Job Discussion Forums

ddawson · Joined: 21 Oct 2013 Posts: 1

Hi, I'm hoping to move to Moscow and i'm looking at two job opportunities. One is at BKC, and I know this forums thoughts on that. The other is at an independent school and my gut tells me the people running it are probably on the level, but they offer a 3 month single entry business visa with the opportunity to extend. Thoughts?
And thanks for any responses in advance.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I do not like the business visa aspect of this, as English teaching definitely does not come into this category. On the other hand, most 3 month contracts are extended inside Russia to become yearly. On the other hand, yet again, you can't extend a business contract beyond I think 90 days within any six months.

I would welcome other people's views of this, especially those on teaching contracts (I'm currently on a management contract, a different kettle of fish; I was allowed to start with a business contract because it was starting off a business).

If you find from the views of others that this visa is indeed not good news, then BKC is a safer start for newcomers regardless of its much publicised shortcomings.

Shelby · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 66 Location: Russia

I am on my fourth year on a teaching contract. Every year I have had a 90 day single entry visa which has been extended to a year multiple entry in country on production of a teaching qualification with an apostille. Sorry, I am not sure about business visas.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Yes, Shelby's situation is what I would expect. 90 day single entry teaching visa, then extended. Business visas are no longer informal guises for teaching; they are really not legitimate for this purpose. Doesn't mean that you and your organisation might not get away with it but it's dubious.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:08 am Post subject:

OP, are you sure they mean a business visa? Clarify this point with them, at the very least.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Good idea. In the land of the vaguely stated, clarification is king.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Until a number of years ago, many people(including myself!) used the business visa route to come to Russia teaching and I got a one-year multiple-entry which meant that I only had to leave the country once after six-months and then return.(I ended up leaving earlier than that as it turned out, but that's another story.)However the rules were changed for these type of visas, allowing only 90 days maximum stay, followed by a minimum of 90 days outside Russia. Although the authorities alleged they wanted to align with Schengen rules etc. the main reason was to stop people from working illegally when they supposedly came there 'on business' and also avoiding tax etc!!
From what I understand you now need a work permit as a teacher to be able to stay there longer than three months and your employer has to apply for this and register you for tax etc, something that not all of them want to bother with. If something goes wrong and you are caught you will most probably be told to leave the country and possibly fined, while they will probably deny all knowledge and responsibility for you! So do clarify with them which type of visa they are offering you before accepting a job and spending not inconsiderable funds to go there......