Expat Community > Colombia

Travelz129
Joined 2023
Posts: 28

Pensionado Visa, Anyone with success since changes?

1 year ago

I'm aware of the significant changes that went into effect in October of last year. Before it appears about all anyone had to do was get a letter at the US embassy in Bogota proving Social Security, go to the relevant Colombian office, fill out a few forms and apply. Within a few days three year visas were often awarded. That may not be all accurate but it's my best memory.

Now they want a "health certificate" that covers both physical and psychological assessments. We are talking about findings from multiple specialists, head doctor and a physician, how would you get that all in one document? Seems at least in the US you'd need to go two places.

The health insurance is reasonable, but it appears you'd need to pay a year's worth of premiums in advance in hopes of a one year visa. It would be a shame to get rejected for the visa, then a refund of the premiums might be difficult to acquire. At least you'd have the insurance to use for travel. But seems the three year visas may be dead in the water unless you can prove three years of prepaid coverage.

Then there's the police report. That's easy in my city, go to any police substation and within a day or so they'll have the results of a local, statewide, and national check. Or do they require the FBI report? That's more involved, requires fingerprints and more time and expense.

Perhaps bank statements are also required?

Then we have the translating and apostillizing, of everything right?

Lawyers and others offering services to guide you through this are as matter of course going to put the best possible spin on it, as they want clients and do not want anyone too discouraged. But I'd love to hear from some who have or know of reliable success stories with the pensionado visa, or whatever it's called now, since the changes last year. Thank you very much in advance for any replies. Thanks also to those who make this forum available and keep it running.

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