IMMIGRATION PAMPHLET.
What is the immigration card?
The immigration card is the document, which testifies that the student has crossed the border of the Russian Federation. It is an obligatory document for the further processing of the student registration and hence is an important document. Without the migration card the registration on the territory of Russian Federation cannot be done and the student would be deported back to the home country. The migration card is handed out by the flight attendant on the plane. It is also available at the airport at the immigration department. It is important and obligatory to retain the migration card till the departure from the Russian Federation.
What should I do if I have lost my immigration card?
A foreign citizen who has lost his/her migration card cannot stay in Russia longer than 3 days. A migration card must be restored.
1. Apply for a certificate of loss (“spravka ob utere dokumenta”/ «справка об утере документа» in Russian) at any nearest police station.
2. Get a certificate of loss.
3. Submit all required documents (passport, registration and certificate of loss from the police) to the regional Migration Office where your registration was made.
4. Get a duplicate of your migration card.
What is the Visa Registration?
Registration gives foreign student a legal right to stay on the territory of the Russian Federation for the period of registration. Usually, the period of registration is one year. Registration should be renewed annually 2-3 weeks before its termination. Upon arrival at the university, the student should submit the required documents to process the registration within 3 days after arrival. The duration of the registration and processing is 10-15 days. The original passport of the student is taken by the concerned department. The registration is stamped on the migration card, There the address of the student hostel where the student lives is noted. The registration of the passport and the visa requires that the passport is valid for a minimum period of 2 years. It is recommended to renew the passport before traveling to Russia for the full period of study.
What I should do if I have lost my registration slip (but still have my migration
card)?
Immediately report it to the passport and visa department of your university.
You will need your passport, a copy of your passport, your migration card and its copy for restoring your registration slip.
Will I have any additional expenses when I arrive in Russia?
When students arrive in Russia, they need to be re-examined for HIV and medical fitness which would cost an additional fee depending on the city/university.
Additionally, students need to purchase medical insurance, pay for accommodation/hostel etc.
What is medical/health insurance?
The health insurance guarantees that the student gets the required medical aid in times of illness according to the program of the insurance cover. Therefore, the medical insurance is necessary and obligatory for all foreign students wishing to study in Russia.
Medical examinations, fingerprinting and official photographing.
International students arriving in Russian for a period of more than 90 days must undergo a medical examination, fingerprinting and official photographing.
Can a student open a bank account?
Yes, a foreign student can open a bank account in his name.
What are the requirements of Russian universities for Bachelors Program?
Here are the general requirements of Russian universities for Bachelors Program.
University application.
Original and copies of your high school certificate.
Russian translations of all documents.
Copy of valid passport.
Students need to pass the subject tests/general tests in some of the Russian Universities.
University general interviews (in some cases).
What are the requirements of Russian universities for Master’s Program?
University application.
Original and copies of your bachelor’s degree.
A research statement (To explain that why you want to do masters or research).
Russian translations of all documents.
Copy of valid passport.
Students need to pass the subject tests/general tests in some of the Russian Universities.
University general interviews (in some cases).
Work experience for MBA program.
What should I do if my passport gets lost?
Visa – free students must apply for a new passport. You will receive your new registration once you have a new passport.
Visa students must get a new passport and apply for visa transfer into it within 7 working days after they receive the new passport. The set of documents for visa transfer and the entire procedure is the same as visa extension.
How long do I need to renew my passport before it expires?
It is recommended to do so more than 9 months to 1 year ahead of its expiry.
What purpose of the visit should I select on my migration card when entering Russia?
As a student your purpose of visit is always education.
What documents are required to apply for your student visa at Russian embassy?
These documents are required to apply for your student visa at Russian embassy:
Visa Application with processing fee.
Valid Passport (Should be valid at least for about 18 months).
Colored Passport Size Pics.
Medical Test for HIV Negative.
Copy of Tuition Fee Invoice of the University (if required).
Academic Certificates (attested by your official bodies).
Russian translations of all documents.
Visa Invitation Letter (Explaining the purpose of your visit to Russia. Issued by Ministry of foreign affairs of Russia (MFA).
What is the duration of my Russian student visa?
First time arriving students, they will receive 90 days entry visa. After arrival they will be able to change it to long term student visa. Your visa should have the validity of at least 30-days, when you arrive in Russia.
Can I extend my student visa in Russia?
A study visa is only valid for 90 days. If you need to stay in Russia for longer than 90 days, you can extend your study visa for up to 1 year. To do this, the academic institution hosting you, needs to contact the Federal Migration office in your area.
Can students extend their visa while still in Russia, or do they need to return to their home country for renewal?
International students can extend their visa while in Russia with the help of the educational hosting them.
How far in advance should a student start the process of renewing their visa?
You must submit documents to extend your student visa no earlier than three months, but no later than 45 calendar days, before the expiration of your visa.
How can I reissue my valid visa for my new passport?
If your passport has expired or has been damaged, and a new one is being issued by country’s embassy, your old passport must be cancelled. Within 30 days following the receipt of your new passport, you must submit the documents required for visa extension again in order to have your visa reissued for your new passport.
Can I restore my unexpired visa to a new passport?
Yes.
If you have a valid visa, but you had to apply for a new passport (if the passport was damaged, resulting in the impossibility of its further use, or stolen or lost), your visa can be restored after checking the grounds and confirming the fact of its issuance.
What are the steps and requirements for renewing a student visa in Russia?
To extend the visa you need to prepare a full package of documents and submit it in person to the Passport and Visa Department of Department of your institution.
Original passport.
Passport pictures.
Invoice payment of state tax.
Tuition contract.
Photocopies of the main page with the validity period of the passport.
Photocopies of valid visa (the last one), + photocopy of all pages with other visas, stamps and stamps
Original copy of migration registration + photocopies
Original copy of migration card + photocopies
You can additionally contact the passport and visa department of your institution for other required documents.
Can I leave Russia with an expired visa?
No.
A valid visa is necessary to depart Russia. Travelers who overstay their visa’s validity, even for one day, will be prevented from leaving until their sponsor intervenes and requests a visa extension on their behalf.
How much does it cost to extend visa in Russia?
The cost of visa extension comes to 1,600 rubles. One must show or bring a receipt as a prof of payment to the immigration office.
What do I need to do in order to apply for registration upon arrival and when will I get my registration slip?
You must submit the following documents to apply for first – time registration:
Copy of your passport (all pages),
A copy of a migration card,
Copy of your visa (if applicable),
Please clarify at place of residence whether additional documents are required. If you live in a dormitory, ask your passport officer. If you live in a rented apartment, ask your landlord for registration and additional information about documents.
Do I need to get another registration if I travel to other Russian cities?
If you stay for more than 7 working days in any other Russian city, you must get a local registration.
Are international students allowed to work in Russia?
International full-degree students on a student visa are allowed to work part-time in Russia (work permit required). Working part-time during summer holidays is also possible without a work permit.
Student ID
Required for all students.
Issued by your programme’s study office (shall be issued within three to seven working days).
Confirms student status for receiving remaining documents and student benefits.
If you have lost your student ID, you can request a replacement from the study office or the Student Service Centre.
Are there any additional requirements or procedures for students who wish to stay in Russia after completing their studies?
The Russian government has introduced a new temporary residence permit for foreign students at the start of January 1, 2023.
The new permit allows eligible foreign students to reside in Russia for the duration of their program plus 180 days after graduation.
Can I apply for a temporary residence permit in Russia after my studies?
Yes.
You can apply temporal residency permit which has a validity of 3 years.
Documents for obtaining temporary residence include valid passport, clear criminal record, medical certificates, negative HIV test.
Can students work in Russia while waiting for their post-study residency application to be processed?
Yes.
Some jobs require you to have a working permit.
Are there any resources or support services available to students who are navigating the immigration process in Russia?
Yes.
Students can get support services about immigration processes by visiting their school’s passport office department.
Also, you can get support services about immigration processes by visiting the Federal Migration office in your area.
How can students stay informed about any changes or updates to the immigration policies in Russia?
Students can stay informed about immigration policies by contacting their school’s passport office department.
Also, you can stay informed by visiting the Federal Migration office in your area.
Are there any specific requirements or procedures for students who wish to become permanent residents or citizens of Russia?
Documents required for obtaining a Russian residence permit are
an application form.
four passport-sized photos
the valid passport
proof of income (bank statement)
a health certificate indicating the applicant does not suffer from any contagious disease.
In the case of foreign citizens applying for permanent residency in Russia, the temporary residence permit is also required.
Which documents are needed to apply for post-study residency in Russia?
1. Application for admission to residency training.
2. Consent to the processing of personal data.
3. A copy of an identification document, citizenship (passport)- the original is presented to applicants in person;
4. Copies of a diploma of higher medical education and its supplement.
For foreign citizens – a translation of the diploma and its supplement into Russian is
required.
5. A copy of the specialist’s certificate (if available).
6. A copy of the work book (if available) – for citizens of the Russian Federation;
7. Photos size 3×4 pcs.
8. Medical documents (medical certificate and test results for HIV, HBsAg, RW, certificate of vaccination against hepatitis B and measles) etc
NB: Contact your educational institution for other required documents if any.
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY.
Foreign nationals are legally responsible for maintaining their status and compliance with Federal Immigration Laws.
Violation of Federal Immigration Laws inflicts a liability ranging from a fine to deportation from Russia and reentry ban.
Failure to submit documents for visa/migration card before deadlines leads to the requirement to leave Russia and apply for a new visa at students’ costs.
DOS AND DON’TS
1. Keep safe your critical documents: passport, visa, migration card, registration card; always bear its copy with you.
2. Each time you enter Russia and receive a new migration card, immediately apply for registration through your institution/your property owner/hotel administrator etc.
3. Demand and keep registration from property owner / hotel each time you check in to a new place of residence in Russia.
4. Keep an eye on the expiration dates of your visa, migration card and registration and respect prolongation deadlines.