There have been many updates issued by the US government regarding the reopening of its borders after the containment measures caused by the pandemic. Visa applications, however, continue to be issued in the different embassies and consulates of the North American country around the world, whether for commercial, tourist or migratory purposes.
According to the United States Office of Consular Affairs, and a White House statement issued in October 2021, international travel resumed as restrictions began to ease. The objective of the North American Government, according to this announcement, is to reduce waiting times in all consular services abroad.
However, embassies and consulates will have broad discretion in determining how to prioritize visa appointments based on local conditions and restrictions. In the case of citizens of Colombian nationality, the United States Embassy asks candidates to take into account the following:
What type of visa do I need?
The type of visa a traveler must apply for is determined by US immigration law and is focused on the purpose of the visit. The nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2), which is usually the most required, It is granted to citizens who wish to enter the North American country temporarily, for tourism, family or friend visits, medical treatment, business, demonstrable temporary work or studies. On the other hand, the immigrant visa (Green Card) is issued to those who are interested in living permanently within the country. For the latter, it is necessary to comply with all the requirements for legal residents indicated by the United States Embassy in Colombia for each case.
How to process the non-immigrant visa (B1/B2)?
At first, to obtain the temporary visit visa, typified as B1 or B2, it is essential to have a valid Colombian passport, a debit or credit bank card and an email. Once this is secured, you must follow the following steps:
Fill out the DS-160 form
The DS 160 form is an online questionnaire that initiates the application for a US nonimmigrant visa. It is a form in which the citizens of Colombia will have to identify themselves and specify the reason for the trip to the United States: tourism, medical treatment, business, studies or visiting relatives.
Make the payment of the American visa MRV fee
The cost of the American visa in Colombia is 160 dollars that must be deposited in the selected or designated bank entity.
Schedule an appointment at the Applicant Service Center (CAS)
It will be necessary to schedule an appointment at the Applicant Service Center (CAS) to take biometric data and digital photographs of the applicant. Although there are two locations, one in Medellín and the other in Bogotá, the United States embassy in Colombia asks candidates to be aware of the availability in each center or other alternatives offered for this process.
Go to the interview at the United States embassy in Bogotá
As a last step, you will have to attend an interview at the US embassy in Bogotá. In this, a security control will be carried out with the consular agent and the application and documents will be personally reviewed: Confirmation sheet of the DS-160 form, valid Colombian passport, proof of passage of the MRV visa application fee and proof of appointment at the American embassy.
For the interview, it is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes early at the United States embassy. Attend with all the original documents requested and answer honestly and transparently the questions of the consular officer who will attend the case.
If the visa is approved, where can I pick it up?
At the end of the interview with the consular representative at the embassy, the resolution of the application will be notified. If favorable, the American visa will be stamped in the applicant’s passport. This will be sent within 5 to 7 business days (from the approval of the visa) to the DHL branch that the Colombian citizen has chosen.
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