VISA AND REGISTRATION RULES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING AT IEC

The entry and stay procedures for international students in the Republic of Kazakhstan are regulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Migration of the Population,” and several other regulatory acts. Every foreign citizen or stateless person entering Kazakhstan to study at the International Educational Corporation (IEC) must strictly follow all established migration rules.

Migration Card and Rules for Completing It

When crossing the state border of Kazakhstan, every foreign citizen is required to obtain and complete a migration card. This document confirms the legality of stay in the country and is necessary for further registration.

• The card must be filled out personally by the foreign citizen, neatly and clearly, without corrections or inaccuracies.
• The main language of filling out is Kazakh or Russian. If the student does not know Russian, information may be entered in Latin letters, strictly according to the passport.
• A migration card is issued for every foreigner, regardless of age — including minors and children.
• In the field “Purpose of entry to the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the purpose must be stated as: study.

Keep the migration card in a safe place, as it is required for registration and may be requested by migration authorities.

Study Visa for Students from Distant Countries

Foreign citizens from distant (non-CIS) countries may enter Kazakhstan and study at IEC only with a study visa. This visa is issued on the basis of an official invitation prepared by the IEC International Department.

• The invitation is prepared in advance after the applicant submits all required documents.
• Students must submit all necessary documents no later than 45 days prior to the intended date of entry into Kazakhstan.
• Missing the submission deadline may delay visa processing, which may affect both arrival and the start of studies.

Migration Registration of International Students

Every foreign student arriving in Kazakhstan must be registered with the migration authorities within three calendar days after crossing the border.

To extend the registration period, the student must contact the IEC International Department 30 days before the registration expires.
Example: If the registration ends on September 1, the student must come no later than August 25.

Documents Required by the International Department

A student must arrive at the International Department within one working day after crossing the border and submit:

1. National passport (original)
2. Migration card with an entry stamp (original + copy)

If needed, staff members will help make copies and provide guidance on further procedures.

Changes in Personal or Contact Information

Students must promptly notify the International Department about any important changes, including:

• change of residence address;
• change of phone number or contact details;
• obtaining temporary residence permit;
• obtaining a residence permit;
• change of citizenship or acquisition of Kazakhstani citizenship.

Timely notification helps avoid violations of migration regulations.

Attention: Important Rules and Responsibilities

• International students are not allowed to work on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• Failure to register on time is considered an administrative violation and may result in a fine in accordance with the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• In case of loss of a passport, migration card, or other important documents, the student must immediately contact the IEC International Department.
• Students are strongly advised not to leave Kazakhstan during the academic year unless absolutely necessary. Each re-entry requires new registration, which may create additional difficulties and risks.

Rules for the Stay of International Students at IEC in Kazakhstan

Registration of the stay of foreign citizens in Kazakhstan is regulated by Law No. 477-IV of July 22, 2011, "On Migration of Population."

International students of IEC who arrived in Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime, as well as students with a student visa, must submit their passports to the International Office on the day of arrival or the following day for further notification of the district migration authorities in Almaty about their arrival.

IMPORTANT!
Foreign students must register with the migration authorities in Almaty within 3 calendar days after crossing the border of Kazakhstan.

(Information from the website: https://egov.kz/cms/ru/articles/exit-entry_of_foreign_nationals)

IMPORTANT!
After the allowed stay period in Kazakhstan expires, international students must register with the migration authorities in Almaty and obtain a temporary residence permit (RVP). To do this, they must contact the International Office 30 days before the registration expires.

If traveling during the holidays or for other reasons, please notify the International Office 3 days before departure in writing, submitting an application and coordinating the departure with the Dean of the Faculty.

Upon returning to Almaty after winter and summer vacations, students must submit their passport to the International Office again for notifying the district migration authorities in Almaty about their arrival.

We inform you that leaving Kazakhstan during the academic year outside of vacation periods is only possible once per semester with the permission of the Dean of your faculty. To do this, you must submit a request to the International Office, justifying the reason for leaving during the academic term, and obtain the Dean's permission for departure. On the day of arrival in Kazakhstan, or the following day, you must contact the International Office and provide your original passport for notification of your arrival to the migration authorities in Almaty.

Before leaving for winter or summer vacations, international students from distant countries must arrange an entry-exit visa. Upon return to Almaty, students must submit their passport to the International Office within three working days to register with the migration authorities in Almaty.

In case of a change in the residential address, students must immediately inform the International Office (no later than 2 days) for timely re-registration with the migration authorities of Almaty.

Any changes regarding contact information, changes in status (obtaining temporary residence permits, residence permits, or Kazakhstani citizenship) should be promptly communicated to the International Office staff.

Foreign students are not allowed to engage in work activities in Kazakhstan. According to the Administrative Offenses Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, failure to timely report to migration authorities for registration is considered an administrative offense and is subject to a fine, up to the extreme measure — deportation from the country.

In case of loss of documents, please immediately inform the staff of the International Office.

International students should take timely care of:

• Extending or replacing their national passport (6 months before the expiration date, they should extend/replace it);

• Restoring their passport in case of loss;

• In the event of passport extension or replacement, they must provide a copy of the new passport to the International Office.

While in Kazakhstan, students must always carry their passport, temporary residence registration certificate, student ID card, or certificate of enrollment in the university.

We kindly ask international students not to leave Kazakhstan during the academic year unless absolutely necessary.

In case of violation of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and/or the rules for staying in Kazakhstan, the student is fully financially responsible for their actions.

Language support courses for International Students at IEC

The courses are conducted at the Center for Continuing Education and are designed for international students who wish to learn Kazakh and Russian to successfully study and adapt to life in Kazakhstan. The program is specially developed for those encountering the language environment for the first time and helps students quickly acquire essential communication and academic writing skills.

The course includes 90 academic hours and corresponds to 3 credits, providing balanced and effective learning without overloading the main academic program.

During the lessons, students study the basics and features of grammar, expand their vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and develop oral and written communication skills. The learning process is practice-oriented: dialogues, role-playing everyday situations, completing academic assignments, preparing mini-projects, and working with texts.
Classes are conducted in the form of group lessons, conversation clubs, interactive exercises, and, if necessary, individual consultations.

Experienced instructors create a friendly and supportive atmosphere, helping students confidently integrate into the academic process at IEC.

If you wish to enroll in the course or get additional information, please contact the International Department.

International Department Contact:
E-mail: inter.dep@kazgasa.kz