Help with Russian visa for first-time traveler.

[Rattlehead]

I've never been to Russia (or any FSU country) before and
I am going to Russia to teach English.  I want to get a 12
month unlimited entry business visa.  I have a few questions
about how I should fill out the application for the invitation
letter and for the visa itself.  I hope someone here can help
me.

The forms ask for my employer (outside of Russia).  The way it
is phrased it seems to mean my current employer.  I was working
a temporary menial job having nothing to do with business in
Russia, and I quit that to take a CELTA course (in June) so
that I could teach in Russia.  I haven't bothered to seek
employment here since, because I'm leaving sometime in Sept, or
Oct.  Everyone tells me that I should put something down rather
than say "unemployed" or "N/A" and that they don't check unless
a red flag comes up in your criminal background check, so I
should just put anything.  So here's my questions:

1. a) Would it be better to say I'm self-employed, or working
for whoever I put down as my employer?
b) If I say I'm working for someone else, should I say I
currently work for them (as in I'll still be working for them
while in Russia) or should I say my employment with them will
end when I leave for Russia?
c) Should I have a story about why I need to be in Russia for
my work (whether it be self-employed or employed with someone
else)?

2. This is related to the previous question.  I've read that
you need to make your stated "purpose of visit" consistent with
the visa you are applying for.  If I am applying for a business
visa will they tell me that I need a work visa if I tell them
that I will be working as an English teacher?  Should I not
tell them that?  What should I say?  Will they ask me what work
I'll be doing or if I'll be employed with my "current" employer
or have secured or seeking new employment?

3. Will they expect me to file income tax with them?  Will they
expect it only if they know I'll be working as a teacher, or
only if they think I'm doing work for a US based company, or
either?  If I work off the books and don't file income tax will
they question how I'm supporting myself?  For that matter, will
they ask how I'll support myself over the coming year?

4. Will registering with the US Consulate cause them to expect
me to file income tax for the US?  Will they ask any of the
above questions?

5. If there is an unexpected question on an application or any
other unexpected development, how much can I trust travel
agencies?  I mean, can I say something to them like, "Look, I'm
not really employed here, I quit my job to learn to teach
English and now I'm going to Russia to teach there?"

6. I will stop in Ukraine for a week or two on my way to
Russia.  How will this effect my Russian visa process?  I know
Ukraine doesn't require any visa for US citizens anymore, but
is there anything that I have to do, paperwork wise, for
Ukraine?

Sorry for all the technical questions, but I'm used to doing
paperwork by the book, so this is new to me.  Thanks!

[william3rd]

You could start by going over to RWD and pose your question over there. This is a Latin/Asian Board.

In addition, you should probably contact the Russian consulate for some general information on qualifying for a business visa before you listen to "everyone."

[Rattlehead]

 - Post Deleted -

 Consider this a large Strike 1. Reference my PM.

Catz

[michaelb]

Well excuse me Mr. Asian Fetish!  I guess I imagined those three Russian Dating Forums on the main forum page!

No, you didn't imagine them. But then apparently you didn't read them enough to see that they are closed and that the board owner himself tells people with FSU questions to go to RWD forum. Personally, I'd advise telling the truth of government forms (no matter which country's government they are from) and advise asking the Russian consulate if you have questions. Yes, I see you've already asked him. Now if you don't like or can't UNDERSTAND his answers................

[william3rd]

actually- you ARE an idiot. I was just too polite to say so before. The contents of your first post shows that you are truly an idiot or just plain dangerous.

I have had 3 Russian business visas over the years and you are going at it the wrong way.

The only Russian girl you will see will probably be an inflatable Olga doll. But- if you continue on your present course, you will get to meet lots of Russian MEN. . .

[sean126]

Rattlehead,

To be a little more diplomatic...it appears your asking how to lie so that you won't get caught.  Unfortunately, we can not help you in this endeavor.  Lying to the governments is a serious thing and we take it as such here also.  We appreciate you visiting the site though, but we can't be a part of fraud.

[Jeff S]

Don't put down what you think the Russian consulate will want to hear - put down the truth. Don't conceal the fact that you'll be working there. Admitting that you're doing anything "under the table" would be a big mistake. As Sean said, don't commit fraud.

I know nothing about Russia but have had business and work visas in other countries. Business visas are intended for people employed by a US company in the country temporarily to conduct business. In most countries they're multiple entry, good for 90 days per entry. Since business visas are intended for people employed by foreign companies, they want to know who your employer is you when you use the visa. Work visas, on the other hand, are for people employed in that country and are good for a longer period of time - like a year. The question is who will be issuing your paycheck? The US company direct deposited in a US Bank, or will you be paid in that country in local currency? If the latter, you will probably be required to have a work visa.

The general rule is that if you work in a foreign country and are issued a paycheck there, you are responsible for paying their taxes. I know nothing about Russian tax law, so that's up to you. The US government gives expats a certain amount you're allowed to make outside the country without being taxed by the US government. It used to be $75,000 a year but that was many years ago when I was paying closer attention. It may be different now.

Stopping in France, Ukraine, or anywhere else where visas are issued to US citizens upon entry should have no effect whatsoever on your Russian visa. Your visa allows you to enter and stay in Russia. They have no jurisdiction about where you can stop on your way. It may affect the scrutiny the customs agents use, but that's all. For instance if a US citizen flies into Tel Aviv, I suspect they check the baggage much more closely if they're coming in from Syria than if they're coming in from London. I don't know Russia and Ukraine's diplomatic relationship these days.

- Jeff

[fathertime]

Do not feed that sqeaking voiced, old troll too much! He has been here many times before, with various names.  Just delete his account, and save your breath!

Fathertime!

[Rattlehead]

Michael B,

I saw the visa forum right underneath the Russian forums and posted my question there where it belongs.  I don't see how that is not the most logical thing to do.  If the Russian forums are closed they should be deleted entirely and no one would make the mistake of thinking anyone cares about helping anyone get to the FSU here.

Catz,

Why should I care if I alienate people here, or am banned?  It's been made so abundantly clear that this is an Asian/Latin board and people who ask questions about the FSU are not welcome and will be treated with utter contempt.  It was William3rd's insulting post that started this.  I just responded in kind.  Where is your post warning William3rd for his second abusive post?  Or the first one for that matter?  I'm tired of people like him who have MEGA balls on the internet and act in a rude, arrogant, and insulting manner without cause or provocation to anyone they feel superior to.  Well excuse me, I've never gotten a Russian business visa before!  I guess since he has he's just a superior person!  If he's not interested in helping people, why is he on these forums?  He should be banned for being so insulting and hostile.  He could have just told me that the Russian forums on here are closed and I should post my question on RWD.  He didn't need to make a snide remark about me asking "everyone."  Why be so rude?  Why is everyone at RWD so cordial and helpful and the first person who responds to my post here is a total jerk?  Yeah, I totally blew up on William3rd, but I'm just tired of snarky, sarcastic infants like him on the internet.  If he conducted his life like that out in society he'd be missing all his teeth.  The fact that he has to act this way online shows what a pathetic, impotent person he is.  I'm sorry, but I have no tolerance for that behavior.
You wanna ban me?  Then ban me, but maybe this should make you think and reexamine what kind of atmosphere is being created by the board regulars here.  When I made that post it was only like the second time I'd visited here because RWD is so much better.  Now you've closed your FSU forums so you've driven away that segment of your users.  If the board continues to be so hostile then I'm sure polite users who are interested in the Asian and Latin women will move to other boards too.  You can pretend that I'm the problem here or you can make an honest appraisal of why a newcomer was attacked and treated so shabbily for no good reason.

William3rd,

You were NOT too polite originally, or polite at all in your first post.  It was dripping with sarcasm, hostility, contempt, and smugness.  It was very insulting, and you didn't need to come out and say you thought I was an idiot in those words for me to get that loud and clear.  The fact that you think you were polite at all (much less "too" polite") proves that you are the idiot.  And I'm dangerous?!  HA!  You have no idea who I am!  Only morons make judgements like that based on one harmless post someone made on the internet.  And furthermore, only morons insult those who they deem "dangerous."

People like you are the bane of the internet.  Someone like me who has not done this before comes on to a forum designed to facilitate the sharing of info and tips between people of similar interests and then someone like you pounces on them because they think they are so above them based on the questions they ask.  I've dealt with your type many times.  And, honestly if everyone was as rude and condescending in real life as many are on the internet there would be fist fights on every corner...this leads me to conclude that most of these people don't have the balls to talk to people like that to their faces.  Odds are you're one of those people, or you're just an all around rude and disgusting person if you treat people like that in person too.  Either way you're pretty despicable.  The tone of your reply was totally uncalled for.  If you can't take it, don't dish it out.  And if you're not interested in helping people or politely directing them somewhere where they can be helped then do the entire internet-using population and especially the members of this forum a favor and just discontinue your participation in any communication with strangers online.

Finally, your comment about inflatable dolls and Russian men just shows what an infantile idiot you are.  Get a life apart from insulting strangers on the internet.  I feel bad for anyone who has the misfortune of knowing you in person.


Sean126,

Thank you for being more diplomatic, but you still come off a bit condescending in your saying you can't "be part of fraud."  Excuse me, but I haven't talked to a single person who's traveled to the FSU who's done everything by the book (I guess with the exception of William3rd who is the perfect human being no one could compare to).  So I guess there's a lot of fraud going on, but it seems to be necessary to get anything done.  I commend you if you've crossed every t and dotted every i in your life, but I guess we can't all live up to your standards either.


Jeff S,

I guess there are civilized people who frequent this board after all!  Thank you for posting a reply that actually attempts to be of some help to me rather than talking down to me and insulting me.

That's fine if no one wants to give me tips on how to navigate the red tape of the Russian visa application process.  That leaves me back where I started with only the official instructions on the process to go by.  That's fine, I know people who I've sent these same questions to, but I figured it wouldn't do any harm to post them here too, and get more opinions.  Little did I know what kind of people I would encounter.

Again, like I said, these people I've talked to, none of them, not a single one, have done visas or employment and taxes by the book.  That's just a fact, so I was just trying to get tips on how to make my life easier.  If the people here think that that is so morally wrong then instead of a forum on visas this site should just have links to consulates and travel agencies that give you instructions on the official process and guidelines on applying for visas.

But again, Jeff, I thank you for being the only person to reply to this thread so far who's shown any interest in offering any useful advice.


Fathertime,

Your post is the most hysterical.  You have no idea who I am.  For your information this is the only account I've ever had on this forum.  I don't make a habit of returning to places that I'm not welcome.  Try keeping your mouth shut when you have no idea what you're talking about, it's a great way to avoid making a total fool out of yourself.  Everything I said to and about William3rd applies to you too.  I've dealt with too many like you on the internet too.


Lastly, to all, I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with anyone here.  Leave that to the infantile losers like William3rd and Fathertime.  If they need to bolster their egos by insulting strangers from the comfort of their homes, hiding behind their keyboards, good for them.  But I won't be a party to it.  This forum has nothing to offer me anyway.  It's too bad I couldn't have been told that politely, in a civilized manner instead of insulted immediately.

So long.

[fathertime]

   So long sucker!  We've seen your tired show before and I bet we shall see it again!

Fathertime!

[catz]

Everyone,

 Was Williams first post insulting? I sure didn't see it that way.

Rattlehead,

 Hell of a way to ask for help. Insulting most people does NOT get you information. Might be a good time to have a talk with a professional. Seems that there are some unresolved "issues" that need to be sorted out first.

 Good Luck, you're going to need it!

Catz

[sean126]

Rattlehead,

I was blunt...but tried not to insult.  If I offended you...I apologize.  

No one likes Sir William anyway, he's a block head.  Sir William....stop being mean to new people who want to "beat the system" and risk possible fines and jail time.

Fathertime forgets to take his medication sometimes.  We are praying for him.  We believe there is a villiage somewhere looking for him.

Catz is the next Stalin I think.   But you should see him do the Electric Slide when he's had too much to drink, you'd think differently of him.

Michael B is somewhat subdued....but still a rebel at heart.  He's a one man gang.

We affectionately refer to Jeff S as Jeff the Saint.  You know what the "S" stands for now.  

[william3rd]

I have mega balls in person, too. Why? Because I CAN!!!

And here I thought I was being polite. . . . 

[Ray]

He should be banned for being so insulting and hostile.

Rattle head? Wait...a mental picture is coming through...

[william3rd]

If RWD is so much better-the Russian Women Discussion board- then why didnt this Bovine Excrement artist post his idiocy over there? Because he would have had his shriveled exemplar of (wo)manhood turned into sashimi. . . .

And for European discussion, that board is where you go for "questions" like that. At least if you are serious you do.

Will T/S Rattlehead return? Probably. . . . to lurk.

Was that polite? Hmmm- probably too arrogant. Apologies to our more sensitive guests. . . .

[fathertime]

.

Will T/S Rattlehead return? Probably. . . . to lurk.

The poor pathetic old fella has been lurking since Oct 2...just waiting and plotting an ambush...only to get completely trounced once again!

Fathertime!

[catz]

Was that polite? Hmmm- probably too arrogant. Apologies to our more sensitive guests. . . .

My Eyes! I can't see! I've been blinded by Arrogance!

William! You are a great big poo poo meanie! Harumph!

<...there I sure told that big bad man... I'll be he's crying now and wishing he had never been born...>

 

[william3rd]

FWIW- Rattlehead had apparently posted on RWD at the same time where he managed to get some advice pertinent to his desire to make less than truthful claims on his Russian business visa.

Still wonder why he wandered in her but you sometimes do get homeless or disturbed people wandering in to quality restaurants as well. . . . .


Catz- I made an appointment with the eye doctor about that blindness problem.

[bigstew33]

I have mega balls in person, too. Why? Because I CAN!!!

And here I thought I was being polite. . . . 

actually- you ARE an idiot. I was just too polite to say so before. The contents of your first post shows that you are truly an idiot or just plain dangerous.

I have had 3 Russian business visas over the years and you are going at it the wrong way.

The only Russian girl you will see will probably be an inflatable Olga doll. But- if you continue on your present course, you will get to meet lots of Russian MEN. . .

william3rd - Needs have his account deleted.  I don't understand why this guy is allowed to be an [snip].  First if he didn't agree with the post he could have either not said anything or be more tactful.  At least one person did try to be polite.  Certainly everyone else jumping on the broken down wagon heading to insultville should not have been allowed to post their trash either.  William I guarantee you are not an arrongant person in real life for 2 reasons.  1. people would not use your services if you talked down to them like you do here.  2.  Someone would slap you in the mouth.  So all your doing is being an internet e-bully.  I would ask that the moderators take a look at this guys posts and see how destructive he really is.  I thought the purpose of this board is to pass on good information for others.  Looks like the board is starting to make a heading like it was several years ago.  Flames upon flames. 

fathertime is another one that is not being  productive as well.  But with him I can laugh at sometimes. 

Then there is one of the favorites of the Latin section.  Ray (cartoon boy) You think your funny with your cartoons.  Really you should grow up.  What help are you? 

I understand why Rattlehead posted it here because the section is called immigration and visas.

Sean seriously you should really look into this.  Having people who insult people that have questions is not giving the site popularity. 

Just my 2 cents

[Ray]

Here Little Stew, kiss this...     

 

[bigstew33]

Point proven.

At least you got a the correct depiction of your self.  A CHILD

[fathertime]

Buttstew,
I am not too sure who urinated in your cheerios, but I just enjoy having fun here!  If I read your trip report correctly, you utililzed some of the information, we squeezed out of a certain agency owner.  Maybe he will even improve his agency because of the well-meaning levity.  I hope you wake up in a better mood, and get your studly backside back to Colombia!

BTW: The goof who started this thread deserved to be run out of town. He was a obvious troll who pretended to be genuine...that is his act!




Fathertime!

[bigstew33]

Fathertime - totally different situation.  People that used that agency explained what happened to them.  However For a guy that is supposed to be educated should set a better example and not say things like:  "The only Russian girl you will see will probably be an inflatable Olga doll. But- if you continue on your present course, you will get to meet lots of Russian MEN." 

Like I said FT I get a kick outta you sometimes so I think they should slap you on the wrist and let you continue.  Ray my new favorite child likes to use cartoons to make people upset.  Stir the pot.  Nothing constructive.  Don't worry little one I am not going to blow a fuse.  I don't allow children to upset me.  Plus I have taken my meds.   

Honestly I think 2 guys answered the guys questions more properly by just telling him to be honest in what he reports to the government.  Great advice.  Thats all that was needed really. 

[Ray]

Like I said FT I get a kick outta you sometimes so I think they should slap you on the wrist and let you continue.  Ray my new favorite child likes to use cartoons to make people upset.  Stir the pot.  Nothing constructive.  Don't worry little one I am not going to blow a fuse.  I don't allow children to upset me.  Plus I have taken my meds.   

Well make up your mind bozo. You’re so upset you can’t talk straight and then you pretend not to be upset? LOL! You whine like a little girl... 

And just what have YOU posted in this thread that is constructive? Nothing!

You’re a big phony Stewie!

Now you better go double up on those meds…

[bigstew33]

Ray -

Really you couldn't make me mad on your best day.  Your a child playing with cartoons.  I feel pity for you.  You want to try and make people mad because you don't know any better.  You was not given a solid set of instructions on how to be a grown up.  Maybe you should change your name to Peter Pan.  Pan I didn't start the flames.  You guys did on a guy that asked for advice.  You dish it out but can't take it.  Just like a child.  Stew on that   pfffft

Fathertime there is no way to know for sure he is a "troll"  Only conjecture for now.

William I know you can read this and that I am not on ignore.  Nice try e-bully.   pfffft