The Federal Migration Service (FMS) in Russia published a new regulation on April 15, 2009 (Decree#36 dated 26 February 2009), stating that nationals from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS nationals) unable to provide a signed labor contract at the time of work permit application will now only be issued with work permits valid for three months. During this period of three months, the signed labor contract must be provided, at which time the work permit will be extended to the full validity of twelve months (from the original date of issuance).
 
CIS nationals are granted work permits in Russia based on their nationality rather than according to criteria in place for other nationals (condition of labor market, company justification, etc.).

Prior to the implementation of Decree #36, it was possible for CIS nationals to be issued with a work permit valid for twelve months without the need to provide a signed labor contract - although it has long been a requirement to register the signed labor contract once available.