How to apply for a Russian student visa

Russia provides its overseas students multiple opportunities that are often not offered by Western schools. Ability to obtain dual diplomas, scholarships for foreigners to obtain free tuition, and comparatively affordable education programs than schools in the UK, US or Canada- all these amazing facilities make Russia a premium destination to pursue higher education. In order to fulfil your dream of studying in Russia, you will require a Russian visa for Indian students. In this article, we shall discuss the process and further details of successfully obtaining a Russian visa.

In this article, we shall discuss the various aspects of Russian visa requirement for Indian students

Who needs a student visa?

A student visa is required to enter in Russia. The Russian student visas are initially issued for 90 days but can be extended for another year from the local division of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia). If needed, it can be renewed after this period till the duration of your study. To pursue any of the following education programs, a Russian visa for Indian students is essential: -

• Primary or secondary school and their exchange programs
• Higher Education
• Any Language oriented course
• Graduate and Post Graduate Coursework
• Postgraduate Research
• Vocational Education and Training

Note- If travelling to Russia for any scientific or cultural academic purpose, then it is better if you apply for the Russian Humanitarian Visa.

What are the documents needed?

To obtain a Russian visa for Indian students, you need to have original as well as copies of the following documents: -

1. A valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity that extends the duration of your stay by at least 6 months.
2. A completed, signed and error-free copy of the Russian visa application form.
3. Letter of Invitation issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its Regional Office, or the educational institute or University where you have enrolled for the course.
4. Certified copies of your latest educational results, diplomas, character certificates, recommendation letters, and other relevant documents.
5. Proof of tuition fee paid to the University or college where you have been admitted. The institution’s generated invoice shall be accepted as proof.
6. .A medical certificate from an approved doctor or hospital. An original HIV (AIDS) Test Certificate with a negative result must be provided; it should not have been conducted more than 3 months of the issuance of the Letter of Invitation.
7. For applicants under the age of 18, parent/guardian’s consent form with contact details is required.

Procedure for a student visa

You should ensure that your application date is in due time, at least 2 months before the commencement of your educational program. To obtain a Russian student visa, Indians need to follow these steps: -

1. First students are required to obtain an Invitation Letter or Visa Support from the institute or university they have been enrolled in. This shall be provided to you accordingly.
2. Next, you can fill the Russian student visa application form and print it. Take note of filling correct information and signing it once complete. At this step, it is advisable that you gather the above mentioned documents as well.
3. Once the application has been filled, book an appointment at the Russian Embassy or Consulate.
4. On the day of your scheduled appointment, you will be required to submit the visa application, necessary documents and fee in person. Following this, you will be provided with a receipt; please keep it safely for later use.
5. The Russian Embassy shall notify you of a date when may contact them to know if the visa has been granted.
6. To collect your visa, you should visit the Embassy in person. To collect the visa, documents and passport, you need to present the receipt given to you after the submission of your visa application.
7. This step is to be fulfilled on your arrival in Russia; you will need to obtain a Migration Card at the point of entry into the country. This form is to be submitted at passport control, half of it will be kept while the other half will be returned. This half is to be retained till you exit Russia.
8. The student visa is to be registered within 7 days of your arrival in the country, though generally this would be looked after by your school. Once the registration is done, you will be provided with a Proof of Visa Registration that is to be retained till your exit from the country.

Things to keep in mind

There are a few things to be followed while applying for a Russian visa for Indian students. They are: -

1. Russian Embassies generally do not accept visa applications or documents via applicant’s representatives or agents, however in case you have no option, then it is required for the authorized person to carry a duly attested power of attorney letter from the applicant.
2. .Photos provided should be of matt finish, and not glossy finish. Additionally, they are to be signed on the reverse side.
3. In case you change your course or coursework provider, please ensure to inform the immigration department at the earliest.
4. The validity date is mentioned on your permit so you should take care of not extending your stay, without official renewal.
5. Keep a copy of all your documents and certificates with you. In case of theft or loss, these copies will be extremely useful.

Reasons for rejection

Following are some of the reasons that could lead to rejection of your application for a Russian visa for Indian students: -

1. Inadequate proof of financial stability and/or lack of sufficient funds to support your stay.
2. Inability to prove that you will return to your home country after your program ends.
3. If the visa office fails to comprehend the choice of your program.
4. .If the visa office questions the credibility of your Letter of Invitation.
5. Discrepancies in any other documents, such as travel or identity proof.
6. Getting a negative result in your HIV Certificate Test.

Russia offers chances to willing, deserving and hard-working students to fulfill their academic goals. Just follow these simple steps of Russian visa requirement to procure a visa timely. Also, if you do not have any recent educational plans then we do suggest that you travel this beautiful country nonetheless by obtaining a Russian tourist visa!