If you are
planning to study in Russia longer than one month, you will need
a student visa. There are two types of student visa: for a
period of up to 90 days (3 months) and for a period of up to one
year. Therefore, you should first decide how long you may stay
in Russia overall, and then choose the type of visa accordingly.
Short-term Student Visa (three months) entry-exit visa, effective May 1, 2001
You are eligible
for this type of visa if your stay in Russia will not exceed
three months. Since this is a short term visa, the application
process is easier and fewer additional papers are required to
support your application (below you will find a list of all
documents that are required for a three month student visa).
According to the
Russian immigration law the type of this visa is "Entry-Exit",
therefore, there is no need to make a special "Exit visa" when
you leave the country. However, it is usually impossible to
extend this visa without leaving the country once you are in
Russia. Thus, if you intend to stay in Russia for a longer
period, you should apply for a long-term student visa that can
be extended for a period of up to one year.
To obtain a
three month student visa, the following documents are required
A completed
Russian visa application form (one per person) - either for US
citizens or for the rest of the world countries
National
passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the
intended date of departure from Russia.
Three identical
professional passport sized (3x4 cm) photos on a white
background. Pictures can be black-and-white or color,
preferably on matt paper. Please write your name in capital
letters on the back of the photos. One photo should be stapled
to the specially marked place of the application form.
A letter of
invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, or its Regional
Representative Offices.
Visa
application charge.
The Consulate
reserves the right to request the original or copy of a cover
letter from the Russian host organization with information about
the yourself, destinations, terms and purpose of visit.
Long-term Student Visa (one year) entry visa, effective May 1, 2001
You are eligible
for this type of visa if you are planning to undertake a
long-term course of studies (from three months to one year) in
Russia. This is an "Entry" visa that gives you permission to
enter Russian Federation within a one month period that is
stated on your visa. Once you enter Russia and register your
visa, it can be extended for the overall duration of your stay.
Please, note that you will not be able to enter the country
after the date that is stated on your visa.
When you are
leaving the country, you will need an "Exit" visa (we provide).
There is no need to stay for the whole year with this type visa,
simply let is know when you wish to leave the country and we
will prepare the "Exit" visa.
To obtain a
long-term student visa, the following documents are required:
A completed
visa application form (one per person).
National
passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the
intended date of departure from Russia.
Three identical
professional passport sized (3x4 cm) photos on a white
background. Pictures can be black-and-white or color,
preferably on matt paper. Please write your name in capital
letters on the back of the photos. One photo should be stapled
to the specially marked place of the application form.
A letter of
invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its
Regional Office.
Copy of your
current diploma or educational certificate, certified by the
State or Federal authorities.
General health
certificate and a copy of HIV test certificate, if you are
going to stay more than 3 months in Russia.
A confirmation
of the payment arrangement directly from the University,
Institute or College you are going to study at.
Visa
application charge.
Type
Cost
Price includes
For up to 3 months
€ 60
- Invitation
- Fax service
- Registration upon arrival
For longer than 3 months
€ 85
In both cases
your invitation for a student visa will need to be arranged
through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or its regional
office.
Above there is a standard list of
requirements for this type of Russian visa. Some additional
rules may apply in your country of residence. Please, contact
your nearest Russian Consulate for complete information.