Last updated 2025-06-10
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Geared towards for foreigners arriving in Russia for the purpose of studying in higher education, secondary specialized and professional (except military) educational institutions for up to three months or a full course.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 3 months
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, a visa serves as a permit for both entry and exit. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the validity period indicated on the foreigner's visa: the applicant cannot enter the country before the visa's start date, nor remain beyond its expiration date. The decision regarding the validity period of the visa is made by the consulate and does not directly depend on the applicant. This type of visa can be valid for up to one month. All foreign citizens entering Russia are required to fill out migration cards. These cards are available free of charge at designated border crossing points, international airports within the Russian Federation, and on board airplanes arriving in Russia. The migration card includes the foreigner's identification information, purpose of entry, and a registration stamp. In accordance with current legislation, foreigners arriving in Russia must register with the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia within 7 working days. Those staying at a hotel or similar establishment providing lodging services must register within 1 working day.
to 3 months
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Such visas allow staying in Russia for up to three months. If a foreigner plans to stay in the Russian Federation for the purpose of studying for a longer period, it is necessary to submit an application for extension of stay through the applicant's university to the territorial body of the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the place of migration registration of the foreign citizen before the expiration of the initial visa. In case of a positive decision, the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs extends the three-month study visa by issuing a multiple-entry visa for the duration of the study contract, but not more than 1 year for each subsequent visa.
to 1 year
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
If a foreigner plans to stay in the Russian Federation for the purpose of studying for a longer period, it is necessary to submit an application for extension of stay through the applicant's university to the territorial body of the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the place of migration registration of the foreign citizen before the expiration of the initial visa. In case of a positive decision, the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs extends the three-month study visa by issuing a multiple-entry visa for the duration of the study contract, but not more than 1 year for each subsequent visa.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
An ordinary study visa can be single or double entry.
from 7 days to 20 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The standard review period, in the absence of problems with the content of the application, is seven working days from the date of acceptance of the application. However, this period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional documents are required from the applicant.
$80 - single-entry
$128 - double-entry
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fee may be waived, or the amount may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the specific purpose of the visit and the number of entries. In addition, for most countries, an additional express service is provided if necessary. This service reduces the processing time of the application and increases the amount of the fee. The consular fee is the official fee for processing a visa application by the embassy, consulate or accredited visa center of the Russian Federation and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents, etc.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Visa application form
Official Russian visa application form, fully completed and signed by the applicant.
Passport
Current passport which should be valid for a minimum of six months (18 months for stays for more than 90 days) after visa's expiration date and has at least 2 blank pages which do not need to be consecutive.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Invitation
Issued by the MVD (police in Russia) on the basis of an application from the Russian organization, inviting the applicant to Russia for study.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Health insurance cover
Medical insurance at least €30 000 in coverage valid for Russia. Providing a health insurance policy is mandatory for all citizens of the Schengen Agreement states, as well as Iran, Israel and Ireland.
Proof of financial mean
Recent bank statement for the last three months or any other proof of income. This document must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay and for return expenses. In cases of sponsorship by a host, an invitation letter with financial commitments and proof of the sponsor's income must also be provided.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Certificate of citizenship
If the applicant has ever been a citizen of USSR or the Russian Federation, a certificate of citizenship secession should be provided.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Criminal record check
Document from the relevant authorities in the country of citizenship and permanent residence confirming the absence (or presence) of a criminal record. This document is necessary for the subsequent issuance of a temporary residence permit in Russia.
HIV Test (AIDS) Certificate
For stays longer than 90 days, it's necessary to present an HIV Test (AIDS) Certificate taken within the last three months and should still be valid for 15–30 days on the day of the application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
005/ОУ
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Ordinary
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Study
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
3 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$80 – $128
