Russia continues to fascinate students across the planet. The number of international students in Russia keeps on progressing at pace. To get an entry Russian federation for study purposes, You need to acquire a Russian student visa. Russian student visas are issued after the invitations by the Ministry of Interior. A Russian student visa is valid for 90 days but its validity can be extended for the duration of your study program, up to a year.

WHERE TO APPLY FOR RUSSIAN STUDENT VISA

A Russian Student visa can be acquired through the Russian Embassy or Consulate in your residence country. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR RUSSIAN STUDENT VISA 

To apply for a Russian student visa, you need to follow certain steps: 

STEP 1: Invitation Letter

To be eligible for a student visa, you need to get yourself enrolled in a course at a Russian University that can provide you an official invitation letter to come and study in Russia. These invitations are ordinarily disseminated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Federal Migration Service of Russia. 

STEP 2: Financing Your studies

After your admission is confirmed, you need to pay your fees to the respective university. You can go for the scholarships provided by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science to finance your expenses. 

STEP 3: Preparing application for Russian Student Visa

For a successful application, you need to attach certain documents which are listed below:

1. One latest passport size photograph  (3.5×4.5cm)

2. Official invitation letter granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia and the Federal Migration Service of Russia.

3. Passport with validity of at least 18 months from the issue date of the visa. The passport should be original having two blank pages for the visa.

4. Printout of the online application form that you have filled.

5. Medical certificate showing that you are HIV negative. The test should be taken within the last three months.

RUSSIAN STUDENT VISA PROCESSING TIME 

Generally, issuing a visa takes a minimum of three to five weeks but you cant opt for fast track service by paying additional fees. 

RUSSIAN STUDENT VISA FEES 

The cost of a visa depends on

1. The country in which you are living

2. Single or double entry

3. Standard or fast track service 

4. Your period of stay in Russia

AFTER ARRIVAL IN RUSSIA 

1. Immigration Card: Being an international student, you are required to fill migration form so when you cross the borders you will hand over the form to the border controls and they will give you a detachable portion of the form. The detachable portion is your Migration card which you will need until you leave Russia after your studies. In case you lose your immigration card, you need to apply to the Federal Migration Service within three days with your documents such as your passport, your student ID so that they will issue you a duplicate card. 

2. Registering your Student Visa: You are required to register your Russian Student Visa but this is not your responsibility. The owner of the rental apartment or hotel will do this. You have to proffer them a copy of your immigration card, Student visa, and passport. 

Reference– https://www.expatica.com/ru/moving/visas/russian-student-visas-995118/