Migration Regulations: from Invitation to Entry

Coming to study in Russia is inextricably linked with the rules for crossing the borders and staying in Russia. Voluntary or involuntary violation of these rules can lead to rather serious consequences, including deportation, so it is very important to get acquainted with them beforehand. Now we are going to tell you about the  migration procedures.

Invitation for entry and student visa

When you have submitted your documents to the chosen university and received a confirmation of enrollment, it is high time to have your visa documents executed. To obtain a student visa, you will need an invitation. To get an invitation to enter the Russian Federation, you must write an email to the university where you are going to study.

When you get the invitation, you should contact the Russian Consulate in your country to apply for a student visa.

NB

• The invitation processing time can vary from university to university and take up to 60 days.
• The passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the visa commencement date.

Migration registration

Upon arrival in Russia, all international students must get migration registration. According to Russian legislation, foreign citizens are registered at their actual place of residence. It means that if you plan to live in the university dormitory, you must contact for registration the university's International Office on the following working day after you arrive at the campus.

Required documents:

• passport
• visa (if necessary)
• migration card

If you plan to live in a hostel or rental apartment, you should contact the hostel administrator or apartment owner for registration.

NB

• The registration procedure is mandatory.
• According to Federal Law № 109-FZ of July 18, 2006, registration must be done within seven working days of the day of arrival.

Medical certification and biometrics

Starting from December 29, 2021, foreign citizens must undergo the procedures of medical certification and fingerprinting and photographing. You must do this within 90 days of your entry into the Russian Federation.

Medical certification is a yearly procedure. Foreign citizens must undergo repeated medical certification within 30 days of the expiration date of the previous medical documents.

Mandatory fingerprinting and photographing is done once and free of charge.

You can get all the detailed information on the mandatory procedures from the university's International Office.

NB

Non-compliance with the legislation requirements in this case can reduce the period of your stay in Russia or even be a reason for deportation.

Temporary residence permit

Starting from January 1, 2023, international students can get temporary residence permits for education (RVPO). An RVPO is issued for the period of study and 180 calendar days following graduation.

What are the benefits of an RVPO?

• The opportunity to enter Russia and leave it many times without a visa
• Employment in Russia without a patent or work permit
• Free medical care under the mandatory health insurance program
• The opportunity to do business
• The opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit after graduation

Conditions for obtaining an RVPO

• Studying at a state educational or scientific organization
• Full-time study
• Pursuing internationally accredited Bachelor's, Specialist's, Master's, residency, apprenticeship programs or academic staff training programs (PhD programs or postgraduate military course)

In recent years, Russia has been making great efforts to optimize and simplify migration procedures for international students using the State Services electronic services in particular. The main thing is to be aware of the rules, rights and responsibility and meet the deadlines for undergoing necessary procedures.

The content has been prepared with the participation of Vladivostok State University.