Russia changes Work Visa rules

Effective from February 2018 Russia has implemented changes to Work Visa rules. These are majorly administrative in nature and pertain to awarding of Work Permits to immigrant workers. The passport of overseas nationals must now have 18 months validity to obtain a Work permit. This includes Highly Skilled Specialists or HQS as well. The earlier Work Visa rules mandated a validity of 12 months for the passports.

The changes to Russia Work Visa rules also cover photograph specifications. This is with respect to work permit applications for HQS:

• Aspect ratio – 35 mm x 45 mm
• Head height – 32 mm to 36 mm
• Head width – 18 mm to 25 mm
• Uniform lighting
• Must not have Red-eye effect
• Background – single color, light preferably light-blue or grey not white
• Retouching not permitted
• Image must reflect the latest appearance of the employee

Application forms for all categories of Russian permits furnished on behalf of a company must have the signature of the CEO/Branch Head/Representative. It can also have signatures of any individuals authorized to sign with no Power of Attorney. The job title of the signing individual must also be indicated, as quoted by the Russian Embassy Net.

There are provisions that have been excluded from the new regulations.  These relate to correction and renewal of work permit applications that are not subject to state fee. Correction and renewal fees are expected to be established at a later date.

If in case the documents offered to the authorities have any pencil written notes, this will form a ground for rejection of applications. The normal processing times for Non-HQS Work Permits have been extended to 15 days.

Employees and companies that intend to apply for Russian Work permits must ensure compliance with the new regulations.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Russia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.