Visas for the UK
How to apply for a UK visa 
Where can I get information?
The UK Border Agency and the British Embassy in Kazakhstan work in partnership with a commercial organisation, VFS.
You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS website. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 8-809-0804040 and costs 200 KZT per minute. All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.
Do I have to pay?
There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.
Where can I get advice?
VFS and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.
Their websites are:
Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of Scotland
Law Society of Northern Ireland
Institute of Legal Executives
How do I submit my application?
VFS manages the Visa Application Centre at Building No 34, Samal 1, Almaty, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.
Who decides whether I will get a visa?
UK Border Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. VFS and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way. If any member of staff employed by VFS say they can influence your application, you should tell the British Embassy immediately.
Service standards - complaints and compliments
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve:
- if you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days;
- if you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency at this Embassy, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at 97 Zholdasbekova Street, Block A2, 9th Floor, Samal-2, Almaty 050051, or by e-mail;
- if you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.
Personal visa enquiries:
You must allow at least 15 days after the date of your biometrics appointment for your visa application to be processed. During this 15-day period, the UK Border Agency at the British Embassy Office in Almaty will be unable to deal with any enquiries about the progress of your application.
Please access www.vfs-uk-kz.com to track your application.
Please note the British Embassy Office Almaty is closed for all personal visa enquiries unless by prior appointment only.
For enquiries on visa applications please refer to the VFS website or email the British Embassy Office.
