International students, with the exception of those coming from visa-free countries (see useful links), must obtain an "S” type study visa. Currently, Kyrgyzstan practices accepting documents and issuing visas online through the e-VISA portal.
The Visa Office of the International Relations Department at KSMA assists international students in submitting their visa applications. Students may also seek assistance from their official agents (recruitment agencies).
To obtain an initial student visa, the following documents must be submitted to the Visa Office:
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A valid passport
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An electronic photograph on a white background, size 3×4 cm
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An official visa invitation from KSMA (issued by the physical office based on the international student’s application)
The visa is issued to a valid international student of KSMA for a period of one year. One month prior to the expiration of the visa, students must contact the Visa Office and submit all necessary documents for renewal.
Registration After Arrival
Upon arrival in the Kyrgyz Republic, all international students must register with the State Registration Service within the timeframe established by applicable legislation from the date of arrival.
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Visa-required countries: Registration of international students at KSMA is valid for the duration of their student visa, with the option to extend this registration for the period of the renewed visa. Extension of registration is carried out after the visa has been renewed. The international student must contact the KSMA Visa Office within three working days from the date of visa renewal.
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Visa-free countries: International students arriving from visa-free countries are also required to register. Registration for these students is valid for the duration of their “Student” visa (please refer to the “Visa Procedures” section for detailed information).
Documents Required for Visa Renewal:
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Valid passport;
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Electronic copy of the study contract between the student and KSMA;
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Two photographs in white clothing on a white background, size 3×4 cm;
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Certificate of tuition payment;
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Certificate of residence in a dormitory issued by the dormitory in which the student resides
Notarized consent of the landlord for temporary registration at the place of residence
OR, if residing in a rented apartment/house, provide the following:
Please note that visa renewal applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the expiration of the current visa.
When submitting a visa renewal application, students may choose between a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa allows one entry into the Kyrgyz Republic, after which a new visa application must be submitted. A multiple-entry visa permits the student to exit and re-enter the Kyrgyz Republic multiple times during the validity period of the visa.
Work Authorization
Students holding a “Student” visa are not permitted to work, either full-time or part-time, during their studies. Those wishing to work in the Kyrgyz Republic must obtain a different type of visa—“W1”—and a special work permit.
Engaging in unauthorized work on a student visa may result in administrative penalties and fines.
Upon graduation, students wishing to continue their professional careers in the Kyrgyz Republic must change their student visa to a work visa and obtain a special work permit. Students cannot change their visa type while remaining in the country. To obtain a W1 visa, graduates must leave the country, obtain a work quota from their employer, apply for the W1 visa, receive it, and re-enter the country (Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Resolution No. 175, link).
Visa Procedures Related to Changing Universities in Kyrgyzstan
Students planning to transfer to another university in Kyrgyzstan should be aware that they must reapply for a student visa based on an invitation from the new host university. The Visa Office of the new university will assist with obtaining the new visa and provide further guidance.
Registration of Foreign Citizens Arriving for Study at I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
Registration of foreign citizens arriving to study at I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) is carried out in accordance with the Resolution “On Matters Concerning the Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Kyrgyz Republic” and Appendix 1 thereto.
The Administration of KSMA hereby informs foreign students of the procedures for crossing the state border of the Kyrgyz Republic and the conditions governing the stay of foreign citizens in the country.
In accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, foreign citizens arriving for educational purposes are required to comply with the established rules governing entry, stay and registration at their temporary place of residence.
Foreign citizens are required to complete registration at their place of stay within the periods established in accordance with the approved List of Foreign States. The registration period varies depending on the citizenship of the foreign national and may range from 5 to 90 calendar days from the date of crossing the state border.
Failure to comply with the established registration and stay requirements may result in liability under the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, including administrative fines and deportation, and may also lead to restrictions on subsequent entry into the country.
Specific Provisions for Foreign Citizens
Citizens of the Russian Federation, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Tajikistan, as well as citizens of other countries with which the Kyrgyz Republic has concluded interstate agreements providing for mutual travel of citizens using internal passports (ID cards), may stay in the Kyrgyz Republic for short-term purposes for a period not exceeding 60 or 90 calendar days, unless otherwise provided by international treaties that have entered into force in accordance with the established legal procedure.
Clause 8 of Appendix 1. Foreign citizens arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic for educational purposes and subject to educational registration for a period of one academic year must cross the state border of the Kyrgyz Republic using a valid international passport and must complete registration at their place of stay (residence) exclusively on the basis of their international passport.
Clause 43 of Appendix 1. The validity of registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons is deemed terminated if the period of their departure from the Kyrgyz Republic is 30 or more consecutive calendar days. In such cases, the registration status in the Unified System for Registration of Foreign Citizens (ЕСУВМ) is automatically changed to “Invalid.”
Registration Procedure at KSMA
To complete registration, foreign students must contact the KSMA Visa Office and provide the following documents:
- A certificate confirming accommodation in a KSMA dormitory, issued by the KSMA dormitory administration.
If a student resides outside a KSMA dormitory, registration is carried out in accordance with the general procedure established for the registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons. - A power of attorney authorizing a representative to submit the registration application on behalf of a legal entity or individual, where applicable.
- A valid passport or other identity document, together with a valid visa, where applicable.
- A receipt confirming payment of the state registration fee.
The submitted documents are scanned and entered into the Unified System for Registration of Foreign Citizens (ЕСУВМ). The original documents are returned to the applicant.
These procedures are implemented in accordance with the amendments introduced by Resolution No. 449 of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated 3 September 2019 and Resolution No. 349 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic dated 12 July 2023.
Foreign students are strongly advised not to miss the registration deadline, as failure to comply with the established requirements may result in an administrative fine and the preparation of an official violation report.
Recommendations
- After obtaining the visa and completing registration, make photocopies of your documents and keep printed copies in a safe place in case the original documents are lost.
- To prevent violations of migration legislation, strictly observe the established periods of stay and registration in the Kyrgyz Republic.