Top Students to Get Permanent Residence Cards

Foreign nationals who graduate with honours can live and work in Russia permanently.

International full-time students who graduate with honours from a Russian state university can get a residence card without limitation of the period of validity starting this autumn. The document gives them the right to stay permanently in Russia, freely leave its borders and return. Candidates do not need to obtain a temporary residence permit in advance. Previously, residence permit was issued to foreigners for five years, and then it had to be extended. This requirement no longer applies, but every year a citizen has to confirm their stay in Russia at the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at their place of residence.

Russia is interested in talented foreign students who can stay in the country and develop its science and industry after getting quality education at domestic universities. This is not the first or last incentive for international students. For example, starting from December 2017, foreign nationals who complete foundation programmes and pass the examinations for degree programme can extend the Russian visa without leaving the territory of the Russian Federation.