Visas

Everyone needs a visa to come to Russia, whichever country they are from. Visas can be issued for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or a full year, and may allow 1 entry and exit to Russia ('single-entry'), 2 entries and exits to Russia ('double-entry') or unlimited entries and exits within the period of the visa's validity ('multi-entry'). It is possible to arrange your visa independently via a reputable visa or travel agent, or alternatively, Language Link will be happy to provide visa support for the duration of your study programme at our school. Please note that Language Link is not a visa agency - we can only provide visa support for those who study on our courses.

How to obtain a Russian Visa

In order to obtain a visa, the first thing you need is an "invitation" from a Russian tourist agency, a family member in Russia, or a registered organization doing business in Russia. Without this invitation, no Russian Consulate will provide you with a visa.

If you want Language Link to process a visa invitation for you, we will ask you to send us by fax or e-mail the following items at least 1 month before you plan to arrive:

• A clear copy of your passport information page(s) (preferably as an electronic scan)
• Location of your nearest Russian consulate
• Date of arrival in Russia
• Duration of stay
• Telephone and/or fax number
• Mailing and E-mail addresses
• Confirmation of payment for your course

Once we have processed your invitation request with the authorities here in Russia, we will mail your official Language Link invitation letter to you by courier (or fax, if possible*). You should then contact the nearest Russian Consulate to your location for a visa application form(s)**, and submit it together with your Language Link invitation letter, a supporting letter (provided by Language Link), payment for the visa and any other documents required by the Russian Consulate in your region (e.g. photograph, medical certificates etc). Visa applications can usually be made by mail or in person. Follow the Consulate's instructions carefully when preparing your application.

For more information on how to submit a visa application at the relevant Russian consulate, follow these links:

• Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
  
• Russian Consulate in New York
  
• Russian Consulate in San Francisco
  
• Russian Embassy in the Great Britain
  
• Russian Embassy in Canada
  
• Russian Embassy in France
  
• Russian Embassy in Ireland
  
• Russian Embassy in Australia
  
• Russian Embassy in New Zealand
  
• Other Russian Embassy information

* Check the consulates' websites for their requirements regarding the submission of original copies of documents.
** Some application forms can be downloaded from the consulates' websites.