What is process do i need a visa ?

JMOON87 says on Mar 12, 2006, 20:36:

sorry to post twice - it told me this failed the first time

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Gator says on Mar 13, 2006, 08:32:

First Stop Is... a Colombian Embassy in your case Miami (Coral Gables), Florida.
Base upon what you have related I would apply for a spouse visa. Since you are not married I am not real sure if you can adjust your status to a Spouse Visa inside the country-perhaps MRE can do this. Best be, to me, would have a simple court house wedding in the clerk's office. Use that paperwork to obtain a spouse visa then marry in the church in Colombia.

No visa needed to marry in Colombia but your entry will be allowed no more than 180 days from initial entry-you likely will get only a 60-day stamp in your passport then afdter that time renew every 30 days at the local DAS office.

Here is what you need;

1. Valid Passport with at least 3 available pages and valid for a minimum of 6 months.
2. Two (2) passport copies, including the information pages as well as all used pages.
3. Two (2) original (not photo copies) Visa Application Forms forms signed and completely filled out in duplicate.
4. Three (3) color passport-type photograph (1.5�x1.5�).
5. Certificate of Record Search. This is a police clearance certificate from the city of residency showing applicant's criminal record (if any) and is known as a "Certificate of Record Search."
This certificate must be updated (issued within the last six months), translated into Spanish and both versions (English and Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the State where it was issued. This certificate is required ONLY if you do not hold a current Colombian visa.


6. Certified copy of the Marriage License or certificate. This certificate is known as Registro Civil de Matrimonio. This certificate must be translated into Spanish if originally issued in a language other than Spanish. Both versions (English & Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state of the State where it was issued. If issued in Colombia, a Colombian Public Notary must notarize it.

7. ORIGINAL of the certified (notarized) copy of the Colombian national ID Card (Cédula de Ciudadanía).

8. Original of the Letter from the Colombian citizen (spouse), requesting the visa. This letter must be translated into Spanish if originally issued in a language other than Spanish. Both versions (English & Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the state where it was issued. If issued in Colombia, a Colombian Public Notary must notarize it.
9. In the event that the foreigner wants to exercise a different activity than staying at home or study, he/she must present the original documents which prove the enrollment in the specific activity, as for example, if the intention is to work: Original of the Colombian Ministry of Work's Certificate indicating company's current proportionality between national and foreign workers for the position hired according to what is established by the Substantive Work Code. Not applicable when applied by cultural groups, or public events such as athletic or artistic ones. This request is not requiered when the entity employer is an organ, entity, or institution of the Government.

Consular fee: US$160. Cash or Money Order only

NOTES

- If spouse is planning on living in Colombia, he/she may bring all the documents that demonstrate his/her future activity in Colombia. Documents such as a work contract, proof of legal existence of his/her own company or Certificado de Camara y Comercio, bank statements if self-employed. Documents must be translated into Spanish if originally issued in a language other than Spanish. Both versions (English & Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state of the State where it was issued. If issued in Colombia, a Colombian Notary Public must notarize it.

- Applicant is required to appear in person at the consulate's office either when submitting the documentation or when approved visa is ready for pick-up. No exceptions.

- Documents notarized by a Public Notary must be certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state of the State where it was issued.

- For US citizens it takes 3 working days for the visa to be reviewed, non US citizens may take up to two (2) weeks, and is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.



"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

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

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JMOON87 says on Mar 13, 2006, 09:22:

? Gator , so if we marry also in colombia -i will still need to return to the u.s to do the paperwork ? also does colombia honor the marriage in the u.s. or it is neccesary to marry in colombia also ..sorry- thanks for all the info but i am a lil confused

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Gator says on Mar 13, 2006, 15:15:

JMOON... (Cowboy any Comments???) The marriage will be recognized in Colombia no matter where it takes place as long as it is a legitimate marriage.

I Think you will be able to adjust status in country(Colombia) if you marry there. However, if you marry outside the country then you will have to go through a consulate to get the spouse visa.. It would not have to be done in the USA. Tell your novia to go to this site:

http://www.minrelext.gov.co/

This is the MRE site (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) and will likely answer your questions. All in Spanish-no English.



"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

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

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JMOON87 says on Mar 21, 2006, 10:18:

Thanks Gator , thanks for the help .we are planning on going to miami the first of next month .

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