and headwear must be absent (if you don't remove it due to religious beliefs, make sure your face is clearly visible in the photo).

Do not submit a photo if it was taken more than 6 months ago. It's better to take a new one immediately before contacting the embassy.

3. Application Form
It is officially called Form DS-160. To fill it out, simply follow the instructions. The form is publicly available online. Once it is completed, be sure to print it out for yourself. Some people, due to nervousness, forget the information they entered in the application. By printing it out, the information will always be at your fingertips.

4. Interview
Based on experience, we advise you to schedule your US visa interview in Kazakhstan at least a month before your trip. If an unforeseen situation arises, you will have time to resolve everything. In some cases, urgent appointments are possible. This is relevant if:

• there is a need for urgent medical care not available in Russia;
• you have been invited to a farewell ceremony for a relative who died in the USA;
• you need to quickly resolve a work issue, and a visit to the States was not planned in advance by either you or your employer;
• studies in America begin within 2 months, and interview slots are already taken.

Documents are submitted at the US Embassy in Astana and the US Consulate General in Almaty. Choose the more suitable location for you, there is no difference between them. We recommend arriving 15-20 minutes early.

5. Consular Fee
The consular fee must be paid online through Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan before the interview. Save the receipt and bring it to the interview, as it is one of the main documents.

You will know the visa officer's decision immediately. If it is positive, your passport with the visa will be sent to you at the VFS Global pick-up point in Astana. There is also a paid delivery service within the country. Keep this in mind when choosing your flight tickets! The consulate does not operate on weekends and holidays. In case of refusal, your passport will be returned to you immediately after the interview.