Job Discussion Forums

[Will S]

Hi,
I am trying to verify this crazy rumor I've heard -that it's possible for someone to recieve a work visa in order to teach English as a forgien language in Colombia without having to have a contract with an employer prior to the visa being issued. I have heard that this is possible if the teacher has a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Languange) certificate. I've attempted to contact the a Colombian consulate regarding this and, so far, have not recoeved a response. If anyone can tell me if this rumor is accurate or not, or has any additional info on this I would greatly appreciate it. Also, in case it is relevent, I'm from the US.
Thanks

[Guy Courchesne]

I have no experience with Colombia, but if it's anything like Mexico, what the embassy tells you and what can happen inside the country are very often different things.

[lozwich]

My work visa is connected to my employer. Although the visa lasts for the duration of my contract, there is no clause in it about what might happen if I should leave that employment as there is in Mexico. My id card also identifies me as a foreigner, and lists who I work for.

There was a guy posting a lot here a few months ago about his experiences in Colombia. Try doing a search. His experiences were a lot different to mine, as I was lucky enough to be recruited from outside Colombia, and a temporary work visa was arranged for me before I arrived. I now have my full visa and id card, and it doesn't feel too shabby at all!

Good luck!