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Phase 1 · In Kazakhstan Phase 2 · First 14 Days Phase 3 · Days 15 to 60
Phase 1 · In Kazakhstan 1 / 3

Before coming to the USA

Essential steps to complete in Kazakhstan before departure: immunization translations (063/у), apostilles, dental checkups, cash limits, and customs baggage rules.

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  • Form 063/у Immunization Card translation & mandatory vaccines
    Crucial for enrolling kids in US schools, universities, and USCIS medical exams.
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. Obtain an official copy of Form 063/у (Екпе картасы / Прививочная карта) from your local polyclinic in Kazakhstan for each family member.
    2. Have Form 063/у translated into English with an official stamp from a translation bureau or medical provider.
    3. Verify required vaccines: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Hepatitis B, and Polio. CDC Vaccine Requirements ↗
    4. For school children: obtain tuberculosis screening records (Mantoux test, Quantiferon TB Gold, or chest X-ray notes).
  • Apostille vital civil documents (birth, marriage, diplomas) via ЦОН / eGov
    An Apostille certifies document authenticity internationally under the Hague Convention.
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. Place an Apostille on all original birth certificates (Туу туралы куәлік) through ЦОН or the eGov.kz portal. eGov.kz — Апостиль қызметі ↗
    2. Apostille marriage or divorce certificates (Неке қию / бұзу туралы куәлік).
    3. Apostille higher education diplomas and official grade transcripts with the Ministry of Education (needed for US credential evaluation via WES). WES Credential Evaluation ↗
    4. Check passport expiry dates: your Kazakh passports must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended entry date.
    5. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Kazakhstan to drive legally during your first weeks in the US.
  • Complete comprehensive dental work & health checkups in Kazakhstan
    Dental treatment in the US is extremely expensive and basic health insurance rarely covers it.
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. Finish all dental treatments (caries, root canals, crowns, wisdom teeth extractions) before leaving Kazakhstan.
    2. Pack an emergency first-aid kit with familiar over-the-counter medications in their original packaging.
    3. For chronic prescription drugs: get an official doctor’s prescription in English with the International Non-proprietary Name (INN).
    4. Get an eye exam and bring spare prescription glasses or contact lenses.
  • Notify Kazakh banks (Kaspi, Halyk) & observe US $10,000 customs cash rules
    Amounts of $10,000+ must be declared on CBP Form FinCEN 105 upon US arrival.
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. Notify Kaspi Bank, Halyk Bank, and BCC in their mobile apps about international travel so transactions are not blocked as suspicious.
    2. Increase daily limits for online purchases and cash withdrawals abroad.
    3. US Customs $10,000 rule: You can bring any amount into the USA, but if your family carries $10,000 or more in cash, traveler’s checks, or money orders, you MUST declare it on CBP FinCEN Form 105. There is no tax, but failure to declare leads to severe fines and confiscation. US CBP — Money & Currency Declaration ↗
    4. Keep your Kazakhstani SIM card active on a minimal roaming plan to receive SMS codes for Kaspi, Halyk, and eGov.
  • Baggage regulations: Strict ban on meat (qazy), fresh dairy, fruits & seeds
    US Customs strictly fines travelers up to $1,000 for undeclared agricultural products.
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. NEVER pack meat products: Kazakh delicacies such as qazy (қазы), shuzhyk (шұжық), horsemeat, beef, and lamb — even vacuum-sealed, dried, or cooked — are prohibited by USDA/CBP and will be confiscated by sniffer dogs. US CBP — Prohibited & Restricted Items ↗
    2. Do not bring fresh apples, pears, berries, vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, or planting seeds.
    3. Allowed foods: factory-sealed chocolates (Rahat), factory-packaged black tea, packaged candies, and dry crackers without meat.
    4. Always declare food truthfully on the CBP Customs Declaration form if asked.
  • Unlock smartphones, set up US eSIM & book initial lodging
    ▸ Step-by-step
    1. Ensure your smartphone is SIM-unlocked so it can accept US carriers immediately.
    2. Install an international travel eSIM (Airalo, Nomad, aloSIM) for instant internet upon landing at LAX or other US airports. Airalo eSIM ↗
    3. Book temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hotel, or stay with friends) for at least the first 10–14 days. Zillow Rentals ↗
    4. Download essential US apps: Google Maps, Uber, Lyft, Zillow, Apartments.com, and Google Translate.
Phase 2 · First 14 Days →