F-1

F-1 US Academic Student Visa for Kazakhstan Citizens 2026

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa for full-time academic study in the United States. It is the primary visa category for Kazakhstan citizens planning to study at accredited U.S. educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and language schools.
This visa remains available in 2026.

What the F-1 visa allows

• Full-time academic study at an approved U.S. institution

• Participation in degree and non-degree academic programs

• On-campus employment under strict limitations

• Practical training opportunities when officially authorized

F-1 status is strictly tied to continuous academic enrollment.

What the F-1 visa does NOT allow

• Full-time employment outside approved programs

• Unapproved off-campus work

• Studying without maintaining full-time status

• Permanent residence or immigration intent

Violation of F-1 conditions leads to status termination and future visa refusals.

Who can apply from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan citizens can apply for an F-1 visa if they can prove:

• Acceptance to an accredited U.S. educational institution

• Clear academic purpose

• Sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses

• Intention to return to Kazakhstan after completing studies

Academic credibility is critical for approval.

What visa officers really check

During the interview, officers primarily evaluate:

• Academic background and study logic

• Consistency between education history and chosen program

• Financial stability and funding sources

• Career plans after graduation

• Ties to Kazakhstan and return intent

The officer assesses whether the applicant is a genuine student.

Validity and stay rules

• Visa validity depends on program length and reciprocity

• Entry type: multiple

• Authorized stay is based on D/S (Duration of Status)

• Students may remain in the U.S. while maintaining valid F-1 status

Staying without valid status is a violation, even if the visa stamp is valid.

Employment and training rules

• On-campus work is limited and regulated

• Off-campus employment requires special authorization

• CPT and OPT are allowed only if approved and documented

• Unauthorized employment is a serious violation

Work permission is never automatic.

Common reasons for refusal

Most refusals happen due to:

• Weak academic justification

• Insufficient financial proof

• Unclear post-study plans

• Mismatch between education history and program

• Suspected immigration intent

Strong academic logic significantly improves approval chances.

How to apply

The process includes:

• Receiving acceptance and Form I-20

• Paying the SEVIS fee

• Completing the DS-160 form

• Attending a visa interview

• Receiving a decision

Approval depends on academic credibility, not agencies.

Important note for 2026

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

• Restrictions on immigrant visas do not affect student visas

• Compliance with status rules is strictly enforced

Unsure if you should apply now?

Before applying, it is recommended to assess your student visa risk.
A professional evaluation helps identify weaknesses and improve approval chances.

Additional conditions

Employment or receiving a salary in the United States is not allowed outside officially approved academic training programs.

Formal academic study is the only valid purpose of the F-1 visa. Recreational or casual study does not qualify.

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