Q-1

Q-1 US Cultural Exchange Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The Q-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for participation in international cultural exchange programs. It is designed for Kazakhstan citizens who travel to the United States to share their country’s culture, traditions, history, or lifestyle as part of an officially approved cultural program.
The Q-1 visa remains available in 2026.

What the Q-1 visa is for

Q-1 programs are intended to:

• Present national culture and traditions

• Conduct cultural demonstrations and presentations

• Work in cultural centers, theme parks, museums, or similar venues

• Interact with the U.S. public in an educational and cultural context

The primary purpose must be cultural exchange, not general employment.

What the Q-1 visa allows

• Legal participation in an approved cultural exchange program

• Employment only as part of the approved cultural program

• Receiving compensation as defined by the program

• Residence in the United States for the program duration

All activities must strictly follow the approved program plan.

What the Q-1 visa does NOT allow

• Employment outside the approved cultural program

• General or commercial employment

• Academic study or degree programs

• Extension beyond the maximum allowed period

• Immigration or permanent residence

Violations may lead to future visa refusals.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens may qualify for a Q-1 visa if they can prove:

• Acceptance into an official U.S. cultural exchange program

• Knowledge of and connection to the represented culture

• A contract with the U.S. host organization

• Intention to return after the program ends

The visa is strictly temporary.

What visa officers really check

Authorities evaluate:

• Authenticity and content of the cultural program

• Applicant’s role in cultural representation

• Credibility of the host organization

• Living and compensation conditions

• Compliance with non-immigrant intent

Program documentation is critical.

Validity and stay rules

• Maximum participation period: 15 months

• Extensions are not permitted

• Reapplication requires departure and a break outside the U.S.

• Entry type: multiple

Overstaying is a serious violation.

Petition and program requirements

• Petition must be filed by the U.S. host organization

• The program must be officially approved

• A detailed cultural activity plan is required

• Work duties must be integral to cultural exchange

Self-petition is not allowed.

Common reasons for refusal or denial

Most refusals occur due to:

• Lack of a genuine cultural component

• Attempt to use the visa for regular employment

• Weak or unapproved program structure

• Issues with the host organization

• Suspected immigration intent

Clear cultural purpose is essential.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Approval of the petition by the U.S. organization

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Applicants cannot apply independently.

Important note for 2026

• Q-1 visas are available for Kazakhstan citizens in 2026

• No annual quota or lottery applies

• Q-1 does not allow dual intent

Unsure if Q-1 fits your situation?

Before applying, it is recommended to evaluate the cultural nature of your program and sponsor credibility.
A proper assessment helps avoid refusals.

Additional conditions

Employment is permitted only as part of the approved cultural exchange program.

The Q-1 visa is temporary and does not provide a direct path to permanent residence.

An interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is mandatory for almost all applicants from Kazakhstan.