Introduction

When considering a move to Immigration Lawyer Colombia, one of the most pressing questions for individuals is how long the visa application process will take, particularly when working with an immigration lawyer. The type of visa, the intricacy of the case, and the effectiveness of the applicant and Colombian immigration authorities can all affect the timeline. Here, we’ll break down the key factors affecting the timeline and provide a general overview of what to expect.

Initial Consultation and Document Gathering

The process typically begins with an initial consultation between the applicant and the immigration lawyer. During this stage, the lawyer evaluates the applicant’s goals, circumstances, and eligibility for specific types of visas, such as tourist, work, investment, marriage, or retirement visas. Depending on how quickly the applicant supplies the required information, this phase may take a few days to a week.

Once the visa type is determined, the document-gathering phase begins. The required documents vary by visa but often include:

Passport and identification

Proof of income or employment

Academic credentials (if applying for a work or student visa)

Marriage or birth certificates (for family-related visas)

Bank statements (for retirement or investment visas)

This step can take anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the applicant’s ability to collect and prepare these documents. Applicants coming from abroad may face additional delays due to the need for apostilles, notarizations, or translations.

Preparation and Submission of the Application

Once all the documents are collected, the immigration lawyer carefully reviews them to ensure accuracy and compliance with Colombian immigration regulations. This step is critical, as incomplete or incorrect applications can result in delays or rejections. The preparation phase typically takes about one to two weeks.