Job Discussion Forums

edcoulson · Joined: 11 Mar 2011 Posts: 2

Hi folks,

I have an offer of work to start part-time in January in Moscow (I have other incomes.) Can I go out now (say, early October) on a 3-month tourist visa (and not work) and then, when the school is ready for me, have it converted to a work permit in January? I got the impression that that's how the process works anyway, just in a more condensed timeframe. Is that right?

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere - I did search but found nothing related to this. Would it be useful to have a sticky with information about the different visas/permits, the documents required for them, and the status they confer? Again, sorry if I'm missing an obvious thread - please point me in the right direction.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:06 pm Post subject:

Hi edcoulson

A sticky would be out-of-date in less than six-months! Therein lies the problem of answering your question. As far as I know, what you are thinking is possible, BUT, you would need to check that your employer can really do this for you. There are so many variables in the process that I don't think anyone on this forum can give you a definitive answer. For example, what category visa will the school be applying for on your behalf? A teacher's visa, another professional?

In any case, it will probably work out, but you may not be able to convert in-country and may need to spend X amount of days in Kiev or somewhere getting your work papers from a Russian consulate there.

Sorry if this is all vague sounding. The reality is just as flim-flam, at least it is to me. But contact your school/employer. Only they can say what is possible or otherwise in their situation.

Best of luck in Russia however you arrive!

S

edcoulson · Joined: 11 Mar 2011 Posts: 2

Big thank-you for your advice!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:34 pm Post subject:

No worries. Post again if you have any other questions.

Good luck.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Yes, I agree with Sashadroogie. It's a complicated matter and changes frequently. Leave it up to the school. If they try to offer a tourist visa or some other dodge, I would avoid this. Business visas probably likewise, as you are not allowed to be employed with these. However, some three month working variants are ok, as they then extend them within Russia.