CyberSamurai013

We called Almaty (both IMC and International SOS) again today and were told that IMC is the only one in Kazakhstan authorized to do the medical exams for immigrant visas for the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. International SOS did not get their contract renewed. IMC does not require you to have COVID-19 vaccines and they do not do them as they only have Sputnik V which is not approved by America.

Thank you! We called Moscow back in the fall and they told us that she can do her medical there but will be required to receive the Sputnik V vaccine (both doses) which we refuse to get. We called Almaty (both IMC and International SOS) again today and were told that IMC is the only one in Kazakhstan authorized to do the medical exams for immigrant visas for the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. International SOS did not get their contract renewed. IMC does not require you to have COVID-19 vaccines and they do not do them as they only have Sputnik V which is not approved by America.

We looked for flights just before the new Year and they were $5k a person from Omsk to Almaty via Moscow (all they had). We called about the medical and they told us in Moscow that she has to get the COVID vaccine (Sputnik V) which we are not going to get and we read that America will not allow entry if you have it. I need to find the source of that and see if it changed. We called Almaty for medical and they said they do it and you do not need COVID vaccines and they do not give them because they only have Sputnik V which is not approved for America. That's great news about your wife and I hope everything goes smoothly for you guys! Yes, I agree! Here is an article about them changing the indefinite stay portion: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakhstan-ends-unlimited-stay-russians-2023-01-17/

Thank you! That makes sense because our Congresswoman was able to talk Almaty into taking our case for the interview. We had a couple appointments but had to cancel because she couldn't get there and the embassy wasn't giving us the information we needed such as where and when to do medical, COVID requirements, etc.. We had a family member try to drive her down to KZ but they wouldn't let him across the border. We have also had difficulty finding flights which are about $5k a person now and only go through Moscow. We both need to go because our daughter's American passport is about to expire and we both have to be there to renew it. Trains are the best option but again, having trouble getting tickets. Basically, the transportation, appointments for wife and daughter, etc. all have to come together properly for us to go and we are having a hell of a time with it. Might have to make 2 trips even though it will cost more. Also, Russians can no longer go to or stay in KZ indefinitely as there are too many there now. There is also talk of closing the border to Russians soon due to possible new mobilizations. This entire situation has been a charlie foxtrox from the start. How about your situation? Things going ok for you guys?

My wife's case number was recently appended with 01 ATA at the end. Does anyone know what this means?