Current status of visa services
Immigrant Visas: The Consulate General in Almaty is processing immigrant visa cases for all visa categories.
Nonimmigrant Visas: The United States Embassy in Astana and U.S. Consulate General in Almaty are providing all nonimmigrant visa services.
Visa renewals by interview waiver: The U.S. Embassy in Astana and U.S. Consulate General in Almaty are accepting interview waiver applications for qualifying renewal applicants in certain visa categories, including B1/B2. Individuals with a currently valid visa or whose visa expired within the last 48 months may submit an interview waiver renewal application. Select here for more information.
Important Note: Separate, limited appointment slots are allocated for nonresident applicants. The visa appointment wait time published on travel.state.gov does not represent the wait time for nonresident categories. The nonresident wait time significantly exceeds the wait time shown there. Click here for nonresident wait time information. Applicants are reminded that MRV fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are only valid for one year from the date of payment. If you are unable to schedule an appointment within a year of payment then your receipt will expire, you will not be able to schedule an interview, and you must pay the fee again and begin the process anew.
MRV Fee Validity Update Effective October 1st 2022
All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee. Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during this 365-day period. Please note applicants must only schedule their interview or submit their waiver application within the 365-day period. There is no requirement the interview must occur during the 365-day period. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date.