Visa & Immigration

International employees are required to have a working visa for 90 days or one year. Employees will apply for the visa through the Consulate/Embassy of Kazakhstan in their home/resident countries. Visas are typically issued for a period of an entire academic year and allow multiple entries to Kazakhstan. The visa must be renewed each year.


Visa-Free Visits

If you are coming to Narxoz for a short term position, depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa. Please work with the International Students and Faculty Department to determine your eligibility.


Since immigration regulations may change at any time, check the most up to date immigration regulations per the government of Kazakhstan and find information for specific consulates.


Apply for a Visa


Step 1: Clarify all steps, requirements, costs and timeline

The length of time your visa takes to be processed and the means of obtaining it (i.e. in person or by mail) will depend on a number of factors, including your country of residence. Check with your nearest consulate of Kazakhstan to learn more about what to expect throughout the application process. Also make sure to work with your International Employee Coordinator and designated HR contact throughout the visa process so you can manage your travel and arrival to Kazakhstan and your successful onboarding accordingly.


Step 2: Get a Letter of Invitation (LOI)

Before you can apply for a visa, the Narxoz International Employee Coordinator must obtain a Letter of Invitation from the Kazakhstan government on your behalf. It can take from two weeks to over a month for Narxoz to receive the Letter of Invitation, depending on a number of factors, so you must email all required documents to your International Employee Coordinator as early as possible (at least one month before the start of the semester).

To obtain Letter of Invitation (LOI), submit the following documents to your International Employee Coordinator:

• Electronic copy of passport identification page
  
  
• Employment letter from Narxoz: As soon as you receive your letter, check to make sure all your personal information is correct and matches the information in your passport. Contact the International Employee Coordinator immediately (welcome@narxoz.kz) if anything is incorrect.
  
  
• Workplace and workplace address
  
  
• Home address
  
  
• If the applicant permanently resides and plans to apply for a visa out of their country of citizenship: an electronic copy of the document confirming the long-term stay (e.g. residence/work permit, long-term visitor/dependent visa - with an official translation into Kazakh or Russian)

Step 3: Apply for the visa

Once the employee receives a Letter of Invitation from their International Employee Coordinator, they should follow the instructions on the websites of the Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan of your home country to apply for a visa.


Typically, the following documents are required as part of this process:

• Copy of the Letter of Invitation (or job offer/contract if applying for a change of visa within Kazakhstan)
  
  
• Visa application form (from the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the employee's home country or country of permanent residence)
  
  
• Job offer letter from Narxoz: As soon as you receive your letter, check to make sure all your personal information is correct and matches the information in your passport. Contact your International Employee Coordinator immediately if anything is incorrect.
  
  
• Passport (original + two copies; valid for at least six months beyond the length of the requested visa and have at least two blank pages to stamp the visa)
  
  
• Diplomas and transcripts
  
  
• Criminal background check
  
  
• Copy of flight itinerary to Kazakhstan
  
  
• One passport-style photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
  
  
• Additional supporting documents: bank statements, health insurance, proof of accommodation in Almaty (hotel, AirBnB, etc.)
  
  
• Pay the visa fee (varies from country to country)

Arriving in Kazakhstan

• When crossing the border, you need to show your passport and visa, and specify the work purpose with the immigration officer. You may also be asked to show supporting documents, such as the additional documents listed above.
  
  
• Additionally, all international employees must register with the immigration authorities within three business days of their arrival. Your Narxoz International Employee Coordinator or HR officer will help you with this.
  
  

Remain in status

Re-Registration Requirements

After leaving Kazakhstan for any period of time (even for a few hours), you must re-register with the Department of Migration Police and Internal Affairs (OVIR) within three business days following the same procedures as when you first arrived in Kazakhstan. Make sure to coordinate with your International Employee Coordinator before you leave Kazakhstan so that they can arrange your re-registration.


Working Visa Renewal

International employee visas are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. In order to renew your visa before its expiration date, provide the following documents to your International Employee Coordinator at least 30 working days before the expiry of the valid visa:

• Passport (original)
  
  
• Copy of passport identification page
  
  
• One passport-style photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
  
  
• Completed visa application form
  
  
• Renewal job contract with Narxoz University (available from the HR Office)
  
  
• Visa fee (paid receipt from the Narxoz Accounts Office)
  
  

Exit Visa Requirements

According to Kazakh law, if a foreign citizen leaves his or her job before the visa expiration date, the visa will be canceled immediately. Thereafter, an exit visa (usually valid for 10 days) must be obtained. In order to receive an exit visa, you should coordinate with the International Students and Faculty Team, your immediate supervisor, and the HR department. The process takes three to five business days. The following documents must be submitted to the International Employee Coordinator:

• Passport (original)
  
  
• Signed contract on employee's early leave from Narxoz University
  
  

Please stay in contact with your International Employee Coordinator throughout the visa process and for any related support. You can also get in touch with the International Student and Faculty Department by emailing welcome@narxoz.kz.