Job Discussion Forums

[willow85]

Hey all,

I am looking for some advice on the visa front.

I have had an offer with a school, but they say that they will apply for a student visa for me to come over with, and this may or may not be changed in the future once I'm working. They may change it to a work visa or keep it at a student visa depending on the constantly changing visa regulations.

I don't really want to do anything illegal or that I might get into trouble for... but I'm not planning on being in Russia indefinitely, just 6 months for certain.

Can I get into huge trouble for this? What would the repercussions be? Is there some dodgy reason why they only employ teachers on a student visa? The HI said most teachers at the school are on student visas... she made it sound quite normal, just a way to cut down the paperwork etc...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

First: Working on a student visa in Russia is illegal if you are being paid. No doubt.
Second: This practice is very common in Russia.
Third: If the school is smart, they will call you a "volunteer" and pay by cash, under the table.
Fourth: They aren't doing it to "cut down on paperwork", the school is doing it so they don't have to pay taxes; this should be taken with a grain of salt, as the majority of Russian workers are paid in the same way (the tax system for businesses is insane; I know, my wife, a Russian, is an auditor here). It could also be because they don't have work visa-giving status.
Fifth: The chances of your getting nailed for this are probably rather slim, but you should be aware that if you're caught they'll either deport you, demand back taxes, or both.
Just be careful and you should be fine, especially for just six months.
Good luck.

[coledavis]

As JP says, it is illegal. How about looking to see if you can find another school which will employ you legally?