Job Discussion Forums

melissadawn · Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 16 Location: London/USA

Hello. I know this question has been asked in slightly different form, but I just want to clarify. Are many teachers in Russia on business visas which they renew every three months by doing a visa run to Ukraine? I am going to Moscow in December to join my husband (he is from Moscow) and look for work teaching English (I am certified and have many years of experience). I have been offered casual work by a few schools which were vague about the visa terms, and as we may not be staying in Moscow long term and we already have a place to live I am not looking for a full-time, visa sponsored contract- I'm hoping to get about twenty hours a week doing privates or small classes. Thanks!

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I can't speak for the visa run, which sounds like something off an old forum. The law, however, is clear, you can't be an employed teacher on a business visa. As for 'casual work': are you sure that somebody doing this is also going to expect 20 hours per week? Sorry to be a bit of a wet blanket, but I would be careful.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 4:42 pm Post subject:

Forget visa runs. No longer economically viable. In fact, there is always some talk in the air of a Russian rule similar to the Schengen 90 days in/ 90 days out rule. I.e., if you come in on a business visa, when you exit on it, you can't return to Russia for another 90 days. Dunno about this, as I have never been in a situation where I needed to. But nobody I know works on a business visa any more. Simple not practicable beyond 90 days in Russia. A short period of time and a sure way to lose lots of money

This apart from the fact that the doesn't seem to be a same-day visa service any more either for those on a visa run. 10 days in Kiev or further for your next visa will quickly drain what little coffers you have.

I don't know much about spousal paperwork. However, unless you can attach yourself to your husband's papers somehow, you need a proper work visa. Nothing else is worth it, whatever about respect for the law...

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

The 90 days in / 90 days out idea is a common English teachers' interpretation of the one year multiple entry business visa. This allows 90 days in every 180 (ok, it can be the same thing as 90in/90out, but on business one is likelier to make a few shorter visits). Historically, it could be used for teaching, although not really legally; these days, it is clearly forbidden. Schools hiring you on the strength of a business visa are taking risks with their own livelihoods and also endangering your chances of returning to Russia.

Americanartistist · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 31

it is illegal to work using a business visa, plus it is only good for three months in country-three months out and three months in country per year. I personal question any school that brings in teachers using an illegal visa, however some schools do this. To me it is only a test to see how good the teacher is, if they are good they have the teacher make the visa run, but the teacher is still working illegally until they make the run. If they do not like the teacher, then in three months they tell the teacher to get lost and there is nothing the teacher can do because they are working illegally. Just how well these switch visa options work out I have never heard, but I personally would be hesitant to accept a job with a school doing this, what other tricks can you expect from them?

If your husband is Russian, why are you worrying with a business visa? Even if you only interested in temp staying here, I think since you are married to a Russian, not applying for residence is a big mistake on your part, if you have residence things will be so much easier for you, believe me, I know. I am not sure if there is a such thing as a spousal visa, but you could apply for residence and have everything a lot easier, I do mean very easy as far as work goes. You have to be very careful about private language schools here in Moscow, there are around 300, the majority are not that good or honest. There is no such thing as business ethics here.
JD

melissadawn · Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Posts: 16 Location: London/USA

Thanks. Does anyone have any advice as to what visa I should get in order to be in Moscow in early December and be able to stay as long as possible? I am eligible for the TRP, but I've only just applied for my FBI check (I already had one which was now out of date- long story, long separation) and I don't think I'll have the background check and the apostille for two or three months. Can I go to Moscow on the business visa since it's the longest visa I can get in a short time and then get hired at a school with a work permit?

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

from what I gather it's still fairly common and a lot easier than the posters on here make it out to be, though still kind've a pain and certainly not a "long term" solution. feel free to message me if you want a run down...

Americanartistist · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 31

Its the legalities that can cause some serious problems if the Tax Authorities or Ministry of Education decide to do a spot check. Most likely you can get away with it, but are you willing to gamble and take that risk? I personally would not be. There are more spot checks being done in Moscow now and the teacher will be the one holding the bag I bet.
JD

Americanartistist · Joined: 15 Oct 2011 Posts: 31

When I first came to Moscow in 2003, it was common for schools which could not legally hire foreigners (they were not registered) to hire foreign native speaking teachers using business visas, some even hire teachers using tourist visas. At that time, the tax authorities were not concerned and overlooked teachers using business visas. They could go to Ukraine or Finland and get their visas renewed every three months with no problems. Then I guess in 2006, it was estimated that 70% of foreign teachers working in Russia were not paying taxes and then in 2007, it became illegal to work on a business visa. The amount of time you can spend in Russia on a business visa is only three months in, three months out for a total of six months in Russia per year.

There are plenty of horror stories of teachers not being paid the last month of the three month period and there was nothing the teacher could do because they were working illegally. Some schools even took the teacher's passports saying they would get the teacher a work visa, but instead kept the visa while the teacher worked, threatening the teacher not to cause problems or the school would turn them in to Immigration. Of course, these are only stories, but could very well be true. The point I am making is,

If a school is worth working for and are honest and up front, then they are not going to play games with visas and what not. You will find most of those playing these games are school managers trying to take short cuts and cut expenses. Are these people the ones you want to work for? Not me, but like PT Barnum said, "There is a sucker born every minute" and many do fall for these games. As far as this being the norm, I disagree, this only goes on in schools that do have to cut corners, most of the descent schools do not have to do this. A school on the up and up and there are a few here, will hire a teacher using a work visa or teacher visa and not ask their teachers to play games with business visas and what not. Just mu opinion and nothing more.
JD

JD