Support visa question

[Wist]

I applied for a support visa needed for the multi entry business visa to Russia on May 25 and I'm still waiting. I have yet to get a clear answer from the agency I'm dealing with as to why there is a delay. I had counted on their 25 work-day process claim but now time is getting short & I'm wondering if I should come up with a backup plan. If I could get a straight answer from them I would wait and make adjustments. Would I just create more problems for myself if I applied somewhere else for the much faster single entry tourist visa so that I can still meet my planned itinerary?

[Turboguy]

Perhaps this is a stupid question wist but don't you have to give them your passport for the busienss visa like you do a tourist one.   If I am correct, without your passport that would not be an option.   

If I am all wet on that thought, personally I think having two visa applications simulaneously would be more apt to get you banned for life than in quickly but lets see what the others say.

[Wist]

A Support Visa, (using info from your passport) otherwise known as an Invitation, plus passport, and photo are needed in order to apply to the consulate for a multi-entry business visa to Russia. An invitation is needed for a tourist visa too. But anyway, you confirmed my concerns. I was just getting tired of waiting and not knowing when my invitation will be processed and time is getting short.

[Wist]

P.S.

Unfortunately I did the two separately this time around.

[Michelangelo]

A Support Visa, (using info from your passport) otherwise known as an Invitation, plus passport, and photo are needed in order to apply to the consulate for a multi-entry business visa to Russia. An invitation is needed for a tourist visa too. But anyway, you confirmed my concerns. I was just getting tired of waiting and not knowing when my invitation will be processed and time is getting short.

I remember  that Groovst, who is in Russia now, only got his visa the morning of his flight!  Not comforting, I know.  But they are running slow, it appears.  Keep checking and make yourself a nuisance.