Temporary Residence Permit in the Russian Federation for the Purpose of Education

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Temporary Residence Permit (RVP) is a document that confirms the right of a foreign citizen or stateless person to reside in the Russian Federation legally for a temporary period. The permit allows a foreigner to stay in the country for up to 3 years while preparing the necessary documents for obtaining a permanent residence permit.

A temporary residence permit allows a foreign citizen to travel abroad on the territory of the Russian Federation for up to 3 years. However, it does not give the right to cross the border; you still need the Russian visa for this.

In 2023, Russia introduced a new type of temporary residence permit known as the RVPO/РВПО (Разрешение на Временное Проживание для Образования- Temporary Residence Permit for Education) for foreign students studying in the country. This new permit simplifies the process of obtaining a permanent residence and grants additional benefits to foreign students.

In this article, we will explain the step-by-step process of obtaining a temporary residence permit for foreign citizens, particularly for students living in Russia. 

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On January 1, 2023, Order No. 949 dated December 14, 2022 “On approval of the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation for the provision of public services for the issuance of temporary residence permits to foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Russian Federation for the purpose of obtaining education” came into force.

The public service is provided to foreign citizens or stateless persons who are studying full-time under a bachelor’s program, a specialist’s program, a master’s program, a residency program, an assistant-internship program that has state accreditation, or a program for the training of scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel in graduate school (adjuncture) in a state educational or state scientific organization located in a constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

According to the federal law, the RVPO can be obtained by full-time students for the entire period of study plus 180 days after graduation so that they can find employment.

The term for consideration of the request is 38 business days but it can take up to two months.

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Benefits of RVPO (Temporary Residence Permit for Education)

Foreign students come to Russia as temporary foreigners. And this legal status has its limitations — you need to monitor the documents and their validity, extend and re-register with each academic year.

The new RVPO is a simplified version of the previous temporary residence permit for people living  in Russia. Here are some of the benefits of this permit:

  1. The RVPO is valid for the entire duration of study and 180 days after graduation, which is longer than the previous temporary residence permit.
  2. Foreign graduates can now easily apply to receive a permanent residence permit and Russian citizenship within three years. This was available to just first-class graduates and citizens of certain countries previously.
  3. Foreign students do not need to renew their visa every year, which makes the process more convenient.
  4. Foreign students with RVPO are entitled to full medical care.
  5. Foreign students with RVPO are exempt from the annual notice of residence in the Russian Federation.

Foreign students will also now have permanent registration by place of residence and might even be able to take up official employment without a patent and work permit.

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Documents Needed to Apply for Temporary Residence Permit (RVP)

  1. Application form for temporary residence (RVPO) in electronic form (it can be filled in the office);
  2. Notarized translation of the passport to Russian language;
  3. Copy of the migration card;
  4. Notification of migration registration (registration);
  5. 2-4 personal photos sized 35mm x 45mm, (might be required to be matte finish, not colored);
  6. Documents confirming the applicant’s enrollment in a state educational organization or a state scientific organization (documents in a foreign language must be translated into Russian, while the accuracy of the translation or the authenticity of the translator’s signature must be notarized in a notary office);
  7. Medical documents (original) confirming that a foreign citizen has passed a medical examination:
  8. Receipt or payment document on payment of the state duty- 1600 rubles.
  9. Documents confirming the absence of a criminal record of the applicant who arrived in Russia requiring a visa (original document issued no earlier than 3 months before the date of application).
  10.  A Russian language certificate is not required

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Depending on the city and status of the applicant, these might also be required:

  • Notarized translation of the birth certificate to Russian language, apostille or legalization (if necessary)
  • If the foreigner is married to a Russian citizen, a copy of the spouse’s passport and a copy of the marriage certificate

Note that the exact cost of applying for a temporary residence permit may also vary based on the applicant’s citizenship, place of birth and region of residence. For more information on the cost, applicants can contact the relevant authorities in your city or your university.

You can also confirm the specific migration office(s) and service points for the issuance of permits for temporary residence to receive education in your city.

Note that the cost of applying for and processing a temporary residence permit may vary based on the applicant’s citizenship and place of birth. For more information on the cost, applicants can contact the relevant authorities.

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Steps to Apply for Temporary Residence Permit (RVP)

  1. The first step is to fill out the application form for the temporary residence permit (RVP) in electronic form. This form is available on the website of the Federal Migration Service of Russia.
  2. The applicant must then collect all the necessary documents required for the application. These documents should be translated into Russian and notarized.
  3. The applicant should then submit the application along with the necessary documents to the Federal Migration Service office in their region of residence.
  4. The application fee should be paid at the time of submission of the application.
  5. After the application has been submitted, the Federal Migration Service will verify the documents and issue a decision within two months.
  6. If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a temporary residence permit, which will be valid for up to 3 years.

group of people in black academic dress

In conclusion, the new RVPO is a major step towards making Russia a more welcoming and accessible destination for foreign students. The simplified process and extended validity period of the permit will make life easier for students, and the exemption from annual notice of residence is an added bonus.

It is important for foreign students to carefully follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Russian government to avoid any legal complications during their stay in the country.

Students should be aware that the document may be canceled in the case of expulsion or academic leave, and a certificate of no criminal record is required for students from visa countries.

For more information, foreign students can contact the International Information Center of their university or the Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in their region.


One Response

  1. Want to know if it the same with the one the school migration office enforced on all foreign students pls by obtaining a fingerprint at the migration headquarter with all relevant documents and was issued a green card after a month of completing the execrise. My question is that is it the same with the temporary residence permit please.

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