Employers using the Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) program in Russia should be advised of a new document requirement. Specifically, effective yesterday, the Moscow Migration Service now requires that a copy of the applicant’s university diploma be submitted along with the work permit application. This change was made to prevent abuse of the program by under-qualified workers. Renewal applicants are also impacted by the new requirement.

After receiving a scanned copy of the applicant’s diploma from the client, BAL will provide translation and notary services before submission. The diploma can be issued in any field; it does not need to correspond with the employee’s intended employment field in Russia.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Russia. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.