B8 category visa for obtaining a residence permit for permanent residence in Kazakhstan
Citizens of countries that are provided with a visa must apply for a category B8 visa before applying for a residence permit in Kazakhstan. Otherwise, the application for a residence permit will not be accepted.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: A В8 visa can be obtained both on the territory of Kazakhstan and in the consular offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Is it possible to get a В8 visa electronically?
B8 visa does not belong to the category of visas that can be obtained electronically.
How to get a visa on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan? What is the list of documents?
According to Exhibit 1 of the Rules, the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan inserts a visa B8, for foreigners who arrived under a visa-free regime, as well as those who are on a working C3 visa.
List of required documents:
- original passport
- visa application form
- photo 3,5*4,5
- payment of state fee 7 MCI (24,150 tenge in 2023)
- application for a visa.
If the documents are submitted by a representative, a notarized power of attorney is required.
How much does it cost to get a category B8 visa?
The amount of the state fee is 7 MCI. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account the services of immigration consultants, if you do not plan to do this personally.
How long does the process of obtaining a B8 visa take?
Visa processing takes an average of 10 working days. In rare cases, it can extend to 30 calendar days. The visa can be single-entry and multiple-entry, issued for up to 90 days.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: in order to correctly calculate the time and avoid visa delay, we recommend that you first prepare the entire package of documents for a residence permit, check the correctness with the reviewing officer and after their indorsement, apply for a visa. At the same time, there is a possibility of prolongation of the visa if the documents for a residence permit have been submitted and there is no decision yet. In such situations, the visa is extended for an additional 30 days.
I got a B8 visa and submitted documents for a residence permit. Now I need to leave the country for a few days. Is it possible?
Unfortunately, no. In practice, a B8 visa is approved only for a single entry or exit. If you leave the country, it is impossible to come back with the same visa. Therefore, we recommend staying in the Republic of Kazakhstan until we receive a response on the residence permit, and if approved, the residence permit card itself, and only after that leave the country.
RED FLAGS:
- A B8 visa does not give the right to work. Thus, holders of category B8 visas cannot work at the time of obtaining a residence permit.
- After obtaining a residence permit, accompanying persons will not be able to apply for an escort visa as in the case of a C3 visa (for work). You need to apply for a visa В2 (family reunification) or В
- During the entire period of consideration of documents for a residence permit, a foreign citizen must stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan. If a response on a residence permit has not been received before the end of the visa period, then you can extend the visa for another 30 days. There are no limitations and restrictions on the number of continuations.
What should citizens of countries with a visa-free regime, such as the EAEU, do? Do I also need to get a B8 visa?
We have sent a request to the Ministry of Internal Affairs on this issue. The practice in each region is different. We are waiting for a response.
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