HIV tests for student visas

[Renee Stillings]

The situation is indeed that. Up until a few months ago, the Washington DC
consulate did not require the HIV test for student visas under 90 days. All
other consulates in the US did. The DC consulate now is in line with the
others and does indeed demand the HIV test for ALL student visas.

Additionally, aside from the new $131 minimum consular fee (this is a
bilateral increase) they in very many cases will NOT rush student visas at
all (you cannot pay for shorter processing time) - especially in peak summer
season, can sometimes insist on longer (around 10 business days) processing
of some student visas, AND the student cannot enter Russia earlier than 5
business days from the date of release of the visa from the consulate.

What to do? Start the entire visa process VERY EARLY for students. One thing
we are doing is having our partners in Russia put an earlier than necessary
entry date on the visa support request so that the likelihood of OVIR
releasing the invitation in some reasonable time is increased. Often
universities such as MGU will get you the invitation about 2 weeks before
the entry date. If you put the true entry date and are subject to all of the
new frivolities of the consulate, it will not work out. They will miss their
flight and incur the charges related to changing it ... 

This 5-day rule, by the way, applies to both students and those entering on
work visas. It so far does not appear to apply to tourist or standard
business visas. 

Renee

-----Original Message-----
From: SEELANGS: Slavic & East European Languages and Literatures list
[mailto:SEELANGS at BAMA.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of Del Phillips
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 7:52 AM
To: SEELANGS at BAMA.UA.EDU
Subject: [SEELANGS] HIV tests for student visas

Dear Colleagues!

There seems to be some controversy as to just who needs an HIV test in order
to
study in Russia.  In the past it was clear that anyone who wished to study
in
Russia for more than 90 days was required to submit the results of such a
test
along with the visa application.

Now, if one is to interpret the (new?) visa rules which appear on the
Russian
Embassy website, it would appear that EVERYONE wishing to obtain a student
visa
for any period of time must pay $131 and be tested.  This would, of course,
affect all students going on our summer programs.

My sources in Moscow/Petersburg say that this is nonsense, that nothing has
changed.  They say that students who wish to study in Russia less than 90
days
still do NOT need to present the HIV test.

What do you make of this?  We do not want any "unpleasantness" when it comes
to 
obtaining the visas for this summer.  Perhaps we should have everyone tested
just in case!

Are you requiring all of your summer applicants to be tested?

Your thoughts are appreciated!

All Good Wishes!

Del P.


Del Phillips, Director
UA Russian Abroad
Professor and University Distinguished Professor
Department of Russian and Slavic Studies
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721

http://www.azrussianabroad.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------