You're probably right. Everybody i met talked about the sanctions and how hard it is. But still the people are just incredibly nice. I'm not traveling, my supervisor took me on a business trip and it's just for two days.
no, i get a normal non imm ed visa valid for three months which i can then extend on a yearly bases. I am using this visa (and it's extensions) since entering university in 2019. You don't get a visa that is valid for four years because they want proof of actual progress whenever i have to make my extension. For example grades and confirmation of payment sof students fees etc