Please be advised that the British Embassy in Almaty will only be able to
accept visa application forms that have been completed online. Applications not
completed on line with the above will not be accepted at the Visa Application
Centre.
Application process consists of three steps:
Step 1 - Complete an application form
Go to www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
and fill in a visa on-line application form. A separate form must be completed
for each applicant. After you have completed the form you will get a reference
number for your application like GWF000000000.
Attach one recent color passport-sized photograph. It should be 35 x 45 mm
taken against a solid white background, printed on normal photographic paper,
full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this
for cultural or religious reasons. 80% of the face should be covered in the
photograph submitted. Please note that we may not accept photographs that do not
meet these specifications.
Step 2 - Book an appointment
Go to www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
and fill in online visa application form. After completing online visa
application form you can schedule an appointment on the same website. Website
allows you to schedule an appointment at your convenience. You will get a
reference number for your appointment like VAR 000000000.
• You can only book one appointment and you must first complete and print
the on-line visa application form.
• In order to submit the application you need to come to the Visa
Application Centre in person for the collection of your biometric data.
Applications brought by representatives will not be considered. For more
information on Biometrics procedure, please
click here.
Step 3 - Submission
Arrive at the UK Visa Application Centre in Almaty on the date and time you
have scheduled (step 2). Please arrange to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes
before your appointed time. You will then be directed to the Application Centre
waiting room. Callers who are too early will be asked by Security Personnel to
return at the appointed time.
Please submit the following:
• Your passport or travel document.
• Printed online application form with one photograph attached.
• The visa fee (in cash in local currency).
• Any supporting documents relevant to your application. You should bring
all supporting documents with the application, as a decision on your
application may be made on the basis of the documents submitted by you without
the requirement of a personal interview with the Embassy. You should pay close
attention to the supporting documents requested at the time of application.
Remember: you must complete an on-line application form before making an
appointment. Please note that we will not be able to accept your application if
you do not have an appointment.
The recent High Court ruling in the UK resulting from the Highly Skilled Forum
Judicial Review affects certain people who formerly had leave in the UK under
the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). You may be covered by this ruling
if you joined HSMP under the arrangements which were in place until the scheme
was suspended on 7 November 2006 and you either:
a) applied for and were refused further leave to remain under the new extension
rules which came into force on 5 December 2006, and subsequently left the UK,
or
b) left the UK after 7 November 2006 without ever applying for further leave to
remain under the new rules.
A policy document which explains in detail who is affected by the ruling
is available on the UK Border Agency website. Forms, guidance and information on
supporting documents for those overseas who think they are affected by the
ruling and who wish to apply for entry clearance to return to the UK as
a highly skilled migrant are being prepared and will be available on the UK
Border Agency Visa Services website. Applications will need to be made via our
VAC.
Who needs to submit the application?
It is necessary for the applicant to visit the Application Centre in person.
The application can not be submitted by a relative, friend or representative.
How long will it take for your application to be processed?
The expected processing time may vary
by visa category. You will be informed at the time of acceptance
of your application. Please allow for extended processing timelines
during peak seasons.
We recommend that you apply at least eight weeks before your intended
date of travel. It is in your interest not to purchase travel
services until your visa has been issued.
Processed applications can be collected from the Application Centre
- in person or through a representative who should have the required
authority letter from the applicant. You can opt for the documents
to be returned by courier for an additional nominal courier charge
if you wish.
Opening Hours of Visa Section
British Embassy - Consular & Visa Section
Microdistrict Samal-2 97
Zholdasbekova Street
Samal Towers, 9 Floor
Almaty 050000
Telephone
+7 7272 506191
Facsimile
+7 7272 507962
+7 7272 507112
Hours of business:
08:30 - 17:00 (Mon-Thurs)
08:30 - 15:30 (Friday)
Opening Hours of VAC
UK Visa Application Centre
Builiding No 34
Samal 1
Almaty
Application Submission
Monday - Friday:
08.30 hrs - 15:30 hrs
Lunch:
12:30 hrs- 13:30 hrs
Passport Collection
Monday - Friday:
08.30 hrs - 17.00 hrs
Applications submitted one working day earlier passport collection timings
08:30-17:00hrs
Call Centre Timings
Monday - Friday: 08:30 hrs - 17:00 hrs
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan please call
007272399995 from landline
+77272399995 from mobile
For Kazakhstan please call 8-809-080-40-40
Kindly be advised to activate the 8 calling facility on your landline in order
to call the number 8-809-080-40-40
For Kazakhstan please call 8-809-080-40-40
Please be advised that Premium Call Rates Apply. The current rate is 200KZT per
minute.
Holiday List
The British Embassy and the UK Visa Application Centre in Almaty will remain
closed on the following days in 2008.
