Kazakhstan Student Visa Guide

Who Needs A Kazakhstan Student Visa?

All international students need a Student Visa (C9 category) to enter and live in Kazakhstan to pursue higher education. Visa for educational purposes is granted to individuals arriving in the Republic of Kazakhstan to study at educational institutions that offer secondary, technical and professional, post-secondary, higher and postgraduate education. 

All international students who wish to study in Kazakhstan should apply for their student visa immediately after they receive their Enrolment Form from a university in the country. It is, however, to be noted that a student visa should be issued no more than 90 days before the start date of the course, as mentioned in the Letter of Invitation.

Kazakhstan Student Visa Rules And Regulations

Before applying for a Kazakh student visa, here are the rules and regulations that an international student should be aware of:

• Students with C9 visas will be allowed to change their acting visa category to Family reunification visa C2 without having to leave Kazakhstan.

• C9 visa is granted for a period of one year which can be renewed every year. It allows students to make multiple entries to Kazakhstan.

• Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, all international students should register with the immigration authorities within the next three business days.

• The student permit’s validity will depend on the type of course the student has been enrolled in. Typically, the visa is valid for 6 months to one year, which can later be extended after obtaining approval from the university.

• A medical test is mandatory for ensuring acceptance of the Kazakh student visa. Proof of a medical test shall be provided along with the issuance of medical insurance from a certified company.

• The C9 category visa is also open to ethnic Kazakhs who wish to temporarily visit Kazakhstan and enrol in an educational institution in the country. 

• An interview is conducted to issue a student visa to Kazakhstan.

• International students who fail to comply with the visa rules of the Republic of Kazakhstan will have to pay fines in the amount of 166,580 KZT.

Requirements For A Kazakhstan Student Visa

Here are the eligibility criteria for a Kazakhstan student visa or study permit.

• The applicant must have confirmed admission from a higher education institution in Kazakhstan.

• The applicant must perform a medical test and provide proof of perfect health.

• One must meet all the applicable character requirements such as the applicant’s primary purpose to visit Kazakhstan should be education, good character and genuine intentions behind choosing to study in Kazakhstan.

• Must provide financial sufficiency evidence. In case the applicant has a sponsor, they must provide proof of the sponsor’s financial stability.

Kazakhstan Student Visa Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Kazakhstan student visa: 

Step 1: Visit the website of the Kazakhstan embassy and download the visa application form.
Step 2: Take a printout of the form and fill it in as per instructions.
Step 3: Pay the required visa application fee.
Step 4: Gather all the required documents:

• A valid passport

• Copy of the applicant’s government ID.

• Proof of purpose of visit

• Proof of confirmation of admission

• Fee payment receipt

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Passport size photographs

• Proof of medical test, etc.

Step 5: Once the application fees have been paid, submit the visa application form along with the supporting documents. 
Step 6: Attend the visa interview at the embassy. Make an appointment, if required.
Step 7: Contact the Embassy directly to check the status of the visa application.

Note: The applicant should be present at the time of submission of documents.

How To Get Visa Extension For A Kazakhstan Student Visa

All international students enrolled in a university in Kazakhstan can apply for an extension of their student visa. For the same, they must check their expiration date and it is about to expire, they can visit the Department of International Cooperation (DIC) and provide the required documents. 

They must make sure that they are applying for renewal at least 30 working days before but not later than 14 working days prior to the expiration date. The documents required to apply for a student visa extension in Kazakhstan are as follows:

• Copy of passport 

• One photograph

• Completed visa application form

• Letter confirming that you are a student of the respective university

• Visa fee (paid receipt from the Bursars office)

Kazakhstan Student Visa Fees & Visa Processing Time For Indian Students

The student visa fees should be submitted before the submission of required documents and the duly filled application form. The same is to be deposited in the respective bank account of the Embassy.

Note: Fees mentioned here are subject to change.

Where To Apply For A Kazakhstan Student Visa In India?

Indian students interested in studying in Kazakhstan can visit the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India, which is located in Vasant Vihar F6/7, New Delhi, India, 110057.