Visa and Registration Requirements for International Students
Source: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/visa-and-registration-requirements-international-students Parent: https://english.spbu.ru/
Visa
To enter Russia for any purpose, most non-Russian citizens must be holders of a valid passport and valid Russian entry visa issued by a local Russian Embassy or Consulate. A Russian Federation visa is a document that permits entry and exit within the dates fixed therein. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travellers must apply for their visas well in advance. Please note that the applicant’s passport should be valid for at least 18 months after the beginning of the planned study period! Otherwise such applicant will not obtain a Russian study visa. Please remember that you should plan to exit Russia before your visa expires.
Applicants, who wish to take the admission tests at SPbU in person, need to have a Russian visa to cross the border and to stay here legally. For applicants admitted to the University on the Russian government-funded scholarship the invitation is provided by the Russian Ministry of Education.
To get a Russian visa you need to complete the following steps:
- Fill in an application form for a visa invitation
- Submit the completed application form, a copy of your identity document and your previous Russian visa (if any) with a request to issue a visa invitation, either in person or via email. It takes 40 days to arrange a letter of invitation
- Get your Russian visa at the Russian Embassy of your country
- Don’t forget to collect the original of the invitation, either in person or by sending your authorised representative to the SPbU International Admissions Office
Visa invitation
You may collect the invitation in our office or request it to be sent to you by fax or express mail. An official invitation from SPbU will give you the right to obtain a Russian visa.
Your visa will be issued with the following information:
- Purpose of visit — Study
- Receiving party (visa sponsor) — St Petersburg University
Once you have received the invitation, please check whether your name and other details set out in the invitation are correct. The spelling of your name in the invitation shall be identical to that in your passport and educational credentials.
Medical Insurance
A VHI (voluntary medical insurance) policy is a mandatory document for foreign citizens. The absence of a VHI policy is grounds for refusal of entry into the territory of Russia. Every foreign student entering the territory of Russia must purchase a VHI policy for the entire duration of their stay.
Learn more about specific medical insurance requirements at our Medical Services page.
Migration card
Upon arrival at the Russian border, all foreign nationals must fill out a migration card with the stated purpose of stay being "study". It is a small sheet of paper perforated in the centre. Upon completion of this form, one part thereof is taken by the passport control officer while the student keeps the other part for registration and exit procedures. The migration card must be stamped by the border passport control officer. This stamp indicates the date of arrival and is required for registration with the University. These cards are available onboard international flights and at airports at the passport control.
Enrolment
As soon as you arrive, you should visit SPbU’s International Admissions Office for enrolment, student contract execution, registration of national passport.
Please be ready to provide the documents needed to enrol you as a student, to execute a student contract and to register your national passport. Our employees will explain the enrolment process and will answer any of your questions. If your arrive on a weekend or after office hours, please contact us beforehand so we could send you an accommodation permit for an SPbU hall of residence by e-mail.
Please note that you will have three days to register your national passport.
International Admissions Office contacts
Address
13B Universitetskaya emb., St Petersburg, 199034
Telephone
+7 (812) 328-32-91
Registration with Migration Service
International students should direct any questions concerning visa support and renewal, migration registration, and legal stay in Russia to the SPbU Passport and Visa Support Department. This dedicated department is equipped to provide accurate information and assistance, ensuring that all legal requirements are met efficiently. Utilizing their services will help you navigate the complexities of immigration processes and maintain your legal status in Russia without unnecessary stress.
On the day of arrival or the following day you will be directed to SPbU’s Passport and Visa Support Department to get registered with the Migration Service at one of the following addresses:
Passport and Visa Support Department contacts
St Petersburg office
Address
7-9B (Rector’s Wing), Universitetskaya emb., 1st floor, office 109-110
Telephone
+7 (812) 363-64-03
Peterhof satellite office
Address
66 Botanicheskaya str., Building 2, Hall of Residence No. 10, office 103
Telephone
+7 (812) 428-47-58
Visit the Passport and Visa Support page at the SPbU International Affairs website for up to date full information.
Rules of Stay and other regulations
- A Guide to the Rules of Stay in the Russian Federation for Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Studying at St. Petersburg State University
- The rules of stay in the Russian Federation for foreign citizens and stateless persons studying at St Petersburg University
- Procedures for migration registration of foreign citizens
Medical examination and biometric data collection
Undergoing a medical examination and biometric processes is a crucial requirement for all foreigners residing in Russia long-term, including international students. These procedures ensure the health and safety of both the residents and the broader community. Medical examinations help identify and manage any health issues early, while biometric processes enhance security and streamline administrative tasks. Compliance with these requirements is essential for maintaining legal status and fostering a safe, healthy, and secure environment for everyone.
Mandatory fingerprint registration, photography, and medical examination.
Visa renewal
Timely visa renewal or extension of the period of stay is vital for international students to maintain their legal status in Russia. Failure to renew a visa on time can lead to legal complications, including fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. Ensuring that your visa is up-to-date allows you to focus on your studies without the stress of potential legal issues. Visa renewal procedures are usually handled through the SPbU Passport and Visa Support Department.
- Procedures for issuing or extending a multiple visa for foreign citizens having entered the Russian Federation in the visa regime
- Procedures for extending the period of stay for foreign citizens having entered the Russian Federation in the non-visa regime
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