Residence permit exams

What does a residence permit certificate look like?

If the test is passed successfully, the foreigner receives a certificate. It will need to be attached to the main package of papers and the application for permanent resident status.

The residence permit certificate is a single sheet. It indicates the name of the organization that took the exam, the name of the recipient, the city of issue, the date, and the validity period. The document also provides information about the level of testing. For a residence permit, this will be the level of residence permit.

This is what a residence permit certificate looks like

Features of issuing a certificate for obtaining a residence permit

Let's note a few main nuances:

1. The certificate has a limited validity period. It has only been active for 5 years.
2. Testing is not free. You will have to pay a fairly large sum for the procedure (more on prices below).
3. Having passed the Russian language for a residence permit, you will need to wait for some time. The certificate must be issued within 10 days, but usually the migrant receives it within 1 - 3 days.
4. You can pick up the certificate in person or through a trusted person. In the second case, you need to draw up a power of attorney with a notary.
5. A copy of the certificate for a residence permit is usually allowed to be used to confirm that you are Russian when applying for a temporary residence permit. But the certificate issued for registration of a temporary residence permit will not be suitable for a residence permit.

New test for migrants: name the capital of Russia and the first cosmonaut

• the document allows migrants in Russia to choose a certain type of housing;
• completely replaces a passport for migrants during the time they remain in Russia;
• The validity period of the residence permit document is 5 years.

The third module is a test on the basics of legislation of the Russian Federation. Contains multiple choice questions and short answer questions. In accordance with the requirements for the minimum level of knowledge required to pass the exam, a foreign citizen must:

The residence permit exam consists of 3 modules/blocks. The first module is a basic level Russian language test. Includes 5 parts/subtests: grammar and vocabulary, reading, listening, writing, speaking. The following requirements apply to the basic level of language proficiency for migrant workers:

• know the main facts and events of Russian history in accordance with historical chronology and the main historical and cultural monuments associated with them;
• know the national, cultural and religious traditions of Russian society;
• know the names of famous political and government figures, outstanding figures of science and culture in Russia, their contribution to the history of the development of Russian society and world culture.

Although the changes in laws could not but cause some disapproval, the new rules are quite logical. It is assumed that foreign citizens are required to have basic knowledge of the Russian language and be familiar with the basic laws and milestones of the history of the Russian Federation. The exam allows you to check this. It is carried out in the interests of the migrants themselves. Because with knowledge of the Russian language, history and laws, it is easier for them to adapt to a new social and cultural environment.

Currently, expert opinions about the extent to which the questions asked to migrants as part of the residence permit exam correspond to modern realities are causing a lot of controversy. Some experts believe that the tests are too simple. As a result, even those who practically do not speak Russian, do not understand the basic laws of the Russian Federation and do not know the basics of its history have a chance of obtaining a residence permit.

Analyzing migrants' answers to the question about the complexity of the residence permit exam, foreigners can be divided into two categories. Some believe that the screening test consists of elementary tasks. For others, the exam seems like an insurmountable obstacle. For the last group of subjects, special courses were developed at testing centers. They allow you to master the basic level of knowledge required to pass the test in a short period of time.

In 2021, the Government of the Russian Federation introduced another change to migration legislation. Now, in order to obtain a residence permit, foreign citizens must undergo mandatory testing, which will determine the level of knowledge of the Russian language and the history of Russia and the ability to navigate the laws of the Russian Federation. After all, basic knowledge about the country where the foreigner plans to live and work, and the ability to communicate in the official language of the state will make the process of integration of the migrant into Russian society quick and easy.

How much does the residence permit exam cost?

There is no fixed price for the residence permit exam. Therefore, the cost varies depending on the city of delivery and the educational institution.

On average, prices vary between 4,500 - 5,300 rubles (this is for 2021).

• RRVP

Is a residence permit certificate suitable for obtaining a temporary residence permit?

• Elena Voropaeva
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According to our observations, prices in the regions are higher than in the capital. Apparently, low competition in remote cities has an effect.

There are offers of free training. Also, some training centers offer to pay for testing only if you successfully pass the exam. But such offers are worth double-checking, since most institutions still require you to pay the full amount for the test, regardless of the results.

Trial online test for residence permit for migrants

If you plan to reside in Russia in the future, you will need to obtain a work permit or residence permit to stay legally. Both options require passing an exam for a residence permit; you must confirm good command of the Russian language, knowledge of history and current laws. A certificate of successful completion of testing can be obtained from us, you just need to leave an application.

The list of documents required to obtain admission to the residence permit exam is small. This includes:

passport;

a copy of the passport translated into Russian;

migrant card;

document confirming registration in the Russian Federation.

Persons who will be able to obtain a residence permit without passing an exam:

minors;

pensioners;

with a disability or incapacity;

participating in a special program for the resettlement of compatriots;

entering educational institutions or already studying;

highly qualified specialists.

The total duration of the exam is 2 hours, during which time knowledge will be tested in the following subjects:

Russian language exam for residence permit – 75 minutes. The passing score is 210. This standard was established in 2021. Testing in the Russian language includes vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading and writing.

History exam – 20 minutes. The migrant must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly. Here, knowledge of the entire history of the Russian Federation is tested, starting with the formation of the Old Russian state. There are also questions about the country’s significant holidays and culture.

Laws of the Russian Federation – 20 minutes. The minimum threshold is 75%. A foreign citizen must know the basic legislation of the country, as well as his own rights and obligations. In addition, you will have to answer questions regarding the residence permit document, for example, its validity period, etc.

You can take the exam to obtain a residence permit at your place of residence in any city. Of course, you can go to a specialized body to undergo testing for a residence permit, but there you will not receive any guarantees for successful passing, and you will spend a lot of time in queues. To avoid unpleasant moments and quickly obtain the required certificate, contact us!

What does the “Russian language” block include for a residence permit?

The Russian language section is more voluminous than the other blocks. 75 minutes are allocated to complete tasks in Russian.

Russian for a residence permit consists of several subsections. Let's look at each of them.

Vocabulary and grammar

This part is a test. The task gives a sentence with a missing word. You must select the appropriate answer from the three options provided.

Note that for Russian-speaking people the tasks are elementary. A few examples from the test:

Listening

This subsection should show how well the applicant for a residence permit understands Russian speech by ear. You need to listen to a short excerpt recorded on audio. The passage is then given several multiple choice questions.

For example, you listen to an audio that asks the question: “Where are you going now?” Next, you are asked to choose the correct response farza from three options:

• I have a passport
• To the bus stop
• I arrived in Moscow yesterday

Of course, the correct answer is the second one.

Reading

To pass the exam for a residence permit, you must also be able to read and understand the meaning of at least simple texts on advertisements, posters, and playbills.

In the Reading subtest, the candidate reads a short message consisting of easy-to-understand sentences. Next you need to answer questions about the text.

Example from the assignment:

Letter

There is only one task in this subtest. You must write the text yourself. You may be asked to fill out a form, such as a resignation letter. Or they will ask you to tell us about yourself, your work, your hobbies, as in the example below:

Speaking

This part is recorded on audio or video media. It takes place in the form of a conversation with the examiner. You may be asked to talk about yourself, describe something, for example, a picture, or simulate a situation, for example, calling an employer.

The Russian language block for a residence permit is considered successfully completed if the citizen correctly completed 80% of the tasks.

What to expect during the residence permit exam

The exam includes three blocks , or, as they are also called, modules:

1. The first block contains questions and tasks on the Russian language. Using this module, they check how well the migrant knows grammar and vocabulary, whether he understands Russian speech by ear, and whether he can conduct a dialogue.
2. The second module is devoted to the history of Russia. You will be asked questions regarding the history of Ancient Rus', the Russian Empire, the USSR, and modern Russia. This block is built as a test. A question is asked and several answer options are given. You only need to choose one correct one.
3. Obtaining a residence permit also requires knowledge in the field of legislation. The third block of the exam is devoted to Russian law . It is also designed as a test and includes 25 questions.

Each module is given a strictly defined time: approximately 90 minutes for Russian and 30 minutes for history and law. To obtain a certificate, you need to give correct answers to 80% of the questions on the residence permit (for each module).

Section on legislation

This part of the residence permit exam takes 30 minutes. Like history, legislation consists of a test with 20 to 25 tasks. The questions are quite simple: When is the age of marriage in the Russian Federation? Which departments belong to the law enforcement agencies of Russia? What document regulates labor relations?

In history and legislation, it is enough to successfully answer 75% of the questions.

If a foreigner fails some of the tests, the exam can be retaken. Moreover, a person is allowed to retake an unlimited number of times.

Results are usually reported by telephone on the day of testing. You will be invited to receive your certificate within a few days.

Online trial test: for residence permit, temporary residence permit, Russian citizenship

A document confirming passing an exam on proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of history and the fundamentals of legislation of the Russian Federation.

The certificate contains the following data:

• certificate number
• FULL NAME. certificate owner
• indication of the state from which the foreign citizen arrived;
• level of Russian language proficiency based on test results (not lower than basic)
• educational institution that issued the certificate
• Full name, position and signature of the head of the educational institution
• certificate issue date
• certificate number
• official seal of the organization that issued the certificate

Information about issued certificates is entered by the educational organizations that issued them into the federal information system “Federal Register of Information on Educational Documents and (or) Qualifications, Training Documents” (therefore, it is subject to verification and its falsification is prosecuted by law).

The exam tasks were developed by the Ministry of Education. Test tasks are divided into three main parts.

The first, largest, module contains blocks of questions on the Russian language. Migrants must demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:

• ability to read and understand small volumes of tests that are informational or promotional in nature. It is necessary to determine the thematic direction, understand the main idea and perceive additional information;
• a migrant must be able to fill out forms, write an application (for example, for a job), conduct business, professional, social and everyday correspondence;
• auditory perception of fluent speech, understanding of spoken language, monologues and dialogues in various areas of communication;
• create a monologue message on the proposed topic, conduct a dialogue.

Test on the history of Russia - the second module of the test. It is written in the form familiar to everyone: a question and short answer options. A foreigner wishing to obtain a residence permit must know:

• main dates, facts and events in the history of the country, monuments and historical, cultural places and monuments associated with specific events;
• understand the traditions and national culture of Russia;
• know famous people in the fields of culture, politics, art, science, as well as what their significant contribution to the global development of society is.

The last block is test tasks to test general, basic knowledge of the basics of legislation and law of the Russian Federation. Like history tests, there are different answer options, one of which is correct. There are questions where you do not need to tick a box, but write a short answer. To qualify, the applicant must know the following:

• foundations of the constitutional system of the Russian Federation;
• understand the rights, responsibilities, freedoms of foreigners in Russia;
• understand the rules and terms of residence, entry/exit in Russian territories;
• civil, family, labor law - basic provisions;
• know when legal liability may arise for migrants;
• rules of interaction with diplomatic missions (consulates) of a foreign state in the Russian Federation.

Tests are performed on special forms, written literacy tests are performed on a separate sheet, and speaking tasks are recorded on a voice recorder.

The simultaneous development of the economy, the need for labor and the impossibility of establishing high wages in Russia are forcing local employers to attract foreign workers to their enterprises. In addition, many types of activities that are low-paid and require heavy physical labor are not in demand among Russians.

In turn, many foreigners find moving and working in Russia attractive in comparison with working and living conditions in their home country. In this regard, they agree to illegal employment, which is beneficial for employers due to the absence of the need to make insurance contributions, pay compensation, pay sick leave and leave. The employee also does not have to fill out documents, pay duties and fees.

Despite the apparent benefit, illegally recruiting foreign citizens to work will result in fines for the employer and a ban on employment for a foreigner, and therefore it is necessary to strictly comply with the laws regulating the employment of foreign employees.

Currently, more than a million foreigners work on the territory of the Russian Federation, but in most cases they fail to adapt to life in Russia, and they return to their homeland with earnings. To reduce the number of such cases, the Russian government has obliged foreigners to pass comprehensive exams - so only those who are ready to reside permanently in Russia for a long time and contribute to its economy will receive a work permit. Knowledge of the Russian language is also beneficial for the foreigner himself - employers will not be able to take such a worker into “labor slavery”.

We provide detailed instructions for registering a foreign worker, collecting the necessary documentation and completing all procedures provided for by law in a separate material on the employment of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.

The results of the exam can be found out on the day it is taken. To pass, you just need to score a minimum number of points.

Minimum passing score for passing the residence permit exam. If a foreign citizen scores the required number of points, he is entitled to receive a certificate. It is issued within 3 to 10 working days in person upon presentation of an identity card, and is valid for five years.

If a foreigner fails to pass the exam the first time, he will be given a certificate stating that he passed the test and the results of each block. If you retake the exam, your first results will be taken into account. However, it should be remembered that the validity of such a certificate is limited to two years. The law does not establish the number of retakes of the exam, which means a foreigner can try to take it as many times as he likes. In this case, you can take the entire test, or only its individual blocks.