Dependent Status Significantly Restricted for Most Visa Types

The situation

Dependents of travelers seeking to work in Russia (other than Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) Permit holders), such as professors, accredited employees of Russia-based representative and branch offices and standard work permit holders; are no longer eligible for dependent status in Russia.

A closer look

Following a significant change in visa rules, these categories of dependents can no longer obtain a work visa as accompanying family members. They must instead obtain a ‘guest visa’, which is limited to 90 days in a 180-day period of stay in Russia and cannot be converted to a long-term multiple entry visa in country.

Impact

Due to this change in law, family members of non-HQS Permit holders can only stay in Russia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, which in some cases is shorter than the stay duration dependents were previously eligible for under other statuses. Current dependent status holders will not be permitted to renew their status upon expiry.

Background

• Potential government intention of restriction. This restriction may follow from the government’s intention to steer more applicants to the HQS Permit route, which has long been a favored immigration pathway into Russia. This is in part due to the fact that the HQS salary requirement ensures applicants have sufficient funds to support family members during their stay, while other permit routes typically have lower salary requirements, which could potentially cause issues with supporting dependents for long-term stays. Once individuals have resided in Russia for a sufficient duration to obtain permanent residence, they are once again permitted to sponsor dependents, as permanent residents have access to a broader Russian support network for dependents.
• Unusual approach regionally. Across Europe, it is highly exceptional for individuals on long-term visa or permits to be restricted from sponsoring immediate family for dependent status, but such visa types typically include salary or financial means requirements to guarantee sufficient funds for sponsored dependents. Separately, the EU Students & Researchers Directive recently improved mobility options for family members of researchers.

 

Looking ahead

Fragomen expects Russian authorities to continue favoring the HQS Permit, a well-developed and streamlined permit route into Russia. A legislative proposal to increase the minimum salary level, to keep up with increased cost of living in Moscow is pending with parliament. The current restriction, combined with recent efforts to streamline the visa system, point towards a broader government focus on streamlining and consolidating current systems.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].