Job Discussion Forums

[jrwilheim]

I heard a rumor tonight that there's been some change in the visa laws that may require teachers to go back to their home country (or at least abroad) when their contract expires--that it won't be possible to renew a work visa without leaving Russia. Does anyone have any information about this?

[maruss]

Since the changes last year,teachers can only get into Russia on work permits which are valid for up to a year and only valid for the specific employer who arranges them.Visas also have to be issued at the Russian embassy in the country of the passport holders origin,not somewhere else such as Kiev or Riga etc. which many people used to go to for this purpose on what we called the overnight 'visa-hops'.(although I have heard stories recently of people who still managed to do it,I wouldn't rely on it)We also used to get one year multiple- entry business visas and do the entry renewal hop after six months but this has been blocked by allowing only 90 days maximum stay in Russia each time followed by a MINIMUM of 90 days abroad!All this is of course expensive and inconvenient,especially for people from the U.S. and other countries far from Russia and another reason why it is not viable to go to Russia and work any longer for crap wages!
Actually I don't think they changed the rules to deliberately make it difficult for teachers but apparently to align with Schengen rules etc who also have a three-month maximum rule for non-E.U. citizens.Another reason is the large number of illegal immigrants from former S.U. countries there who came on business visas which they used to work illegally and did not pay tax etc.(just like some of us teachers!!)

[Red and white]

My understanding was that there is a distinction between a _work_ visa and a _business_ visa. The business ones are accurately described by Maruss, but work visas can be extended by your employer without you leaving Russia. They can also run for about one year without a break or any need to return 'home'.

It is also possible to apply for a visa from your country of residence, if you can demonstrate that you are living outside of your country of origin. When I returned to Moscow in March this year I got my visa in Baku, Azerbaijan, on production of a local ID/registration card. I also found the friendliest Russian consulate I've ever set foot it.

Problems are likely to come if your school only offers the cheaper business visas (BKC doesn't do this, can't comment for others) or if you change jobs (I'm in the middle of this at the moment and it's a real faff on). If you get a work visa you can stay with that company more or less indefinitely.

Someone did say that the 'home country' rule only applies to EU citizens and I know US nationals who've done their renewals in the Baltics recently. That may also fit with Schengen. But being British I'm no expert on US requirements. Contact your nearest Russian consulate to be sure - I've had different experiences at different times in London, Edinburgh and Baku so I wouldn't assume that one size fits all.

[expatella_girl]

Tell him about the required health testing for the work visa. Go ahead.

I know any number of people with work visas (mostly not teachers) who have left Russia since the required disease testing for work visas was instituted a couple of years ago. Extremely odious stuff.

[rusmeister]

[jrwilheim]

None of that sounds different from what I heard before I came over. I had heard a rumor that the rules about work visas were changing, which is why I asked. Glad to know it isn't. I work for LL and so have a proper work visa. Good to know I won't have to go home if I end up extending my contract.

I've heard of teachers going to Riga, etc., on visa runs when they changed employers. Not too worried about it--I have no plans to change employers unless I end up being here a lot longer.