Once the Ministry approves the invitation, an internal telex is sent. The sponsor may be given a telex number for the applicant to reference when applying for the visa. The sponsor must specify how long they request the applicant be allowed to stay in Russia, as this will be a component of the telex. Be sure to ask your sponsor where your telex has been sent and for the telex number. If your invitation is for a three month stay, your visa will be issued in accordance with it and will have to be extended with the help of your sponsor while in Russia.
Russian visas processed through the New York consulate do require the actual passport.
In all cases, the passport must be valid at least one month past the date of exit from Russia.