Job Discussion Forums

Jazziz23 · Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 61

hello. I was accepted for a school in Russia. They applied for the Letter of Invitation and will mail it over to me.

How long does it usually take for it to get from Russia to North America?

It's been about 2 weeks now. And how long will it take for me to apply and get the working visa?

Shelby · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 66 Location: Russia

Not sure about the time for obtaining a visa in America but where I am it takes a month for the school to obtain the letter of invitation.

njs7t3 · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 60 Location: Moscow, Russia

Holy god. Dear Jesus please don't let it take that long. I'm living with my grandparents in West Plains, Missouri.

Shelby · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 66 Location: Russia

If it helps we have managed to obtain some letters of invitation in less than a month but a month is the standaard time here (Moscow maybe different). In the UK the visa takes about a week once you have the letter of invitation but can be done in one day at extra cost - not sure about the process in the US.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:03 am Post subject:

Patience... These things take time and run according to their own logic. It will all come right, in the end. But there's the thing - there really is no end to the process. Once you get to Russia, there'll be another round of paperwork to deal with, and then another. Whether that is getting registration, renewing a three-month visa, or whatever. No point in worrying too much about all this. Just wait it out....

njs7t3 · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 60 Location: Moscow, Russia

This is not necessarily the appropriate thread for this discussion, but I feel a little family love on the Russia/C.I.S. boards, so forgive me for the tangent. I'll be working for BAC in Moscow. I'm learning the Cyrillic alphabet with homemade flash cards, started Pimsleur Russian language lessons today, I'm exercising, and I'll be going to nearby Springfield later this week for some suit and boot shopping. I'm a newly qualified teacher. What else can I do while I'm waiting to prepare for what's coming? I've got my copy of Swan...any coursebooks, new-teacher books/websites, intro lessons...can y'all suggest anything? Should I be taking ice baths to prepare for the weather? Smile

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:37 am Post subject:

If you haven't already done so, read up a little on the history and culture of Moscow and Russia, perhaps. 'Natasha's Dance' by Orlando Figes is a joy to read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natashas-Dance-Cultural-History-Russia/dp/0140297960

Mart1300 · Joined: 16 Nov 2011 Posts: 11

I don't want to scare you off but I've been having a horrible time getting my invitation. Once my invitation was prepared it took just shy of two months to finally arrive here in Washington. I just finally applied for my visa and with any luck will be leaving within two weeks. My original start date was September 3rd! Hah! Now it's going to be in October. I suppose this is my welcome to Russia Laughing

I truly hope you have better luck!

njs7t3 · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 60 Location: Moscow, Russia

Horrifying. Fabulous. Rolling Eyes

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:59 am Post subject:

Seriously, fellas, you're all going to have to loosen up with regard to paperwork and things being done in a timely manner. Expect such matters, and most others, to continue with the same uncertainty even after you reach Russian soil. It's all part of the experience - however frustrating you may find it. But have faith! It will all come right in the end. By hook or by crook...

Be patient. Russia will embrace you soon.

Here. Listen to some inspiring music while you listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6smz9JoBB2o&feature=related

njs7t3 · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 60 Location: Moscow, Russia

I'm just anxious to get out of here. I'm down with the bureaucracy once I get there.

Jazziz23 · Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 61

What I'm concerned with is originally they wanted me to come in mid Oct, now it looks like November at earliest.

They already have the LOI, said they mailed it 2 weeks ago. I just wondered what the normal time is for it to get to here.

Plus, once I get it, it's gonna take another month to apply and get the work visa. so realistically we are looking at a month or 2 delay.

I don't know how the mail system works over there. That's why I was asking.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject:

Aren't they using DHL or UPS to post you the Invitation? The Russian Post Office isn't trusted by the locals for important documents.

macan · Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 7

I received my invitation 2 weeks after accepting a position....in a mangled and soaking wet package (which seeped through and stained the letter)...

This sounds like it may have been quicker than some, but I anticipate the visa process to take a very long time as I have to apply through an agency because there is no consulate where I live.

lechatbleu · Joined: 23 May 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Krasnodar, Russia

For me it was about a month from the time I accepted the job until the letter arrived at my door in Minnesota. After that the visa took about a week, but I went through a processing company and put a rush on it.