ReidEnter has left 12 comments

ReidEnter comments on Alliance Language Centers.....

alliance they once where a major language school in cali. however, they have downsized. they have good orientation classes for instructors. however, they are very slow to pay their instructors. also, the pay is lousy - roughly 11,000 pesos per hour or less, depending on the class you will teach. this may not cover transportation expenses depending on where you live if you take a taxi to work. they do not discuss compensation during the orientation classes.

i took an orientation class for instructors a year ago in cali. most of the people made offers to teach are gone. many of the instructors for our classes have also left. the main complaint was the very low compensation and being paid more than two months late.

gary w. reid, esq.

ReidEnter comments on Columbian jobs, etc...

jobs i agree with the commentators who say that bogota is a good place to start. so is cali because there are very large businesses there as well. in cali "el pais" is a large newspaper; "el tiempo" is national and is also very good. there is also an adecco office in cali. if you are interested in opening a business in colombia you will need a business visa. there are a few types available depending on the nature of your business, your plans and who you talk to at the ministry in bogota or one of the consulates in the united states. if you have a job or are or will be employed you will need a work visa.

good luck.

gary w. reid, esq.
immigration services international, e.u.
cali, colombia
tel. #011 57 2 667-1340

ReidEnter comments on does colombia need a visa to enter puerto rico?

puerto rico is a territory of the united states. i doubt there is a direct flight from colombia to puerto rico. you would have to transit in miami.

yes, you would need a visa to enter.

reidenter

ReidEnter comments on Barranca, anyone?

violence in colombia i agee with the previous commentator that you should listen to the advice of people in the city where you intend to travel. yes - people are conservative with respect to their security advice and i would listen to it.

however, you are in danger whereever there is violence and especially guerillas or criminals. of course you will stick out. there is not question about that regardless of what you do to change your appearance. word of mouth alone will let everyone know that there is a gringo in the barrio.

but in the end, trust the advice of the colombian people you know with respect to the local situation.

reidenter

ReidEnter comments on Bogota >> Cuzco

fares you have to go thru lima. sometimes you can get a better fare via areo continete when you arrive in lima. however, the airport wait time is extenstive before the flight to cuzco.

reidenter

ReidEnter comments on attorney in colombia

attorney jobs in colombia i have immigration practice in cali that i started in december 2004. while my practice is profitable it took me more than a year to overcome the obstacles that are in place for foreigers who want to do business in this country.

finding a legal job with an company here will be difficult. most have relationships with local attorneys or with firms in the united states for the usa part of their business. furthermore, being a stranger does not help. colombians are distrustful of strangers. there have been so many scams in this country that it impedes the formation of new business relationshbips.

i would agree that bogota is a good place to start. i would visit and try to make in-roads with the large laws firms here and see what you can come up with. i agree that depending on the type of your experience and language ability you may or not be successful.

to practice law in colombia you have to be licensed or practice under the license of a lawyer in colombia. you will also need an employment or business visa depending in the nature of your work. i would get the visa at the consulate for your area of the country. avoid going to bogota (ministry of extranjeria) at all costs.

the people here are warm and friendly. most enjoy having americans here. but the political and institutional infrastructures are not accomodating to the foreigner who wants to do business.

working for a colombian entity would be a financially distressing experience. they do not pay well. i would consider starting my own business and develop an expertise, perhaps with respect to the new trade agreement between colombia and the united states.

good luck.

gary reid,esq.
immigration services internaitonal, e.u.
cali,colombia
tel. # 011 57 2 667-1340

ReidEnter comments on Buying online and having it delivered to Colombia

deliveries i have never had a problem receiving goods shipped to me in colombia by regular mail. but it does take a very long time!!! sometimes 6-8 weeks or more. more recently, i use federal express for deliveries. dhl also operates in colombia. if you want certaintly use one of these companies.

gary reid
immigration services international, e.u.
cali, colombia
tel. #011 57 2 667-1340

ReidEnter comments on Somebody who lives in Cali, I need your help. Handsome reward.

assistance? what is the nature of the problem? i am an american who lives in cali. calipro does not think much of your reward offer???

ReidEnter at aol.com

ReidEnter comments on I would like my girlfriend to visit me, what steps need to be taken?

your girlfriend i am an american immigration lawyer in cali, colombia.

you really do not have a problem. you can obtain a fiance visa for your girlfriend to visit the united states for purposes of getting married. if you do not marry her within the 90 day period she has to return to colombia. she cannot remain in the unites states unless you are married. if you do marry she is able to obtain temporary residency for 2 years and permanent residency thereafter.

so if you have a job and sufficient resources to demonstrate she will not become a public charge you are in good shape.

she can also apply for a student visa. however, this is a more expensive process and she has to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to pay for her support and education in the united states during the period of her intended study.

my office can assist you with this process. write or call me if you wish.

best of luck.

gary reid
ReidEnter at aol.com
tel. # 011 57 2 667-1340

ReidEnter comments on How safe is Cali for American tourist

How Safe Is Cali i am an american attorney with an immigration practice who lives in cali. i agree with the comments above that cali is as safe or as dangerous as a city like new york if you are street smart and do not go into the wrong places at night or during the day.

going to clubs alone is not a good idea. most people at clubs have dates. also it is not a good idea to pick up a strange lady at a club. use an agency or go with a friend.

the north of the city is safe - near chipichappe the most popular shopping mall in the city.

i would arrange for a taxi or driver to meet you at the airport. the taxis are safe but the drive from the airport to the city is a bit desolate. you can also have your hotel send you a car or van for an airport pickup. i can make some recommendations on hotels or drivers if you wish.


ReidEnter at aol.com

ReidEnter comments on Tourist vs. fiancee

getting married the tourist visa is imposible to get unless she otherwise qualifies i.e. she proves that she has the intent to return to colombia after her visit. this intent is demonstrated by bank statements, income, job stability, land or homes and other evidence of economic stability.

the easier route is the fiance visa. it is easier and rather routine if you have minimal financial resources as demonstated in the affidavit of support you will have to provide. the children are allowed to travel to the us with a fiance visa.

filing one before the other really does not have an effect since the lady has to return after 90 days if you do not marry in the united states.

ReidEnter comments on Staying in Colombia longer than 180 days

staying longer usually they allow you 3 months or 90 days. this can be extended if you visit DAS and give them a reason. they will normally alllow you three additional 30 extentions but for each extention it is necessary to visit DAS. You can leave the country and re-enter afer the expiration of your allowable stay and they should give you an additional 90 days if you ask for it.