Colombia: Temporary Shutdown of Online Visa Application Platform
September 12, 2022
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At a Glance
- The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that its online visa application system will temporarily shut down on the following schedule:
- From September 16 through October 21, 2022, for certain visa applications, including Migrant Student, Migrant Spouse, and Migrant Investor; and
- From September 30 through October 21, 2022, for all other visa applications.
- During this time, the Ministry will update the system with immigration law changes that go into effect on October 22, 2022.
- As all visa applications are submitted online and all visas are digitally issued, employers and foreign nationals may not be able to submit any initial or renewal visa applications and may not receive any adjudications on their applications until the system is back online.
- Fragomen is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional details regarding the shutdown and possible solutions.
The situation
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that its online visa application system will temporarily shut down while it updates the system with changes to the immigration law that will go into effect on October 22, 2022.
A closer look
- Initial shutdown. The first shutdown will occur on September 16, 2022 until October 22, 2022 for Migrant Student, Migrant Spouse and Migrant Investor visas.
- Complete shutdown. The system will close to all visa application on September 30, 2022 until October 22, 2016.
- Applications not affected. Tourism Permits (Permiso de Turismo or PT) and 30-day Permits to Develop Other Activities (POA) for eligible visa-exempt nationals will not be affected by the shutdown as these applications are not submitted via this online system.
Impact
- Effect on applications. During this time, employers and foreign nationals may not be able to submit any initial or renewal visa applications and may not receive adjudications on their applications until the system is back online, since all visa applications are submitted online and visas are issued digitally.
- Concessions not yet known. It is not yet known whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will grant concessions to foreign nationals who are unable to file their renewal or status-regularization application during the shutdown and may consequently fall out of status. Fragomen is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for clarification and practical solutions.
- Processing delays. Foreign nationals and employers can expect processing delays for all visa applications until the system is restored or until alternative application routes are implemented, which may delay foreign nationals’ work or payroll start dates in Colombia.
Background
A new immigration law will take effect on October 22, 2022 in Colombia. Among the key changes are: new visa subcategories; an increased timeline by which authorities adjudicate visa applications; and new documentary requirements for certain visa applications, among others.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional details and to explore practical solutions during the shutdown. Fragomen is also in contact with clients that are impacted by this issue. We will report on any developments.
During the initial implementation period of the law and initial stages of the updated digital system (including the projected influx of new applications once it reopens), foreign nationals and employers should expect delays with application processing, increased scrutiny of applications, and discretionary application of the law.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
