Job Discussion Forums

markj · Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 11

Does anyone have any new info on teaching ESL in Colombia? I got an email from someone asking for $1,000 to process a work visa for me in Colombia. Does anyone know the proper procedure for getting a work visa for Colombia? Any websites that might be of help?

SeanStock · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Buenos Aires

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

...yes, NatureGirl put this school up on the SCAM WARNING list i believe...i wouldn't send $1000 to my brother unless i was standing there talking to him. even then, i would have doubts.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I had an offer from a Spanish school that was similar. My advice, is if you pay for a visa, pay only at the Embassy. Don-t EVER pay a school.

For example, I had to pay for my Korean visa, it was 40 USD. Sometimes in China you have to get a medical clearance, and you pay the doctor. But a real school will never make YOU pay THEM>

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:15 pm Post subject:

I second that. It's fairly common in Latin America for schools not to cover the cost of the visa. But you pay for the visa, when you get it, at the consul.

If they want you to send them money...you have to wonder why.

I would probably send $1000 to my brother. Maybe even my sister. Nobody else!

Best,
justin

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

sambeckett · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 24 Location: Mexico

Perhaps this information may help:

Visas and Consulates

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Work Visa (TT)
Requirements:
1. Valid Passport with at least 3 available pages and good for a minimum of 6 months.
2. Two (2) passport copies. plain copies please.
3. Visa application form duly signed and filled out in duplicate.
4. Three (3) colored passport-type pictures (2"x2").
5. Original work contract with both signatures notarized.
6. Certificate of Goodwill of the company, notarized and Apostilled.
7. Legalized and Apostilled copy of the university diploma.
8. Police criminal records, issued within the last six months, translated into Spanish and both versions (English and Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state where it was issued. This certificate is required ONLY if you do not hold a current Colombian visa.
9. Letter from the Colombian company stating the name and position of the applicant, detailed purpose of trip, and company's compromise to assume full financial responsibility for the traveler expenses, including his return to the country of origin or last country of residence. This letter must notarized and apostilled.
10.Certificate " Certificado de Proporcionalidad" issued by the Colombian "Ministerio del Trabajo", stating that the ratio of national and foreign workers has been duly respected.
11. Health Certificate showing that applicant has been vaccinated against yellow fever. This certificate is required ONLY if the applicant is traveling to any of the following Departamentos (States) in Colombia: Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Bol�var, Boyac�, Casanare, Caqueta, Cauca, Guaviare, Magdalena, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Santander, Vaup�s or Vichada.
12. Consular fee: US$205.00