Anyone have experience using these agencies that do your Visa for you?

I have read on here that there are agencies that will do all the work for you. I am qualified for a Pensionado. Does anyone have a preference or reference for any particular company. And how secure they are and or effective?
Any insight or help would be great appreciated!
I understand that they need to hold your original passport this is a little scary no?

By Catfish35 on Mar 23, 2008, 18:48 in Friendly Talkzone.

Catfish35 says on Mar 23, 2008, 19:09:

You had a bad experience then?

"So many guns, and so few brains". sam spade

Gator says on Mar 23, 2008, 19:10:

I echo PepeA's comment. Anything Mrs. Gator and I do with matters like this we do in person. That way if, God forbid, anything goes wrong the curse of the cat women will be on our head.

However it is an individual choice so you need to make your own decision.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Catfish35 says on Mar 23, 2008, 19:36:

Kinda got that feeling just did not know if maybe folks had good results. I know they have one in Poblado and another in Luareles

"So many guns, and so few brains". sam spade

Catfish35 says on Mar 23, 2008, 20:02:

Pepe,
Is it really one piece of paper? I already have the pensionado paper from my employer (official) Award letter or whatever it is called. Can this really be done in one day ya think?

I will fly from MED over to BOG.

"So many guns, and so few brains". sam spade

arthur brode says on Mar 23, 2008, 21:48:

when i go to renew my pensionado Visa this year i will be using my Attorney in Cali.she will forward my passport/documents via courrier to her contact in Bogota.so i will save myself some money and time this year:)

http://www.calirentals.net/

el torcido says on Mar 23, 2008, 22:05:

Does any one seem familiar with that visa assistance service called Colombian Services? PM me, if you are. Do you know the owner? Is he reputable?

don't know much about 'conomy

Robert Jorge says on Mar 23, 2008, 23:03:

El torcido - is that the agency who's owner is named "Bogota Bob?"

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

tomtom33 says on Mar 24, 2008, 04:29:

There is a service in Medellin located near the exposition center that couriers your passport and paperwork to Bogotá for you. I used an attorney who is a friend of my novia's to help get my reams of paperwork together. It is not just the application form. There were supporting documents. Which supporting documents do you need and in what form?

I don't like going to Bogotá, and the altitude bothers me.

Parrothedd says on Mar 24, 2008, 04:55:

I have a Pensionado Visa in Panama, which basically gives me permanent resident status, and a multi-entry visa. I had to prove I have a pension in the US and no criminal history.

What are the requirments here in Colombia to receive a Pensionado visa, and is it similar to Panama's where it's like a permanent resident visa?

"The sea's in my veins, my tradition remains I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer." Jimmy Buffett

arthur brode says on Mar 24, 2008, 06:07:

the only documents that were required from me for my Pensionado Visa was the original Social Security earnings statement,a Cerification letter from the U.S. Embassy in Bogota in spanish-basically stating that i receive a Pension,photocopies of my passport and pics.the criminal history check was not required.

the Pensionado Visa needs to be renewed every year for five years before you can apply for Resident status.

http://www.calirentals.net/

goin_south says on Mar 24, 2008, 14:05:

(related Q): for those of you expats who live in Colombia.... are you going to get to participate in the 'economic stimulus refund' package?

I'm recommending: NO.
Because already, you're beating Uncle Sam on the cost of living issues and such. And, besides, you guys would just be spending the $600 on more pu$$y.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

rumronrum says on Mar 24, 2008, 17:11:

check http://www.medellinvisitorguide.com for visa info

RumRonRum

goin_south says on Mar 24, 2008, 17:33:

...and, besides, that $600 is only going to be worth a couple pesos, by the time you would get it.

..... leavin louisiana in the broad day light

durito says on Mar 24, 2008, 17:52:

Are you suggesting that people should refuse the money?

If the US gov't wants to irresponsibly give my tax dollars back, I'll certainly take them. I of course, don't qualify.

Robert Jorge says on Mar 24, 2008, 20:46:

If the economic stimulus checks are anything like Social Security, you can't refuse them. You get them whether you want them or not. I suppose it is up to the person if they deposit them.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy