Canadian wanting to travel to/live in Russia

kurarinetto

Hi Irena,

Thank you so much for this incredible resource and community. It's been very helpful as I try to plan my own trip to Russia.

I have combed through your "How to get a Russian visa in Canada in an easy way in 2024" article and I have some follow-up questions, if you're able to advise:

Ideally I would love to stay in Russia for one year and continue working for my Canadian employer remotely while I'm there. Does, then, the "Business" visa apply for me? I would love to know more about what you've said about travelers using the visa to stay for up to a year but not actually have business in Russia. Do you recommend this for me?
In order to get my visa, it seems the Russia Visa Center you've mentioned is not operational at this time. Do I need to go to the Consulate in Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal then to get my visa? I live on the opposite side of the country, so that would be very unideal. Would a private agency you've mentioned work for me instead (and do you have any recommendations for one)?

I really appreciate your thoughts on my questions. Thank you again!

Irena

kurarinetto Hello,

The business visa can be requested by foreign persons who have business in Russia and who are invited by a Russian company. However, in practice, it is a type of visa that is also usually requested by people who don’t have any business matter in Russia, but want to visit the country for a period exceeding 30 days. https://russiable.com/business-visa-russia/
Yes, you need to go to the Russian Consulate. Maybe a friend or family member who lives closer can do you a favor.

olga777

Hey,
a friend recommended one agency that her husband has used in the past to get a visa for Russia, he was very pleased with the experience. They do everything, apparently he just submitted his info and got his visa in the mail. A little on a pricey side but cheaper than traveling all the way to Toronto. These guys are in Vancouver I think: visaconnection.com

I have just started the visa application process for my boyfriend with them - can't say if they are good or bad yet, just basing the info on the recommendation from my friend. Hope this helps.

Update: visaconnection are very slow to return my calls, I'm not a fan to be honest. They said someone will call me and I haven't heard from them, all the data I entered into their web form disappeared. I will not continue with them - thank God I haven't paid anything yet.
However, I just found what seems to be good - it's another agency https://www.anyvisa.ca/ - there is a Russian lady there, seems quite awesome and very knowledgeable, very responsive, and the price is almost half of what the other guys were charging. I will post an update on how that one goes.

kurarinetto

Thank you so much Irena and Olga!

Olga: I would be very appreciative to hear your update on Anyvisa. If your boyfriend has success with them, I will use their service for sure. Please let me know!