Job Discussion Forums

alex1970 · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 84

Firstly happy new year to everyone here and good luck with the new bureaucratic barriers!

When I was at the FMS last week not all staff knew about the tests so it wouldn't surprise me if some mac schools also don't know the new rules. I am going to the FMS next week so will update you all.

The multiple choice test is not so bad (also includes a speaking part). The problem is that it includes a history/culture/politics test which would suggest a higher level than basic. All I can suggest is for people to keep checking the FMS page. At the moment the pass percentage is around 60%. Do not rely on what the schools tell you!

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

Although it looks like there will be some sort of obligatory test for most in search of a work permit or residency, I wouldn't worry until FMS starts rejecting applicants en masse on these grounds and specifically for English teachers. As Sasha wisely stated earlier, the law isn't targeted at teachers. Either way, there's always ways around these sorts of things in Russia.

Also, I don't see anything 'backwards' about the law. In my opinion, every country has a legitimate interest in not only protecting their culture, but also promoting it. I'd also encourage those who are interested in long-term expatriation in Russian, to consider learning the fundamentals of the language and culture. Yes, a daunting task, but one that will pay off big time in the future.

And yes, 1970, let us know what they tell you next week!

alex1970 · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 84

Yeah I will let you know. Its target at anyone wanting a work permit/residency. Actually teachers don't have much of a status in Russia compared to other professions.

kazachka · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 220 Location: Moscow and Alaska

http://testcons.ru/%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B8/
There are links to the civics section of the test too. It's pretty basic stuff. I'm on a 1 yr work visa and my visa guy is looking into need or not need to write the test. He should know next week hopefully. For me, it's just a nuisance I have to try and plug into my schedule. I also contacted a test center yesterday for schedules. I'm waiting for a response since the phone is permanently busy. I was kind of hoping an MA in Russian would be a get out of jail free card. If I have to take it, I'll just go do it as a walk in which I have heard you can do. The history and law stuff is stuff I had as part of my coursework ages ago. I was just glad I remembered it all when I went through the study guides.The history test is really super basic though. It's all online, just click the links.

alex1970 · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 84

Thanks for the link, it may be out of date already but it may be similar anyway. The cost of the test is around 6000 roubles.

Fine if you have an MA in Russian but if not then? I think I would bw fine with it but I am thinking of waiting to see how it all pans out.

If your boss is trying to find a way around the test then he/she is breaking the law which is not surprising considering most of these schools operate in a shady way.

Good luck!

kazachka · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 220 Location: Moscow and Alaska

alex1970 · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 84

Yeah its a ripoff to pay such money.

linn78 · Joined: 03 Sep 2014 Posts: 7

It seems to me that some of these bureaucratic requirements are optional for the person processing the visa. When I applied for the Visa, one requirement was the HIV test to get the 3 month working visa. I got my full blood work done in America, and sent in the results. Got the visa with no problems.

I arrived in Russia, and my school wanted another copy of my HIV test so they could apply for my multiple entry visa. I called my doctor for a copy of the results, and they said the clinic made a mistake, and they never actually tested me for HIV.

So then my school said they will schedule an appointment for me with a Russian clinic. They never did, and I somehow got my multiple entry visa anyways. I didn't even send them the correct size photos.

Maybe none of my documents are legal, I really have no idea Very Happy

alex1970 · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 84

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 7:21 pm Post subject:

Inconsistencies abound with requirements in different embassies. I was told most recently that I didn't need an HIV cert for a three-month visa. But had to provide documentation of health insurance, from my Russian employer. Hard to get when not actually in Russia, and the consular visa section conveniently shutting fully by lunch time...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 8:43 am Post subject:

Anyone able to confirm or deny that teacher visas are included in the language test requirements? I keep hearing conflicting versions of what is and isn't in the visa regulations. As in, there is no test specified for teacher visas.

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 9:14 am Post subject:

MdSmith · Joined: 15 Nov 2012 Posts: 67

So just to summarise, to work in Russia doing tefl the applicant has to speak Russian?? Surely it's something that one might learn after being there a few years..

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 9:17 pm Post subject:

Nothing is clear yet. Some say teacher visas are not included in the new rules. Some say they are. Anybody's guess right now.

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 6:49 pm Post subject:

We should wait for alex1970 to update us since he's the expert.
Although oddly, according to him, we should have all been bundled into the back of a van and sent off to our local GULAG by now.