Does an International Student on Academic Leave Need to Leave the Russian Federation?

Does an International Student on Academic Leave Need to Leave the Russian Federation?

ANSWER: Taking academic leave is not, in itself, a legal ground for shortening the period of temporary stay of a foreign national. The educational institution is required to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the academic leave within three business days after the relevant order has been issued. As a general rule, the period of stay is determined by the validity period of the visa. Once the visa expires, the student must leave the Russian Federation unless the visa has been extended, a new visa has been obtained, or there is another valid legal basis for remaining in the country.

Whether a student may remain in Russia during academic leave depends on their migration status. Students holding a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or a Permanent Residence Permit (residence permit) are subject to different rules. If a student holds a Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Purposes (TRPEP), this issue should be clarified in advance with the university’s International Office.

International students whose stay in Russia is based solely on a student visa should contact their university’s International Office in advance to determine whether their migration status can be maintained during academic leave. In practice, universities generally explain that if a student has no independent legal basis for remaining in Russia, they should leave the country for the duration of the academic leave.