Colombia Student Visa Process

When applying for a student visa to Colombia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

General Requirements:

1. Visa Application Form:
   • Complete the online visa application form, available on the official website of the Colombian consulate or embassy.
2. Passport:
   • Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended period of stay in Colombia.
3. Passport-Sized Photographs:
   • Recent passport-sized photographs meeting specified requirements (size, background color, etc.).
4. Letter of Acceptance:
   • Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Colombia confirming admission to a program of study.
5. Proof of Enrollment:
   • Documented proof of enrollment in the academic program, such as a registration certificate or student ID.
6. Financial Proof:
   • Evidence of financial means to support yourself, including:
     • Bank statements for the last six months.
     • Scholarship or financial aid documents.
     • Affidavit of financial support from a sponsor.

7. Accommodation Confirmation:
   • Proof of accommodation arrangements in Colombia, such as a rental agreement or a letter from the educational institution confirming on-campus housing.
8. Flight Itinerary:
   • Copy of your round-trip flight itinerary.
9. Health Insurance:
   • Proof of international health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Colombia.
10. Criminal Record Certificate:
    • Recent criminal record certificate issued by the appropriate authorities in your home country or the country where you have been residing.
11. Visa Fees:
    • Payment of the applicable visa fees. Check with the consulate or embassy for the current fee structure and payment methods.
12. Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation:
    • Confirmation of your visa interview appointment, if required.
13. Spanish Language Proficiency:
    • Proof of Spanish language proficiency if required, demonstrated through language test scores or certification from an accredited language institution.
14. Additional Documents:
    • Any additional documents specified by the consulate or embassy based on your specific case.

Applying Personally:

1. Applicant's Explanation:
   • Write a detailed description of your studies in Colombia, including who's involved, how long it will take, when it happens, and where it will be.
2. Invitation Letter (if invited):
   • If someone is inviting you, they need to write a letter explaining why, including their contact details, relationship with you, and a promise to cover your expenses and ensure your return home.
3. Financial Proof (for personal applications):
   • Show your bank statements for the past six months, proving you have a monthly income equal to or greater than ten times the Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages (SMLMV).

Supported by a Legal Entity:

1. Communication from the Company:
   • The company supporting you must write a letter signed by its leader, providing details about the company, your role, and their commitment to cover your expenses and ensure your return.
2. Explanation of Relationship and Commitment:
   • Explain your relationship with the company and have them sign a statement committing to supporting you financially, verified with a fingerprint.
3. Company Documents:
   • Provide the company's proof of existence, incorporation, or constitution, along with documents verifying their representation, all translated into Spanish if not in that language.
4. Financial Proof for the Company:
   • Show the company's bank statements for the last three months, unless it's a public entity.
5. Financial Proof for You:
   • Demonstrate your financial stability with your bank statements showing an income equal to or greater than three times the SMLMV.
6. Educational Documents:
   • Include your admission or enrollment certificate from the educational institution, specifying the details of your program or degree.
7. Student Internship (if applicable):
   • If you're doing an internship, provide a letter from the educational institution endorsing it, including the internship's duration.
8. Health Insurance:
   • Get health insurance covering all risks in Colombia for the entire duration of your stay.
9. For Subsequent Visas:
   • If you're applying for a second or subsequent visa, get a certificate from your educational institution confirming your attendance and completion of your studies.

Note:

• Make sure all your documents are in their original form.
• Follow the specific requirements from Colombian immigration authorities.
• Keep an eye out for any updates or changes in the application process from the official Colombian consulate or embassy.

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Colombian Online Visa Application Portal

• The Visa Online service enables you to apply for a visa conveniently from your home or office, accessible 24/7 worldwide.
• Please ensure that the information you provide in this online form is accurate and free of errors. Any inaccuracies may result in the rejection of your application without a refund.
• Before you begin, make sure you have a recent color photo (3x4cm, white background, head-on, no accessories) in JPG format (max 300 KB), and individual PDF documents (in black and white, readable).
• The total weight of all attached documents should not exceed 5MB.
• Allow at least 30 minutes to complete the online application.
• If you've already applied online and know your application number, you can use this service to update your information.

The process for applying for a Colombian student visa from India typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose a Designated Institution:
   • Select a recognized educational institution in Colombia. Ensure that the institution is recognized by the Colombian Ministry of Education.
2. Receive Acceptance Letter:
   • Obtain an acceptance letter from the Colombian educational institution. This letter should confirm your acceptance into a recognized program.
3. Online Application:
   • Use the Visa Online service accessible 24/7 from any location worldwide.
   • Carefully read and provide accurate information in the online application form.
   • Avoid typing mistakes, as inaccuracies may result in application refusal without a refund.
   • Allocate at least 30 minutes for the online application process.
4. Required Documents:
   • Before starting the application, ensure you have a recent color photo (3x4cm, white background, head-on, no accessories) in JPG format (max 300 KB).
   • Submit individual documents in PDF format, ensuring readability and preferably in black and white.
   • The total weight of attached documents should not exceed 5MB.
5. Payment:
   • Check accepted payment methods on the official website under "Costs and Means of Payment."
6. Application Update:
   • If you have an existing online application, use the application number to update information through the online service.
   • If you forget the application number, contact citizen service lines: Bogotá: +57 (1) 3826999, Free national line: 01 8000 938 000.
7. Visit Consulate Office:
   • You will be notified via email about the status of your visa application.
   • Visit the Consulate only if your online application has been accepted to receive the visa stamp on your passport.
   • Note: If you're applying from within Colombia, choose the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá as your visa application location.
8. Notification of Status:
   • Regularly check your email for updates on the status of your visa application.
9. Collect Visa:
   • If your visa is approved, follow the instructions in the notification to collect your passport with the visa stamp from the Consulate.
10. Travel Arrangements:
    • Once you have the visa, make necessary travel arrangements, such as booking flights and accommodation.
11. Arrival in Colombia:
    • Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your passport with the visa stamp, upon arrival in Colombia.

Work Permit:

This visa lets postgraduate university students work up to 20 hours a week in Colombia after their employer reports to the migration and labor authorities using designated systems.

Important notes:

• Find the closest Colombian Consulate to your location, either in your country or a neighboring one.
• Look up a list of Colombian Diplomatic Missions abroad. Contact the Consulate to get details on what documents you need to submit.
• Remember to make electronic copies of these documents in PDF format.
• You only need to visit the Consulate to obtain the visa stamp on your passport if your application is accepted.
• A visa doesn't automatically grant entry to Colombia; it only permits travel to a designated entry point. Upon arrival, foreigners must seek permission based on the issued visa.
• If you're applying from within Colombia, choose the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá as your visa application location.
• Personal visits to the Visa Office in Bogotá are unnecessary unless explicitly instructed via email; otherwise, the visa application process remains online.