Can Family Members Be Invited to Russia While Studying in the Russian Federation?
ANSWER:
Yes. However, this depends on the student’s migration status and the citizenship of their family members. A foreign student who is temporarily staying in Russia, for example, on a student visa, under migration registration, or holding an RVPO or RVP, as a rule, cannot independently arrange a private invitation for their relatives. The right to submit an application for an invitation is granted to Russian citizens, organizations, and foreign nationals permanently residing in Russia, i.e. those holding a Residence Permit (VNZh).
If the student holds a Residence Permit (VNZh), they may act as the inviting party and arrange an invitation through Gosuslugi or a subdivision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). For relatives from visa-required countries, an invitation is generally required to obtain a private visa valid for up to 90 days.
If the student does not hold a VNZh, their relatives may enter Russia on an invitation issued by a Russian citizen, a foreign national holding a VNZh, or an organization, provided that the organization agrees to act as the inviting party. The university is not obliged to issue invitations for a student’s relatives. The possibility of arranging such an invitation should be clarified in advance with the university’s international office.
For citizens of visa-free countries, an invitation and visa are generally not required; however, they must still comply with the applicable rules governing the period of stay and migration registration.
ANSWER:
Yes. However, this depends on the student’s migration status and the citizenship of their family members. A foreign student who is temporarily staying in Russia, for example, on a student visa, under migration registration, or holding an RVPO or RVP, as a rule, cannot independently arrange a private invitation for their relatives. The right to submit an application for an invitation is granted to Russian citizens, organizations, and foreign nationals permanently residing in Russia, i.e. those holding a Residence Permit (VNZh).
If the student holds a Residence Permit (VNZh), they may act as the inviting party and arrange an invitation through Gosuslugi or a subdivision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). For relatives from visa-required countries, an invitation is generally required to obtain a private visa valid for up to 90 days.
If the student does not hold a VNZh, their relatives may enter Russia on an invitation issued by a Russian citizen, a foreign national holding a VNZh, or an organization, provided that the organization agrees to act as the inviting party. The university is not obliged to issue invitations for a student’s relatives. The possibility of arranging such an invitation should be clarified in advance with the university’s international office.
For citizens of visa-free countries, an invitation and visa are generally not required; however, they must still comply with the applicable rules governing the period of stay and migration registration.