Eligibility for Dependent Status to be Restricted for Those Age 25 and Over
November 8, 2017

Executive Summary
Effective December 15, 2017, dependents of foreign nationals will no longer qualify as a dependent once they reach the age of 25, with limited exceptions. The visas of dependents over the age of 25 in Colombia on or after December 15 will be automatically cancelled unless they apply for a visa in their own right within 30 days.
The situation
Effective December 15, 2017, dependents of foreign nationals will no longer qualify as a dependent once they reach the age of 25, and their visas will automatically be cancelled.
On or after December 15, 2017, the following conditions will apply:
- Grace period. Foreign nationals under a dependent visa who reach the age of 25 will have 30 business days to apply for a visa in their own right, depending on the activities they will perform in Colombia. After these 30 days have passed, if a new visa has not been secured, the dependent visa holder must depart Colombia but may re-enter under tourist status. They will then be subject to the limitations of a tourist visa; they will not be able to work and can stay up to 180 cumulative days per year.
- Impact: Affected dependents should contact their immigration professional for assistance with obtaining a visa in their own right prior to December 15.
- Exception: Foreign nationals with a proven disability who rely on the principal visa holder may remain in Colombia under their dependent visa, regardless of age.
Background
Changes in other visa categories can also be expected based the publication of the new immigration law that will go into effect on December 15, 2017.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Blog post
This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.