How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Colombia without Failing in the Attempt
Obtaining a U.S. tourist visa can be a challenging but essential process for Colombians who wish to travel to the United States. In this new Conecty blog post, we'll answer frequently asked questions about this process with the help of our expert Visa Expert consultant partners.
Here you can find out all the requirements, costs, types of visas and practical tips to keep in mind to simplify the visa application process.
What requirements does a Colombian need to obtain a US Visa?
To apply for a US visa, Colombians must prepare adequately and gather the following documentation:
- Valid passport : must be in good condition and have sufficient space for new visas and 6 months of validity.
- Application form: Complete the electronic DS-160 form.
- Financial solvency: it is important to have a stable income.
Jacobo Gómez, director and expert consultant at Visa Expert, emphasizes that before fulfilling all these requirements, “ it is crucial to demonstrate strong ties to Colombia, including solid family, professional, and social connections.” This will minimize consular concerns that may represent a migration risk to the U.S.
Can someone with a criminal record apply for a visa?
Yes, it is possible for a person with a criminal record to apply for a U.S. tourist visa. Although some agencies suggest that having a criminal record automatically disqualifies the applicant, this is not necessarily true.
As Gómez from Visa Expert points out, there are cases where people with criminal records have been eligible to obtain a visa. This underscores the importance of personalized guidance, as each application is unique and requires detailed analysis to optimize the chances of consular approval.
Steps to process the US Visa
While this tourist visa application process does not require a third party, the form's terms and process details can sometimes be confusing, and with the help of an expert agency, these issues can be easily resolved.
- Complete the DS-160 form available on the U.S. Embassy in Colombia website.
- Create an account in the Official Visa System .
- Pay the application fee, which is the consular fee worth $185 USD.
- Attend the biometric data collection at the Applicant Service Center (ASC).
- Attend the interview in person at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
- If it is a first-time visa, the consular officer will give the answer immediately during the interview.
Avoid the most common mistakes…
3 Tips for a Successful Interview
The Visa Expert consultant mentions three key aspects to consider before a visa interview:
- Support: Receive prior advice where you can resolve your doubts and learn all about your profile.
- Truthfulness : Presenting data honestly and truthfully allows for the generation of security and autonomy.
- Clarity: providing concrete information with a broad context, without being too long-winded and without ambiguity, is of great value to the consul.
How long does the tourist visa process take in Colombia?
The current processing time can extend up to two years due to high demand and bottlenecks in the process. However, appointment expediting services are available that can expedite this process.
What should you keep in mind to bring forward your visa appointment?
This process involves constantly monitoring the availability of appointments at the American Embassy to try to move up the initially scheduled date.
Visa Expert offers this service, which is carried out with a human approach to avoid the complications that can arise when using automated methods such as bots.
Pay attention to the data…
- They can be brought forward from 1 to 4 months after the request, depending on the embassy's availability.
- This process allows a maximum of 40 attempts to modify your appointment.
How much does a US visa cost in Colombia in 2024?
Visa fees for 2024 have increased due to increased processing times. Please note that prices are per applicant, regardless of age.
- Business or tourist visa (B1/B2): $707,451 COP (185 USD)
- Visa for workers (H, L, O, P, Q and R): $784,065,205 COP (205 USD).
- Visa for merchants and investors: $1,204,783 COP (315 USD).
What types of US visas are there?
There are various types of US visas for Colombians, mainly categorized into:
Nonimmigrant visas: include visas for tourism, business (B-1/B-2), studies (F-1, M-1), and temporary work visas for skilled workers (H-1B), individuals with extraordinary abilities (O-1), and exchange visitors (J-1).
Immigrant visas: These are for those seeking permanent residence or a "green card", usually based on family ties or employment.
Special visas: include transit visas (C) and for airline or ship crew members (D).
According to Gómez, the most common visa types for Colombia are B1/B2 (Tourism) and F (students and dependents). Each is designed to meet different travel purposes and has specific requirements that must be met.
What are the red flags when choosing an agency for your visa?
When going through this process, you'll often encounter countless agencies that can help. However, it's crucial to recognize the difference between ordinary intermediaries and specialized consulting agencies like Visa Expert, as this can have significant repercussions.
Some details you should note are:
- Charging unusual prices: whether very expensive or very cheap.
- Altering the information when filling out the form.
- Lack of transparency during the process.
- 100% Visa approval guarantee.
- Mention the approval rate you have.
Tips to ensure the proper use of your US tourist visa
- Limit your stay: try not to stay for more than 30 to 45 days, as this may be considered suspicious by immigration authorities.
- Justify your stay: always have on hand the itineraries, reservations or tickets that justify the time you will be staying in the USA. At Conecty we have created a Trip Planner that you can download for free .
- Comply with the laws: Make sure you respect all local laws to avoid legal problems.
- Visa renewal: To start the renewal process, we recommend not earlier than 6 months after expiration and a maximum of 2 years after expiration.
- Connectivity: Maintaining constant communication with your loved ones not only provides security, but also offers peace of mind in unexpected situations.
What is the renewal process like?
The process for renewing a U.S. tourist visa is faster than the initial application. According to Gómez, renewal appointments are generally available within two months of the application, facilitating a quick resolution. Furthermore, the applicant does not need to be present at the embassy in Bogotá, as another person can submit the documents on their behalf.
If you wish, experts like Visa Expert can help you manage the entire process, from submitting documents to collecting and shipping your passport once the embassy has processed and approved the renewal. This comprehensive service includes form management and document delivery, ensuring efficiency and convenience for the applicant.
With Visa Expert you can:
- To have 100% personalized advice at every stage of the process.
- Personalize your profile to be an ideal candidate according to your goals.
- To achieve transparency throughout the process and where the applicant owns their information because everything is done through the candidate's email.
- Autonomy and trust in the data provided.
Properly preparing for your visa application is crucial. We hope this information helps you better understand the process and prepare to apply for your U.S. visa with greater confidence and clarity.
Remember… With Visa Expert's guidance and Conecty's connectivity, your process will be smoother and more successful. Start planning your next adventure to the United States now.
