Russia Student Visa – Eligibility, Fees, and How to Apply

Are you a student wanting to study in Russia- the largest country in the world?. Basically, Russia is a country with one of the best mass education systems around the globe, with a history of high-quality education for all students from far and near. As an international student, getting a Russia student visa is non-negotiable to acquire educational knowledge and a degree in the prestigious country.

That is why in this prosé, we have provided all the needed information, eligibility criteria, application fees, and how to apply for the Russian student visa- You will want to see! Read on.

What is a Russian Student Visa?

The Russian student visa is a visa that is given to students or individuals for educational purposes. The visa is often issued for a duration of 90 days. However, the ministry of the interior can extend the validity of the visa as it deems fit, for the duration you will use to complete your chosen degree course.

Basically, most international students need to obtain a Russia student visa because Russia is not a member of the EU/EFTA. Therefore, students of the EU/EFTA will not be permitted into Russia without a Russian student visa. These visas can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple entries.

However, students of the Commonwealth of independent states (CIS) do not need a visa to study in Russia. The CIS countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.

Application fee for Russia student visa

The application fee for the Russian student visa is not fixed. The cost of this Visa depends on factors that include: nationalities, the processing time, length of intended period of stay, number of intended entries, and the type of visa. However, the average time to process a Russian student visa is 10 days. In some cases, it can take up to 7 to 20 working days. And in rare cases, it can take up to months.

Eligibility criteria and documents required for a Russian student visa

No doubt, the most important strenuous process of applying for a Russia student visa is the compilation of every necessary document. The document has to be complete and updated for a successful application process. Here are some of the documents you need to prepare for your application.

1. Visa support for students: The visa support for students is a document of support that testifies to your claim of your motive for entering Russia. There are about three types of acceptable documents, They are:

• A copy of the invitation letter from a Russian university: Undoubtedly, this type of letter is valid for only short-term study. You can’t prolong it, and it must bear the signature and stamp of the head of the international department or rector of the university.
• Invitation of the ministry of interior of the Russian federation: Also, you can obtain this letter from the Russian university you will be attending. Importantly, the letter has to be in its original format either in electronic or paper form.
• Telex invitation of the ministry of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation: The university will request the letter on your behalf and then pass it to the Russian Consulate or Embassy in your country.

2. Medical fitness results: Most especially the HIV/AIDS screening test results. Note that you must carry out the test within the last three months of your application.

3. Health insurance policy documents: This document must include your full name.

4. Appropriately filled visa application form

5. A valid international passport

6. Passport size photographs: At least two.

7. Statement of bank account for the last 3 months.

How to Apply for a Russia Student Visa?

Undoubtedly, there are many procedures involved in the processing of the Russian student visa. Therefore, you need to pay optimum attention to the following steps to apply.

Step one: Get the Invitation for a Student visa for Russia (Visa Support).

First and foremost, getting a Russia student visa involves obtaining visa support. You can get a copy of this invitation letter from the Russian University you are attending, from the ministry of interior of the Russian federation, or Telex invitation of the ministry of foreign affairs of the Russian federation.

Step two: obtain the Russian student visa application form

Basically, the application form for the student visa can be gotten online. You can check the official website of the Russian ministry of foreign affairs at kdmid.ru, and then answer all mandatory questions.

Step three: Compile all supporting documents for your application

We have provided the list of documents you need to collect for your application process. Therefore, endeavor to collate them on time to prevent further delay in your application.

Step four: Visit the Russian Embassy or consulate in your country

It is noteworthy that you have to apply in person to submit your documents, and attend an interview. You can visit the Russian embassy, consulate, or visa processing center in your country to submit your application.

Step five: Pay the processing fee

The processing fee for the Russian student visa is not fixed. Therefore, find out the cost of applying for the visa in your home country and pay likewise.

Can i work on Russian Student Visa?

Without a doubt, you can work as you study in Russia. However, you will need a work permit from the federal migration service if you will be working away from the school or organization you study, in or during holidays.

It is noteworthy that you can obtain a work permit if you’re a full-time student at an accredited University. Although you will only have the opportunity to operate in the profession or field within the permit, as well as the location where your university is situated.

As a student with a Russian study visa, you can get a work permit as low as RUB 3,500. Peradventure you are working without a permit, and you get caught you will have to pay a fine of RUB 7,000, and you could even get expelled.

It could take about 10 working days to obtain a work permit from your local federal migration service. The documents you will need 4 your work permit include:

• Migration card.
• Application form.
• A medical test results that confirm that you have no infectious disease, addiction, or HIV infection.
• Passport.
• Letter from your university to confirm that you are a student registered on a full-time basis.

It is important to note that your Russian work permit is valid for 12 months, after which you can renew the job. At this time, you can change your occupation after notifying the migration service. However, if you drop out of school, you will be unable to continue to work in Russia because your work permit will be withdrawn.

Extension of Russian student visa

Definitely, if you have a course to continue studying in Russia, you must extend your Russian student visa at least 30 to 40 days before your visa expires. Failure to extend your visa after it expires will attract fines and about five years of prohibition from entering the country. Therefore, you should notify the foreign office of your university on time about your decision to extend. Here is the document you will need

• A passport-size photograph.
• International passport.
• Computer field application form.
• A letter spelling out the reason why you will have to extend your visa.
• The original and photocopy of your migration card.
• Arrival notification form (the detachable section).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Russia allow international students?

Yes, Russia does allow international students. In fact, Russia is one of the most popular destinations for international students. There are several reasons why students might choose to study in Russia, including the country’s strong educational system and diverse culture.

Can I stay in Russia after studying?

You can stay in Russia after studying, but you must have a valid visa.

How can I live in Russia permanently?

There are a few ways to live in Russia permanently. You can get a Russian passport, you can marry a Russian citizen, or you can get a work visa. If you want to get a Russian passport, you will need to have lived in Russia for at least five years and have a good knowledge of the Russian language. If you want to marry a Russian citizen, you will need to show that you have a stable relationship with them and that you plan to live in Russia permanently.

Can foreign students get Russian citizenship after graduation?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process of obtaining Russian citizenship may vary depending on a person’s circumstances. However, in general, foreign students who graduate from a Russian university may be eligible to apply for Russian citizenship after spending a certain amount of time living in Russia.

Is studying in Russia worth it?

Yes, studying in Russia can be a great experience and can be worth the investment. Russia is a large and diverse country with a rich history and culture. It is also home to some of the best universities in the world. Students who study in Russia will have access to top-quality education and will be able to learn Russian, which is a valuable skill.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, Russia is prominent in providing quality higher education to students from far and near, especially in STEM courses. All necessary information has been provided, you can give it a shot now!