Student Visa

Student Visas are issued to US citizens, foreign nationals, and statelesspersons traveling to the Russian Federation with the intent to study at an institution, and are issued based on an Original Official invitation issued by either the Federal Migration Service (FMS) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation upon request from the inviting institution.

Student visas are either Single or Double-entry, and are only good for a length of stay no longer than 90 days.

Student visas may be granted an extension by contacting the local Federal Migration Service office. An extension requires that the applicant register at the migration office in order to be issued a multi-entry visa for the remainder of their study, up to 1 year, as permissible by Russian education laws.

Consulate Fees are applicable to US citizens only

Please note that in addition to the visa fee applicants are required to pay the Russia Visa Application Centre Service Charge of 38 USD (including VAT) for each visa application.

*Regular Processing Time is 10 Calendar Days from the day the documents are submitted to the Russian Consulate for review.

**Expedited Processing Time is 3 Business Days from the day the documents are submitted to the Russian Consulate for review.

**Single Entry Visas can be expedited only under Emergency circumstances at the discretion of the Consulate.

Please Note!

Consular fees and processing times for foreign nationals and stateless persons are determined by the Consulates of the Russian Federation.

In the case of outright denial of your application by the Russian Consulate, the Consular Fee and the Processing Fee's are non-refundable.

• Visa Center in Washington
• Visa Center in New York
• Visa Center in Houston
• Visa Center in San Francisco
• Visa Center in Seattle

Visa Center in Washington

List of Documents Required for a Student Visa:

1. An Original Official Invitation, issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or
   
2. A decision to issue a visa via a Telex from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
   
3. An original, signed passport with at lease 2 blank pages marked “Visas”, that is valid for at least 18 months after the visa start date;
   
4. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru, signed by the applicant;
   
   
   • The very first question on the electronic application site asking “Country (select the country where you will be applying for your visa)”
     Be sure that you select “UNITED STATES” ;
     
   • You must choose the Visa Center where you will be dropping off your documents.
     
5. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2" by 2" in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
   
6. HIV Test Certificate done no longer than 90 days before applying is required(HIV test must be conducted via a blood sample);
7. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to VFS Services (USA ) Inc. Personal cheques will not be accepted.
   

EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US:

1. Green Card; or
2. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.
   
   US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport; invitations must be filled out according to the US passport.

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

1. Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.
   In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).
2. Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

Additional Requirements for Student Visas:

1. Notarized non-objection letter (if you applying on behalf of another person)
   
2. Letter from company/organization (If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees)

In accordance with Russian law, visas cannot be issued to Russian citizens with expired passports. We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation”, children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

Australian citizens must provide a detailed autobiography either in Russian.

If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Visa Center in New York

List of Documents Required for a Student Visa:

1. An Original Official Invitation, issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or
   
2. A decision to issue a visa via a Telex from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
   
3. An original, signed passport with at lease 2 blank pages marked “Visas”, that is valid for at least 18 months after the visa start date;
   
4. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru, signed by the applicant;
   
   
   • The very first question on the electronic application site asking “Country (select the country where you will be applying for your visa)”
     Be sure that you select “UNITED STATES” ;
     
   • You must choose the Visa Center where you will be dropping off your documents.
     
5. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2" by 2" in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
   
6. HIV Test Certificate done no longer than 90 days before applying is required(HIV test must be conducted via a blood sample);
7. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to VFS Services (USA ) Inc. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US:

1. Green Card; or
2. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.
   
   US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport; invitations must be filled out according to the US passport.

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

1. Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.
   In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).
2. Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

Additional Requirements for Student Visas:

1. Notarized non-objection letter (if you applying on behalf of another person)
   
2. Letter from company/organization (If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees)

In accordance with Russian law, visas can not be issued to Russian citizens with expired passports. We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation”, children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

Australian citizens must provide a detailed autobiography either in Russian.

If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Visa Center in Houston

List of Documents Required for a Student Visa:

1. Invitation

To apply for a student visa it is required that you present an invitation issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or its offices. The Ministry issues such invitations at the request of the host organization/institute.

Invitations issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs come in print or electronic forms. Print invitations must be presented in original. Electronic invitations may be presented as copies.

Please note that the information in the invitation must fully correspond to the information in the applicant’s passport. Invitations containing errors will not be accepted.

2. Validity period

Single and double-entry student visas are issued for up to 90 days. Multiple-entry work visas are issued for the period of up to 3 years as specified in the invitation.

3. HIV tests requirement

Applicants for work and student visas are required to submit an HIV blood test certificate. The test must be taken no earlier than 3 months before the application date.

4. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru, signed by the applicant;
5. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2" by 2" in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
   
6. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in USD by cash or by major Credit or Debit Cards
   

EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US:

1. Green Card; or
2. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.
   
   US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport; invitations must be filled out according to the US passport.

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

1. Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.
   In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).
2. Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

Additional Requirements for Student Visas:

Visa Center in San Francisco

List of Documents Required for a Student Visa:

1. An Original Official Invitation, issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or
   
2. A decision to issue a visa via a Telex from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
   
3. An original, signed passport with at lease 2 blank pages marked “Visas”, that is valid for at least 18 months after the visa start date;
   

4. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru, signed by the applicant;
   
   

   • The very first question on the electronic application site asking “Country (select the country where you will be applying for your visa)”
     Be sure that you select “UNITED STATES” ;
     
   • You must choose the Visa Center where you will be dropping off your documents. (When applying at our office in San Francisco, please choose Visa Center Washington).
     
5. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2" by 2" in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
   
6. HIV Test Certificate done no longer than 90 days before applying is required(HIV test must be conducted via a blood sample);
7. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to VFS Services (USA ) Inc. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US:

1. Green Card; or
2. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.
   
   US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport; invitations must be filled out according to the US passport.

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

1. Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.
   In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).
2. Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

Additional Requirements for Student Visas:

Additional documents:

• For non-US citizens, a copy of employment authorization card is acceptable for residency status.
• Copy of passport pages;
• Copy of Diploma or Transcript;
• A letter from the University that affirms that the visa will be issued for no more than 90 days, and will not be extended (in the case of a single-entry visa);
• A confirmation from the University that you have paid in full (for Multi-entry visas).

1. Notarized non-objection letter (if you applying on behalf of another person)
   
2. Letter from company/organization (If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees).

In accordance with Russian law, visas can not be issued to Russian citizens with expired passports. We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation”, children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

Australian citizens must provide a detailed autobiography either in Russian.

If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Visa Center in Seattle

List of Documents Required for a Student Visa:

1. An Original Official Invitation, issued by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation; or
   
2. A decision to issue a visa via a Telex from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
   
3. An original, signed passport with at lease 2 blank pages marked “Visas”, that is valid for at least 18 months after the visa start date;
   
4. A printed visa application filled out at visa.kdmid.ru, signed by the applicant;
   
   
   • The very first question on the electronic application site asking “Country (select the country where you will be applying for your visa)”
     Be sure that you select “UNITED STATES” ;
     
   • You must choose the Visa Center where you will be dropping off your documents. (When applying at our office in San Francisco, please choose Visa Center Washington).
     
5. One standard, passport-style photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm, (colloquially known as 2" by 2" in the US), with a light background, a clear view of the face, without dark glasses, or head coverings (except for persons whose religious or national traditions require it, in which case the photograph must match the passport photo);
   
6. HIV Test Certificate done no longer than 90 days before applying is required(HIV test must be conducted via a blood sample);
7. Payments can be made at the Russian Visa Application Centre in USD by cash, by major Credit or Debit Cards or by money order to VFS Services (USA ) Inc. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

EU (European Union) Citizens are required to provide a copy of their health insurance policy card, along with their policy documents that is valid in the Russian Federation for the visa period, except for countries covered by bilateral agreements. If you are not EU citizens, then please ask visa center operators whether you require medical insurance. Your policy must include information about clinics covered in Russia.

Citizens of the Ireland and Iran are required to furnish proof of medical insurance that is valid for their entire visa period in the Russian Federation.

US CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A VISA.

NON-US CITIZENS must provide a copy of their legal status in the US:

1. Green Card; or
2. Long-term US Visa, tourist visas not accepted.
   
   US citizens with a second passport must apply for a visa using only their US passport; invitations must be filled out according to the US passport.

Take Note! The Russian Consulate has the right to ask for additional documentation in order to process your visa application, ask you to come in for an interview, or extend the visa processing time of your application.

Attention! If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must provide the following in addition to your documents:

1. Permission for uninterrupted stay in the United States for more than 90 days for citizens of the following countries: Albania, Bahrein, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt, Ireland, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Male, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and North Ireland, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, and Japan.
   In accordance with national laws, documentary evidence allowing uninterrupted stay in United States for more than 90 days may be a Student or Work visa, work permit, permanent residency (Green Card).
2. Permanent residency status in United States or a similar document for citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Georgia, India, Iraq, Iran, China, DPRK, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Sri-Lanka, Ethiopia.

Additional Requirements for Student Visas:

Additional documents:

• For non-US citizens, a copy of employment authorization card is acceptable for residency status.
• Copy of passport pages;
• Copy of Diploma or Transcript;
• A letter from the University that affirms that the visa will be issued for no more than 90 days, and will not be extended (in the case of a single-entry visa);
• A confirmation from the University that you have paid in full (for Multi-entry visas).

1. Notarized non-objection letter (if you applying on behalf of another person)
   
2. Letter from company/organization (If a company/organization representative is submitting documents on behalf of their employees) .

In accordance with Russian law, visas can not be issued to Russian citizens with expired passports. We remind you that in accordance to Article 12 of Russian Law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation”, children born to two parents who are Russian citizens, automatically gain Russian citizenship, regardless of the place of birth. In this case visas are not issued, and they must apply for Russian citizenship, or have their information written into the passport of one of their parents, or obtain a Russian passport.

Australian citizens must provide a detailed autobiography either in Russian.

If applying for a minor, please provide a copy of their Birth Certificate, in which it is evident that at least of the parents is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Note: The photographs submitted must meet with these specifications.

Please provide one recent 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 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.

Normal applications: 10 business days minimum.

Urgent applications: 3 business days minimum.

Important notice: Processing time is a minimum and may vary from case to case. Your visa application processing will start from the day your application was dispatched to the Consulate. Therefore please add few more days to the indicated timings, depending on whether you will apply at the Russia visa application centre in person or by post.

VFS is not involved in the process of assessment of visa applications, or their grant or refusal, and shall not be liable or responsible for any delay by the Consulates or the Embassy of the Russian Federation in USA, in assessing, granting or refusing any visa application.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Important notice:

All questions in the visa application form must be answered in full, including the contact details of the applicant (full address with postal code, telephone and e-mail) and other questions that are not marked with a "*", otherwise you will be asked to fill in these questions after arrival in the visa center.

Please note: If in your online visa application you answered "NO" to questions about previous places of work and educational institutions, you must attach a signed cover letter confirming that you did not really have previous jobs or studied in educational institutions.

Please note that if your application form requires any corrections or if you did not have a possibility to complete an online application form before visiting the Visa Application Centre, our team members will be happy to help. The cost of this service is $ 30 USD (Taxes included).

Please make sure that at the end of the electronic visa application you have chosen the visa application center that you are planning to visit. If you do not, the visa center staff may have to ask you to fill out a new visa application form.

To avoid confusion when choosing a passport category in the application, note that a diplomatic passport is issued to a civil servant who travels internationally for official state affairs. An official passport (service passport, as well as a special passport) is issued to the civil servant for travel related to work, and accompanying dependents. A tourist or ordinary passport is a document issued by the national government for the purpose of international travel, which certifies the identity and citizenship of its owner.

After completing your application form, please print it, sign it and submit it to the Russian Visa Application Center along with all supporting documents, payment and passport. Make sure that the signature on your application form is identical to the signature in your passport. We would like to assure you that we pay special attention to the processing of your personal data. By sending us your visa application, you confirm that you have accepted our Terms and Conditions.

To fill out the electronic visa application form click here.