Steps to obtain a study visa in Russia

Steps to obtain a study visa in Russia

Student Visa for Studying in Russia

Foreign students who wish to study in Russia must obtain a student visa. To apply for the visa, you must first receive an acceptance letter from a Russian university or institute.

The Russian student visa is initially issued as a single-entry visa for a period of three months, which may extend up to one year at first. It can be extended according to the duration of the study program. After three months of arrival in Russia, it is converted into a multiple-entry visa.

Steps to Obtain a Russian Student Visa

There are three main steps to obtaining a Russian student visa:

  1. Invitation Letter
  2. Visa Application
  3. Visa Registration

Step 1: Invitation Letter

The first step in obtaining a student visa for Russia is receiving an invitation letter, also known as a "visa support document." Once you receive admission from a Russian educational institution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its regional office will issue an invitation letter.

If there is no regional office in your chosen study location, the university or institute you enrolled in must provide the invitation letter. The letter must be issued by the head of the institution.

Step 2: Visa Application

The second step is applying for the visa at the Russian embassy or consulate in your country. Before submitting your application, check the application requirements and fees at the Russian embassy in your country.

Step 3: Visa Registration

The final step is registering your visa upon arrival in Russia. You must complete the registration within seven days of your arrival. Typically, the university or educational institute where you enrolled will handle the registration process.

Eligibility Criteria for a Russian Student Visa

To be eligible for a Russian student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • A valid, signed passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least six months beyond the visa duration.
  • A completed and signed visa application form.
  • An invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its regional office, or the university/institute where you are enrolled.
  • Your current educational certificates and qualifications.
  • Proof of tuition fee payment for the university or institute.
  • A negative HIV test certificate issued no more than three months before the application.
  • A clear intention to leave Russia after the permitted stay.

Where to Begin?

Before applying for a visa, check the estimated processing time. Once confirmed, follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain an Invitation Letter

As mentioned earlier, after securing admission, the university or institute will issue an invitation letter.

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form

Fill out the online visa application form, print it, and sign it.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare a checklist of required documents and collect them.

Step 4: Obtain Passport-Size Photos

Get a passport-size photo that meets the embassy's specifications. In most cases, two photographs are required. Sign the back of the photos.

Step 5: Arrange the Visa Fee Payment

Check with the Russian embassy or consulate in your country regarding the visa fee and accepted payment methods.

Step 6: Submit Your Visa Application

Submit your application to the Russian embassy along with the required documents and visa fees in person.

Note: Russian embassies generally do not accept visa applications submitted by third parties, representatives, or agents. You will receive a receipt upon submission and payment.

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision

After submitting your application, wait for the embassy’s decision. The embassy will provide a date for follow-up on your application status.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa

To collect your visa, present the receipt issued by the embassy at the time of application submission.

Step 9: Obtain a Migration Card

Upon arrival in Russia, you must complete a migration card, which will be checked at passport control. One part remains with you while the other stays with the authorities. Keep your part safe until you leave Russia.

Step 10: Register Your Visa

You must register your visa within seven days of arrival in Russia. In most cases, the university or institute will handle the registration.

Submit your passport, student visa, and migration card to the foreign relations office at your institution. Once registered, you will receive a visa registration certificate, which must be kept safe until you leave the country.

Extension of the Russian Student Visa

If your study program exceeds three months, your student visa will be extended upon arrival in Russia to cover the entire study period. A single-entry visa can be converted into a multiple-entry visa based on your stay duration and program type.

Once your visa is extended or converted, a new visa will be issued in your passport.

Visa Fees

The visa fees vary depending on the country of issuance. Note that visa application fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Important Notes

When applying for a Russian student visa, remember the following:

  • Apply for your visa at least three months before your planned departure to allow sufficient processing time.
  • Carefully fill out your application with accurate details.
  • Provide matte-finish photos.
  • Carry both original and copies of all required documents when visiting the visa application center.
  • Check with the Russian embassy or consulate for any additional required documents.

What to Avoid

  • Do not submit forged or false documents.
  • Do not manipulate or conceal any information in your application.