Non-Immigrant Visas
PURPOSE OF THE VISA INTERVIEW
United States immigration law places the burden of proof on the visa applicant to show that he or she is not intending to immigrate. In other words, each non-immigrant visa applicant must prove to the Consular officer’s satisfaction that he or she is not planning to travel to the U.S. in order to reside there permanently. Each applicant must demonstrate that he or she is traveling to the U.S. for a temporary stay and has strong ties that will compel him or her to return to their home country. It is up to the Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to determine eligibility on an individual basis, on the merits of each case.
Because each person’s situation is different, people applying for the same type of visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. Consular officers may request additional information or documentation depending on their assessment of each person’s situation.
On the day of your interview, please be prompt. If you arrive late and miss your appointment time, you must make a new appointment.
Attempting to obtain a visa by willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.
LOCATION OF INTERVIEW IN ASTANA
The Consulate Office is located at:
Ak-Bulak 4
Street 23-22, Building 3
Astana, Kazakhstan 010010
AIRPORT
From the Astana airport: Take Kabanybay Batyr street to 22nd street. Turn right on 22nd street. Follow 22nd street until you pass the U.S. Embassy main entrance on your left. Turn left on to Manas street. The consular section entrance is on Manas street.
TRAIN STATION
From the Astana train station: Take Birzhan Sala street to Jangildina street. Turn right on Jangildina street. Follow Jangildina street to Sary Arka street. Turn left on Sary Arka street. Turn left on 22nd street. Follow 22nd street until you pass the U.S. Embassy main entrance on your left. Turn left on to Manas street. The consular section entrance is on Manas street.
CORNER OF KABANBAY BATYR & RESPUBLIKA
From the corner of Kabanbay Batyr and Respublica - Take Respublica (Tashenova) to Manas street. Turn right on Manas street. The U.S. Embassy consular entrance will be on the right after Momysh Uly street.
LOCATION OF INTERVIEW IN ALMATY
The Consulate Office is located at:
Samal-2
97 Zholdasbekov Street
Almaty, Kazakhstan 050059
Use entrance A2 into the building and you will be escorted to the Consular Section. Submit your documents to Window Number 1 and take a seat.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW
Bring your passport, your completed electronic visa application, and your general and supporting documentation.
HOW LONG TO EXPECT TO BE AT THE EMBASSY
Everyone's situation is different and may therefore take different amounts of time. However, in general, you should anticipate being at the Embassy for approximately four hours.
RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE EMBASSY
The following items are prohibited:
- Electronic devices such as cellular telephones, computers, radios and palm pilots
- Aerosol cans and perfume bottles
- Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
- Cameras
- Recording devices
Please note that no one may accompany applicants into the embassy's visa waiting room. This includes American citizens, spouses, attorneys, sponsors, friends, and family members. Thus, any information these individuals would like to present should be submitted with the application materials or given to the applicant to present to the Consular officer during the interview. We appreciate your understanding.
LENGTH OF TIME TO ISSUE VISA
If a visa application is approved, the visa will usually be ready at 16:00 on the NEXT working day after your interview; however, certain exceptions apply. If your application is approved, you will be advised at the end of the interview when your visa and passport will be available.
