Student
Overview
Student Visa is issued to Indian citizens, citizens of other countries and stateless persons who seek to enter the Russian Federation for purpose of studying at educational institutions, and is granted on the basis of an invitation issued by Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia) or a visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Student visa can be single-entry or double-entry.
Subsequent extension of the student visa is granted by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia) at the place where the foreign citizen resides and is registered with the local FMS branch. The foreign citizen is issued a multiple-entry visa valid for the period specified in the study contract entered into in accordance with educational legislation of the Russian Federation, but no more than for one year for every subsequent visa.
Pupils, students, PhD candidates and accompanying teachers who are going to the Russian Federation for studies or internship (including participants of exchange and other educational programs) may submit a letter of invitation*, confirmation of enrolment from the receiving university, academy, institute, college or school, or a student ID card, or a confirmation of enrolment for the academic course to be attended.
Please note:
* Letter of invitation is an official document, issued by the host organization on its official letterhead, with the organization’s full reference details, and containing the following information:
- On the individual invited: first name, surname, date of birth, sex, citizenship, number and type of the document proving identity, duration and purpose of visit, number of entries granted by the visa, names and dates of birth of minor children accompanying the person invited;
- On the legal entity (company, organization) issuing the invitation: the full name of the organization, its registered and actual addresses, its individual taxpayer identification number, state registration number, first name, surname and designation of the person signing the invitation, their contact telephone number and the organization’s official seal.
Visa Fees
Please note that each visa application attracts a visa fee. Visa fees vary depending on the citizenship of the applicant, number of entries and processing time.
Please note that in addition to the visa fee applicants are required to pay the VFS Service Charge of 1830 INR (including GST) for each visa application.
Russian Visa Application Centre accepts payments for visa fees, mandatory VFS Service Charge and optional Value Added Services, which the applicant may choose to purchase.
Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in cash or by debit / credit card.
Please note that all payments made are non-refundable.
To know the detailed visa fees please follow the link.
Documents Required
Documents to be submitted while applying for study visa (single or double entry):
- Invitation for entry to the Russian Federation issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (original*); or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (original*), or
- Visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; or
- Direct letter of invitation from the host organization (a copy can be submitted)**;
- HIV test reportincluding passport details, stamp and signature of the issuing medical authority, showing negative HIV test results and issued not earlier than 3 months before the application date (original);
Important: while applying for transfer of study visa please submit a recent HIV test report (original)
- Original passport containing at least 2 blank pages for visas, valid for a period of 18 months from the date of visa issuance (+ a good quality scanned copy of the page with photo and address page – both on one side of an A4 sheet);
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Online application form completed on the website visa.kdmid.ru, printed and signed in person by the applicant. Important: while completing the application form please select correct location for submission (the visa center you will be applying at);
Please note: applicant’s signature on the application form should match the signature in the passport
- One colour photograph 3.5 x 4.5 cm with light-coloured background, clear image of the applicant directly facing the camera, without dark/ tinted glasses or any headgear (with the exception of persons who wear such headgear due to their ethnic/ religious background, and are seen wearing the same in their passport photo).
* In case of electronic invitation a copy can be submitted
**Applicable only for citizens of the countries having mutual agreement with the Russian Federation on simplification of visa processes.
Letter of invitation is an official document, issued by the host organization on its official letterhead, with the organization’s full reference details, and containing the following information:
- On the individual invited: first name, surname, date of birth, sex, citizenship, number and type of the document proving identity, duration and purpose of visit, number of entries granted by the visa, names and dates of birth of minor children accompanying the person invited;
- On the host company issuing the invitation: the full name of the organization, its registered and actual addresses, its individual taxpayer identification number, state registration number, first name, surname and designation of the person signing the invitation, their contact telephone number and the organization’s official seal.
Please note: the Consular Office reserves the right to request additional documents for processing the visa, invite the applicant for an interview or extend visa processing time.
If you are not a citizen of the Republic of India, to know the visa requirements, rates and terms please consult with Russian Visa Center specialists.
Photo Specifications

Note: The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.
Please provide one recent colour photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself. The photographs should be:
- 3,5 x 4,5 cm taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
- Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
- Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
- Full face, non-smiling (without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background).
- Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.
Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.
Processing Time
The Embassy and Consulate General of the Russian Federation in India process visa applications and decide whether or not to issue a visa within the processing times service standards of up to 10 working days. This is subject to a complete set of documents being provided and consular fees paid.
The processing times may vary according to the decision of the Embassy or Consulate General of the Russian Federation in India
In emergency cases an urgent visa application may be submitted. In such cases the processing time can be shortened to just 3 working days or less, if an order to that effect has been given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Federal Migration Service of Russia or the Ambassador or Consul General of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India
In addition, some applications may take 30 days if deemed necessary by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India
Application Form
To complete the online visa application form, please go Here.
Please make sure to indicate which Russian Embassy or Consulate or Russia Visa Application Centre you intend to apply for your visa. Your application will be sent to the selected authority, for a decision to be made regarding your application. If you fail to do so then you may be requested to fill in a new application form.
Upon completion of your application form please print, sign it and submit to our application centre together with all support documents, payments and passport.