Student Visa

Note: Short-Term Student visa is issued by RST only for students enrolled to a course at EducaCentre language school www.educacentre.net

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.

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:

1. A completed Russian visa application form (one per person) - either for US citizens or for the rest of the world countries

2. National passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Russia.

3. 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.

4. A letter of invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, or its Regional Representative Offices.

5. 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

Note: Long-term student visa invitation can be obtained from third-parties educational institutions only, RST doesn't issue such invitations

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:

1. A completed visa application form (one per person).

2. National passport (original) valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Russia.

3. 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.

4. A letter of invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its Regional Office.

5. Copy of your current diploma or educational certificate, certified by the State or Federal authorities.

6. General health certificate and a copy of HIV test certificate, if you are going to stay more than 3 months in Russia.

7. A confirmation of the payment arrangement directly from the University, Institute or College you are going to study at.

8. Visa application charge.

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.

Special note: According to the Russian laws, all foreigners going to Russia need to have valid visas and registration of their stay. RST provides visas and registration service for travellers going to St. Petersburg and Moscow.