According to him, the amount of $15,000 is excessive, especially considering the level of wages in the country. "This is quite a high price for us. We have already communicated our proposals to the American side, and they have been taken into account. Work on this issue is ongoing," the minister noted.
Kulubaev pointed out that this step by the U.S. is due to the problem that many Kyrgyz citizens who have received a visa do not leave the country after it expires and remain there illegally. In this regard, the possibilities of introducing similar measures on a mutually beneficial basis with other ministries and agencies are being discussed.
The head of the MFA also emphasized that U.S. immigration policy is an internal matter of that country, and it is impossible for other states to influence it.
According to the minister, there are currently about 40,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan in the United States.
"Individuals who violate the law and are in the country without a visa are subject to deportation if they come to the attention of immigration authorities. Previously, about 20 people have already been deported, and now it is expected that another 20 people will be deported," he added.
Kulubaev noted that compliance with immigration legislation is the main requirement from the American side.
We remind you that starting from January 21, 2026, citizens of Kyrgyzstan applying for non-immigrant visas to the U.S. in the B-1 (business trips) and B-2 (tourism) categories are required to pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
