EN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH A LEGAL EXPERT

What is an ordinary RVP, and how does it differ from an RVPO?

What is an ordinary RVP, and how does it differ from an RVPO?

ANSWER:

RVP (Temporary Residence Permit) is a permit for temporary residence in Russia. As a general rule, it is issued for three years within an annual quota distributed among the constituent regions of the Russian Federation.

An RVP cannot be extended: after its validity period expires, the foreign national must have another lawful basis for residing in Russia, such as a VNZh (Residence Permit).

An RVP is issued without regard to the quota only in cases expressly listed in paragraph 3 of Article 6 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ. For example, such grounds may apply to a foreign national who has been married to a Russian citizen permanently residing in Russia for at least three years or has a child with that citizen, to a participant in the State Programme for the Resettlement of Compatriots, to a citizen of the former USSR who obtained certain professional education in Russia, as well as to a citizen of Kazakhstan, Moldova, or Ukraine. The list is broader and must be verified in light of the specific circumstances. Student status in itself is not grounds for obtaining an ordinary RVP without a quota.

An ordinary RVP is not linked to the period of study. It is issued for residence in a specific constituent region of the Russian Federation: a foreign national with temporary residence status may work without a patent or work permit, but, as a general rule, may not engage in employment outside the region in which they are authorized to reside temporarily. Holders of an ordinary RVP are also required to annually confirm their residence, unless they belong to a category exempted by law.

RVPO (Temporary Residence Permit for the Purpose of Education) is a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of obtaining education. It is not available to all students, but to foreign nationals who study full-time at a state educational or scientific institution under programmes specified by law: Bachelor’s degree, Specialist degree, Master’s degree, residency, assistantship-internship, as well as postgraduate studies (adjuncture); for most higher education programmes, state accreditation is required.

An RVPO is issued for the duration of the study programme plus an additional 180 calendar days after its completion. Its validity is directly linked to the continuation of studies and to the territory where the studies take place.