Russia Student Visa Complete Process Guide 2025
Russia remains one of the most affordable destinations for Indian medical students, with over 10,000 Indian students currently pursuing MBBS in Russian universities.
This comprehensive guide covers the complete Russian student visa process: invitation letter, required documents, VFS Global appointment, migration registration, and visa extension procedure.
📋 Quick Overview
Processing Time
3-4 weeks
Visa Fee
₹8,000-10,000
VFS Service Charge
₹2,500-3,500
Invitation Letter
3-4 weeks
Total Timeline
6-8 weeks
Step-by-Step Russia Student Visa Process
Step 1: Get University Admission & Invitation Letter
What is Invitation Letter (Official Invitation)?
An official document issued by Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) through your university, authorizing you to apply for student visa.
How to Get Invitation Letter:
- Apply to University: Submit application with documents (NEET, 10th, 12th, passport)
- Receive Admission Offer: University sends offer letter (2-3 weeks)
- Pay Fees: Pay 1st-year tuition or advance (₹2-3L typically)
- Submit Passport Copy: University needs passport biodata page scan
- University Applies to MVD: University submits your documents to MVD
- Receive Invitation: Digital copy sent via email (3-4 weeks)
Timeline: 3-4 weeks after paying fees
Cost: Usually free (included in university fees) or ₹5,000-8,000 if charged separately
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
| Document | Specifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for 18 months from travel date | At least 2 blank pages required |
| Invitation Letter | Original from MVD via university | Must have unique registration number |
| Visa Application Form | Filled online at VFS website | Print after completion |
| Photographs | 3 recent (35x45mm), white background | Matte finish, 70% face coverage |
| HIV Test Certificate | From authorized Indian labs | Valid 3 months, mandatory for students |
| Medical Certificate | General health checkup report | From registered doctor, stamped |
| 12th Marksheet | Original + photocopy | For verification purposes |
| NEET Scorecard | Original + photocopy | Proof of eligibility |
| Birth Certificate | Original + photocopy | Sometimes required |
Step 3: Fill Online Visa Application Form
How to Fill Application:
- Visit: india.vfsglobal.ru
- Click on "Student Visa" category
- Fill personal details (name, DOB, passport number)
- Enter invitation letter number and date
- Provide university details (name, city, course duration)
- Upload passport-sized photo (digital)
- Review all information carefully (mistakes delay visa)
- Download and print the completed form
Step 4: Book VFS Global Appointment
VFS Global Centers in India
- Delhi: Jacaranda Marg, DLF Phase 2, Gurgaon
- Mumbai: Trade View, Andheri East
- Chennai: Shafee Mohammed Road, Thousand Lights
- Kolkata: Elgin Road, Bhowanipore
- Bangalore: Richmond Town
- Hyderabad: Road No. 1, Banjara Hills
- Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala (for South India)
How to Book Appointment:
- Go to india.vfsglobal.ru
- Select "Book Appointment"
- Choose nearest VFS center
- Select date and time slot (usually 2-3 weeks wait)
- Pay VFS service fee online (₹2,500-3,500)
- Receive confirmation email with appointment details
- Print appointment confirmation letter
Step 5: Visit VFS Center & Submit Documents
What to Bring:
- ✅ All original documents + photocopies
- ✅ Printed visa application form
- ✅ Appointment confirmation letter
- ✅ Visa fee payment receipt (₹8,000-10,000 - pay at VFS)
- ✅ VFS service fee receipt (paid online)
- ✅ Passport-sized photos (3 copies)
At VFS Center:
- Token number issued upon arrival
- Biometric data collected (fingerprints, photo)
- Documents verified by VFS staff
- Pay visa fee (cash/card) if not paid online
- Receive acknowledgment receipt with tracking number
- Passport submitted to Russian Consulate
Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing
| Processing Type | Duration | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Processing | 10-15 working days | No extra cost |
| Urgent Processing | 3-5 working days | ₹5,000-8,000 extra |
Track Your Application:
- Visit: india.vfsglobal.ru/track-your-application
- Enter passport number + date of birth
- Check status: "Application received" → "Under process" → "Ready for collection"
Step 7: Collect Passport with Visa
Collection Options:
- Self-Collection: Visit VFS center with receipt + ID proof
- Courier Delivery: Pay ₹500-800 for door delivery (optional)
- Authorized Person: Send someone with authorization letter + their ID + your ID copy
Verify Visa Details:
- ✅ Visa type: "Student" (Учебная)
- ✅ Validity: Usually 90 days single entry (initial)
- ✅ Name, passport number, DOB correct
- ✅ University name and city mentioned
After Arrival in Russia: Migration Registration
⚠️ MANDATORY Within 7 Working Days
Failure to register = Fine + Deportation risk
What is Migration Registration?
Registration with Russian immigration authorities confirming your place of residence in Russia. Required by law for all foreigners.
How to Register:
- University Assistance: Most universities handle this automatically
- Timeline: Within 7 working days of arrival
- Documents Required: Passport, visa, migration card (received at airport), hostel address proof
- Process: University international office submits documents to UFMS (Federal Migration Service)
- Receive: Migration registration slip (keep safe!)
- Cost: Usually free if university handles it
Migration Card (Миграционная Карта)
Important Information:
- What: Small paper form given at Russian airport immigration
- Fill at Airport: Purpose of visit = "Study", address = university address
- Two Parts: Part A (kept by airport), Part B (keep with you ALWAYS)
- ⚠️ Critical: DO NOT LOSE Part B - required for registration, visa extension, leaving Russia
- Validity: Matches your visa validity
Student Visa Extension in Russia
Initial student visa is usually 90 days single entry. Must extend after arrival for full academic year.
Annual Visa Extension Process
When to Extend:
- 1 month before current visa expires
- University reminds you (usually)
- First extension: 90 days → 1 year multi-entry
- Subsequent extensions: Yearly for duration of course
Required Documents for Extension:
- Passport + current visa
- Migration card + registration slip
- University letter (confirmation of studies)
- Medical insurance for next year (₹15,000-20,000)
- Fee payment receipts (proving you paid tuition)
- HIV test (annual renewal required)
- 4 passport-sized photos
Process:
- Submit to University: International office handles extension
- University Applies to UFMS: On your behalf
- Processing Time: 30-45 days
- Cost: ₹10,000-15,000 (extension fee + services)
- Receive: New visa sticker in passport valid for 1 year
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Losing Migration Card Part B - Keep multiple photocopies, store original safely
- ❌ Missing Migration Registration deadline (7 days) - Fine ₹15,000 + deportation risk
- ❌ Traveling without registration - Always carry migration registration slip
- ❌ Forgetting visa extension - Start 1 month before expiry, not last minute
- ❌ Expired HIV test - Renew annually (valid only 1 year)
- ❌ Wrong information in forms - Double-check all spellings, dates
- ❌ Not informing university when leaving hostel - Must re-register if you change address
Total Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation Letter | Free - ₹8,000 | One-time |
| HIV Test (India) | ₹2,000-3,000 | Before first visa |
| Medical Certificate | ₹500-1,000 | Before first visa |
| VFS Service Fee | ₹2,500-3,500 | One-time |
| Russian Visa Fee | ₹8,000-10,000 | One-time |
| Migration Registration | Free (via university) | On arrival |
| Annual Visa Extension | ₹10,000-15,000 | Yearly (5 times for 6-year MBBS) |
| HIV Test Renewal (Russia) | ₹2,500-3,500 | Yearly |
| Medical Insurance (Russia) | ₹15,000-20,000 | Yearly |
| First Year Total | ₹40,000-61,000 | - |
| Per Year (2-6) | ₹27,500-38,500 | - |
Tips for Smooth Visa Process
- ✅ Start early: Begin invitation process 2-3 months before intended travel
- ✅ Keep photocopies: Passport, visa, invitation, migration card - keep 3 copies each
- ✅ Digital backups: Scan all documents and email to yourself
- ✅ University support: Most universities have Indian coordinators - stay in touch
- ✅ Join WhatsApp groups: Indian students at your university can guide you
- ✅ Learn basic Russian: Immigration officers rarely speak English
- ✅ Carry cash: Keep₹20,000 cash for initial expenses (immigration doesn't accept cards)
- ✅ Emergency contacts: Save Indian Embassy Moscow number (+7 495 783 7535)
FAQ: Russia Student Visa
Q: Can I travel to other countries with Russian student visa?
No. Russian visa only allows entry/exit from Russia. For travel to other countries (India visits, Europe trips), you'll need to apply for visas separately.
Q: What if my visa expires while I'm in Russia?
You'll face fine + deportation. Always extend 1 month before expiry. If emergency (medical), university can apply for emergency extension.
Q: Do I need visa for transit through Russia?
If you're just changing flights at Moscow airport (same day), no visa needed if you don't exit airport. If overnight stay or exit airport, need transit visa.
Q: Can my family visit me? What visa do they need?
Yes. They need Russian tourist visa (30-day) or can get invitation from your university for 90-day private visa. Process similar to student visa.
Conclusion
Russian student visa process takes 6-8 weeks total (invitation + visa). Key points:
- Invitation letter: 3-4 weeks (from university via MVD)
- VFS appointment + processing: 2-4 weeks
- Migration registration: Within 7 days of arrival (mandatory)
- Annual visa extension: Start 1 month before expiry
- Total first-year cost: ₹40-61k (visa + extension + insurance)
- Most important: Don't lose migration card Part B!
Need Help with Russia Student Visa?
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