Russian Citizenship to Be Easier for International Students

Plans are in place to simplify the passport issuance procedure.

President Vladimir Putin, in his address to the Federal Assembly, noted the importance of creating the most convenient and attractive conditions for talented young people from other countries to enrol at Russian universities. He also proposed encouraging the best foreign graduates of our universities to stay and work in Russia. The Interior Ministry supported the president’s initiative. First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy said that all efforts would be made to handle the issue in the shortest possible time. The immediate plans are to perfect the system for obtaining Russian citizenship and develop a simpler and faster passport issuance procedure. Easier citizenship requirements are foremost meant for foreign graduates of Russian universities and foreign specialists and scientists wishing to work in Russia. Despite the simpler procedure though, only the best students having excellent grades and actively participating in campus life will be able to get the Russian passport.

In December 2017, Russia simplified the rules of stay for international students who henceforth do not have to leave the country in order to have their visas extended.