Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the procedures that were previously performed have been suspended or there were changes in the way they were performed.
One of the changes that took place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus was the issuance of visas in Colombia, so here we tell you how these procedures work during the health emergency.
(Can read: This is the new rate for the Colombian passport in 2021
UK
Colombians require a visa to enter the UK. The visa for England is applied virtually on the page of the immigration office.
There are different types of visas for England:
– Visa de turista.
– Student visa.
– Work visa.
– Transit visa.
In the midst of the pandemic, the embassy indicates that all applications are virtually dealt with at the moment. The estimated time it can take to apply for a UK tourist visa is 3 months and the estimated cost of this type of visa is $ 420,000 Colombian pesos. This visa allows you to be in the country for up to 6 months, if you do not apply for an extension or extension of the visa.
(To see the visa costs, click here)
Once you know which visa you need, you will need to prepare the required supporting documents and documents. After that, you have to apply and the embassy will tell you how to follow the process to complete the biometric procedure.
(In addition: This is the presidential candidate’s preference for 2022
As of August 31, 2020, UK visas and immigration have begun a gradual resumption of services in the UK visa application centers in Bogotá and Medellín.
U.S
Due to the pandemic, the US embassy in Colombia assured that a few days ago Applications to issue visas are still blocked, so it will give priority to exceptional cases and requests made before May 2020.
Likewise, the cases of immediate family members of US citizens, spouses, children, fiancés, and parents of Americans are prioritized.
The embassy noted that since March 1 last year, the number of daily visa interviews by immigrants and the offer of services has increased.
(Don’t miss reading: These are the requirements for entering and leaving Colombia
The embassy also recalls that they can carry out the immigrant visa processes of all categories, and will start reviewing those cases based on their prioritization plan. “It will take some time before we can attend it pending the interview. As soon as we can plan your case, you will receive an email with additional details,” he warns.
Great news!
As of March 1, we have increased the number of daily visa interviews with immigrants. We appreciate your patience as we handle many pending cases. More details, in the video: pic.twitter.com/LGmMHUlrBP
– US Embassy Bogota (@USEmbassyBogota) March 3, 2021
Currently, some of the requests that can already be made are:
Tourist / business visas (B1 / B2) and crew (C1 / D)
You can now apply for a tourist / business visa (B1 / B2) and a crew visa (C1 / D) for those eligible for age-based or job interview extension.
Visa F, M or J to study
Applicants going to study in the United States with an F, M, or J visa (except for English as a Second Language programs) can now apply for their visa.
Emergencies
You can also apply for a visa if you are in an emergency. In this case, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá recommends contacting them to see if you are applying for this case.
Keep in mind that appointments for other regular services, including the first time you apply for a tourist visa, are still on hold.
The State Department is extending the validity of non-immigrant visa payments (known as MRV fees) until September 30, 2022, so that all applicants who were unable to make a visa appointment due to the suspension of routine consular operations have the opportunity to resume the appointment. to schedule and / or attend with the payment they have already made.
Germany
Due to the development of the pandemic in Colombia and Europe, the receipt of visa applications at the German embassy in Bogotá is currently only possible in some cases and you must have all the required documents
You can request an appointment for your procedure via the website at:
1. Visa processing:
• Applications for family reunification (with the spouse; with a minor German child; from a minor with his / her father / mother; from a father with his / her unborn German child, or a visa to marry in Germany). In these cases, the family member who is a German citizen or resident may come to Germany at the same time as the applicant, for example the spouse or the minor child.
• Applications for qualified or highly skilled workers, belonging to one of the following application categories:
– Qualified personnel with an employment contract related to the following articles of the German Residence Act.
– Scientist / researcher
– Officers sent
– Supervisors, managers and specialists
– System specialists
– Special jobs of general interest
• Independent employees
• ‘AU pairs’
• Students whose studies cannot be followed from abroad.
• Primary and secondary school students who attend classes in an educational center for at least six months.
• Students undergoing qualified training.
• Participants in a “Qualifizierungsmaßnahme”
• Volunteers
• Diplomats, personnel of international organizations, military personnel and humanitarian workers who have to carry out their work in Germany.
(Don’t go unread: the government is leaving a firm decree regularizing Venezuelan migrants)
• Passengers in transit.
• People in need of international humanitarian protection
2. Extension of visa already issued
The embassy points out that the range of appointments is generally limited; Most appointments for the coming weeks have already been booked.
(To know all the details on how to do the procedure, click here)
Canada
The visa application centers have been open since October 2020. This way you can continue your process normally.
To apply for your visa, we recommend that you:
– Prepare your application
– Hand over your passport and apply for your visa
– After you submit your application to the visa application reception center, your staff will check that your file is complete in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, and will submit your application on your behalf on behalf of the following day handy.
The Visa Office will review your application and make a decision, after which a visa slip will be attached to your passport or you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal.
The Visa Office will then securely send your passport to the Visa Application Reception Center, which will inform you via your preferred communication method. An update will also be offered to the online application system and you will be advised that your passport is ready to be returned to you. You can then go in person to the visa application reception center to collect your passport.
Once submitted, you can easily track your visa application.
(Click here for full details)
Australia
To go to this country you can process a visa in the usual way:
– Student visa (subclass 500)
– Temporary work visa (short stay) (subclass 400)
– Transit visa (subclass 771)
– Official visits companies (subclass 600)
– Visitor visa (tourist category) (subclass 600)
(Don’t miss reading: ‘My baby was stolen from me in Bogotá and I found it in Norway 32 years later’
Remember to provide proof of a negative covid-19 (PCR) test to your airline when checking in for your flight at the point of departure.
(To know the details of the process, you can click here)
LUISA MERCADO
POLITICAL WRITING
Twitter: @PoliticaET
If you have any questions about this issue, write to us at [email protected]