On the 18th of September 2019 Russian Governmenthas issued an Order that a bill has to be submitted to the Russian State Duma. The bill will amend the Federal Law «On the legal status of foreign citizens in Russian Federation» and Federal Law «On organization of state and municipal services» in part, related to foreign citizens obtaining certificates confirming proficiency in Russian language, knowledge of Russian History and basics of Russian Federation legislation.
The following amendments are being offered:
Organizations certified to organize the examination and issue certificates: The list of organizations, certified to organize examinations will be published on the official web-site of the Ministry of Education. What is more, the certification procedure of such organizations will be determined on the federal level. Additionally, organizations, included into the list of organizations, certified to conduct the examinations and issue certificates confirming proficiency in Russian language, knowledge of Russian History and basics of Russian Federation legislation will not be able to sign agreements with other sub-contractors to conduct examinations on their behalf.
Level of knowledge, necessary to pass the exam: The Ministry of Education will determine the requirements related to the level of knowledge which will be necessary to pass the examination. Also, it is suggested that different levels should be established, so that each level of knowledge corresponds to the specific purpose which a foreign citizen has: labour activities or temporary\permanent stay in Russia.
Cost of the exam: The cost will be determined by the certified organizations internally, but on the basis of guidance, issued by the Government. The Government will establish the method for determining the cost as well as the maximum cost of the exam.
Exam procedure: The form of the exam and exam procedure will be determined on the federal level.
Types of the certificates: The bill specifies, that foreign citizen applying for the temporary residence permit, work permit or patent can file the certificate confirming proficiency in Russian language, knowledge of Russian History and basics of Russian Federation legislation on the level, corresponding to that needed for the permanent residence permit. What is more, foreign citizen will be able to file the certificate, corresponding to the temporary residence permit level, while applying for work permit or a patent.
Validity of the certificates: Currently certificate validity is 5 years. It is suggested that the certificate validity should be determined by the Government instead of being established by the Federal Law.
According to the commentary note to the bill, Russian Government plans to establish the following validity periods (depending on the purpose of the certificate):
- 3 years – certificates for application for the work permit, patents and temporary residence permits;
- Unlimited – certificates for application for the permanent residence permits.
The bill also confirms that certificates which have already been issued will be valid till the end of their validity, but not longer than 5 years from their issuance date.
Certificate format: The format of the certificate will be determined on the federal level. Also on the federal level will be determined the exam procedure and periods during which exam materials will have to be stored.
Filing of documents for the work permit/patent: It will not be longer necessary to file the original of the certificate to support the work permit or patent applications. All information regarding issued certificates will be accessible online and stored in the Federal Information System: “Federal Registry of educational documents and documents, confirming qualifications”.
Coming into force: in 180 days from the date of official publication of the approved bill.
Government Order from the 18.09.2019, №2084-р;
Federal Law bill №796943-7 «On amendment of article 15¹ of the Federal Law on the legal status of foreign citizens in Russian Federation» and article 7 of the Federal Law «On organization of state and municipal services».
We will keep you posted on the developments. Meanwhile, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Best Regards,
VFBS
Migration Law Department