Job Discussion Forums

[Sashadroogie]

I know there is another thread or two running on this topic, but I couldn't really follow them. In any case, I have just heard that the McSchools are telling their staff that they will only be able to provide 3-month Business visas to teachers from the New Year. No more 12-month Work or Teacher visas.

At least that's the word from the Macs. Anyone else with any info?

[BELS]

An interssting point. There are many experienced teachers working and living in Moscow as EFL teachers in Moscow, and you will find them in expat.ru Just ask and you will get an answer.

For me, I have also been living and working in Moscow region as an EFL teacher. but I am self emplyoyed, have redidency here, and have an entrepeneurs', therefore I don't need a visa. In fact I need a visa to get out of this country:) This is the link where you will find the long term employed experts, So Just ask. This is the famous teachers' folder of expat.ru http://www.expat.ru/forum/teachers-discussion-folder/

[kazachka]

WOW! So, I guess the Mcschools are not authorised to do WORK visas? If you are American, you are screwed as there is no express service in neighboring countries.

[Sashadroogie]

They were. And Teacher visas. But not now, it seems. Yip. Non-UK teachers face a beast of a trip home to get a visa, so bye bye to all them I would imagine. But let's see how things actually pan out..

[evelopez]

Yes - I've just heard from some of my fellow BKC teachers that they will now be forced to leave the country every three months. Everyone except Americans must go back to their native country. BKC is sending the Americans to Kiev for two weeks. They're reimbursing the Americans $500 for a two week trip. Not sure if you can buy a RT plane ticket, plus food and accommodations in Kiev for two weeks on $500, but that's what they're offering. I'm not sure how much they're paying the non-Americans for a RT flight back to their countries and then back to Moscow.

This is apparently only happening to the teachers who were hired after September, 2009 (I started August 31). I'm told that only the new teachers who were hired in October, 2009 are being affected by this.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I thought that people had to go back to their home countries in order to attain a new visa nowadays? Wouldn't that require Americans to go back to the States to do so? Or was my info way off?

[kazachka]

[Sashadroogie]

I hear that BKC et al are targetting the freelancers first. So, in effect, they, the teachers, have to pay 6 or 7 thou for the privilege of 'renewing' their 3 month visa as well as haul derriere out of the country to do so. Can't see the Big 3 being able to retain staff, if this is truly the case... 500 measly dollars notwithstanding.

[kazachka]

[maruss]

No it's definitely not enough for a two week trip to Kiev and do they actually give it to you or you have to pay yourself and then claim it back?But to many people in Ukraine that is still a lot of money and with this in mind and a bit of imagination,I'm sure the BKC franchises in Moscow and Kiev could have worked out an arrangement between them which would help to solve this problem and been beneficial too,unless of course there is no contact or co-operation between them?Or maybe someone in Ukraine could set something up independently by offering help and accom. etc at affordable rates to teachers who have to go there for this reason.
Whatever the case of course its a damn nuisance,just like many other things involving Russian bureaucracy but its hardly fair to blame the firm.But like most rules,ingenuity can usually find a way around them!

[vanillasky]

Ok....I'm needing some clarity about this. I'm supposed to be going to Russia sometime in 2010 once I finish my CELTA, and get a job at one of the glamorous MCschools. So, what is the situation there? Will this be effecting new people coming from America there to work, or is it just a situation for people already there who came after Oct. 09? So Americans will have to leave for a visa every three months? Also, are they requiring a degree now to get a visa???

[Nexus]

[Nexus]

Vanillasky - from what I've heard, it would affect you. They could easily send you an invitation for three month visa (which you would get issued from the consulate in the USA) but you may find yourself having to leave again to get another visa after those three months have passed.

I'm sure they'll be able to issue the normal one year visas again sometime next year but because of some change in the system I don't think anyone knows when yet.

It's a tough call, but I'd press BKC very firmly about the situation before getting on the plane.

[maruss]

You can bribe your away around many rules in Russia,but immigration and visa rules are definitely not ones to try it with!From recent postings it seems the whole thing is a mess and nobody is sure what to do at the moment?No doubt it will sort itself out in time as it always does,one way or the other!Incidentally business visas are intended for what the title says and not for people to take-up paid employment,but this is one rule we all broke with impunity before and when they were valid for twelve months multiple entry we could just go out and return after six to renew our entry stamps!!Another ruse was to say we were 'consultants' and not employees so I wonder if the Mac schools will still use this excuse with the three month business visas?Furthermore,will it be possible to get another three month one immdiately after the previous one has expired?

[Nexus]