Visa for the United States from Kazakhstan: price, documents and processing time 2026

Yes. Because Kazakhstan does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, a Kazakh traveller must apply for a visa before departure. The B-2 covers tourism and family visits and the B-1 short business trips; they are most often issued together as a B-1/B-2. The passport must be valid and the stay temporary in purpose.

• Government fee185 USD
• Application centre feeVariable, set by the operator
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Prepare a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a recent compliant photo, proof of MRV fee payment, and any evidence of your ties to Kazakhstan (employment, family, property) and the purpose of travel. The MRV fee amount is not stated here: check the current official fee on travel.state.gov, as it can change.

Complete the online DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, upload a compliant photo, then pay the MRV application fee and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Astana or the Consulate in Almaty. Attend the interview in person; biometrics (fingerprints) are collected there. Check kz.usembassy.gov for local appointment procedures.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Kazakhstan, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Kazakhstan but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Timelines depend mainly on the wait for an interview appointment, which varies widely by season and post; check the estimated wait on travel.state.gov. Apply well in advance. At the interview, demonstrate strong ties to Kazakhstan and a clear intention to return.

The most frequent grounds for refusal are an incomplete DS-160 or one inconsistent with your spoken answers, failure to prove sufficient ties to your home country (a refusal under section 214(b)), and poor interview preparation. Do not book final flights before the visa is in hand.