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More Student Visa Questions

Again, some great info by using Search but a few more questions.

1) Is there enough time to come to Colombia on the 90 day tourist Visa, then enroll, and apply for Student Visa once in Colombia?

2) If I apply for the Student Visa before coming to Colombia, does the 15 day requirement to go to DAS and apply for a Cedula begin once I enter Colombia? Or when the Student Visa is issued?

3) How long do the basic Spanish class at EAFIT last? Is this how long the school will say the Student Visa should be for? Or is it a year? Renewable? Or do I have to leave Colombia?

Thanks in Advance

By Colombian Idea on Oct 11, 2008, 17:05 in Friendly Talkzone.

Gator says on Oct 11, 2008, 19:08:

1) Is there enough time to come to Colombia on the 90 day tourist Visa, then enroll, and apply for Student Visa once in Colombia?

A lot of paper work required best done at a consulate

2) If I apply for the Student Visa before coming to Colombia, does the 15 day requirement to go to DAS and apply for a Cedula begin once I enter Colombia? Or when the Student Visa is issued?

The date on the student visa begins the countdown.

3) How long do the basic Spanish class at EAFIT last? Is this how long the school will say the Student Visa should be for? Or is it a year? Renewable? Or do I have to leave Colombia?

Generally you must be enrolled for a minimum of 10 hours a week. A student visa is good for one year and can be renewed. You can renew the visa as many times as needed to complete an APPROVED educational program as long as you are making reasonable progress..

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Gator says on Oct 11, 2008, 20:59:

1) Is there enough time to come to Colombia on the 90 day tourist Visa, then enroll, and apply for Student Visa once in Colombia?

A lot of paper work required best done at a consulate; According to Decree #2107of October 2001, the following documents should be brought to the consulate:

Passport valid for at least three months after date of application. Such passport should be in good condition, and have blank pages. Photocopy of used pages or valid trip documents should be presented.

Visa application form correctly filled in.

Three fully colour pictures, recently taken, facing the camera, and with a white background and in the size determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photocopy of the Letter of Acceptance issued by the education Institution or authentic copy of the agreement signed between the partner institutions, when there is an exchange.

Photocopy of the legal document that accredits the existence and legal representation of the institution.

Proof of having enough funds, personally or from parents, legal tutor, or whoever is responsible for covering all expenses while the applicant is living in Colombia.

If the applicant has a scholarship, a certification of the institution that has awarded the scholarship must be submitted, if it has full coverage. In the case of a partial scholarship, proof of funds from the applicant or his/her parents should be submitted.

If the applicant is under age, authorisation from the parents to stay out of the country, and designation of someone responsible for him must be submitted.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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sandman0011 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 13, 2008, 06:14:

Gator,

Good response. Couple of other things;

The background for the photo has to be blue (not white). The guy at the little photo store at the corner of Calle 10 and 38a knows the exact size and background. Cost you 6,000 COP

You will also need to prove your blood type. If you don't have a document that shows your blood type, you can get a blood test locally at most any clinic for about $7

You will need to go to a Notaria after everything is filled out and get the paperwork notarized.

Once submitted to Bogota, it usually takes a week-10 days to return back to you. You then have 15 days to go to DAS and get your Contrasena (temporary cedula). Your actual Cedula will take 3-4 months and you get to go back and pick it up. It may come back as a 6 month or 1 year visa. There is no rhyme or reason and is based upon the luck of the draw of the person processing the visa application.

You must be enrolled in an authorized institution taking classes for a minimum of 10 hours per week.

www.medellintravelguide.com www.medellinofficerentals

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rocinante says on Oct 13, 2008, 21:10:

Student Visa is good for MAX one year. They do have expiration dates that can be less than a year depending on the letter furnished from the school. For instance if you pay for classes from March1st until October 15 and that is what the letter says your tourist visa will carry an expiration date of Oct 15tth.

I would get the Visa in your home country. Less hassle and you do the scavenger hunt on your home turf.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Not that the US president actually runs the US." Feb 5, 2008

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