Visa/Dual Citizenship

[Hondo]

Hello All,

Seeking general information.  I haven't been able to find answers to all of my questions by visiting Embassy web-sites.  Here goes...thinking about moving to Colombia.  How long can you visit on passport before having to leave.  If I get married to a Colombian national, what is involved in obtaining dual-citizenship status?  I am a USA citizen.  If I go specifically to Colombia to get married, and marry, do I have to leave and return while paper work is being processed?  This isn't clear to me.  If I plan to leave the USA specifically with the intention to marry, do I need to obtain a visa first or simply visit on passport?  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Hondo

[Ray]

If I go specifically to Colombia to get married, and marry, do I have to leave and return while paper work is being processed?

I’m not sure exactly what you are asking here, but if you marry outside the country, the petition for your spouse’s visa must be filed in the US.

If you are living outside of the US when her visa interview comes up, then you generally must show US domicile before she is approved. That may mean that you will have to return to the US for a period of time before she can get her visa.

Why would you want dual citizenship? Are you considering living overseas permanently? Or are you planning to bring her here to the US to live?

[Hondo]

Let me clarify....the scenario I was attempting to describe involves me going to Colombia to get married.  I was asking if anyone knew the procedure for establishing residency in Colombia as a USA citizen.  My intention is to remain there and live there while occasionally traveling back to the USA.  I know that you can only stay so long on a passport.  If I established residency, married to a Colombian National, I wouldn't need a visa.  After being there for so long I imagine I could apply for dual citizenship status. 

Sorry for the lack of clarity.

Thanks Again,

Hondo

[bcc_1_2]

That's a tough question. The guys here are generally bringing their wives back to the USA. Let me throw this at you though. If you are going there to live why rush into marriage? Why not just get a visa and date or just stay engaged. No pressure and no need to rush?

Personally I think people ought to be able to bring a fiance here without having to get hitched in 3 months. But there is no way that is going to change. With you going to Colombia you don't have to follow those rules. So why get married?

[eddomo1970]

If you are married to a Colombiana you can live there permanately. Takes 2 years to become a citizen, but you can live there in the mean time. Not sure about getting the cedula, if you are planning to find work.

[william3rd]

That's a tough question. The guys here are generally bringing their wives back to the USA. Let me throw this at you though. If you are going there to live why rush into marriage? Why not just get a visa and date or just stay engaged. No pressure and no need to rush?

Personally I think people ought to be able to bring a fiance here without having to get hitched in 3 months. But there is no way that is going to change. With you going to Colombia you don't have to follow those rules. So why get married?

No commitment. . . so, what does she need you for? Sex? She can get that from her own men. .  Money?  higher lifestyle? So you are looking for a mistress and not a wife.

[bcc_1_2]

No commitment. . . so, what does she need you for? Sex? She can get that from her own men. .  Money?  higher lifestyle? So you are looking for a mistress and not a wife.

You got all that out of me suggesting not to rush into it. The other option is of course he gets a visa and spends a few extra months with her. And then ties the knot. Now is that so bad?

[pablo]

Here goes...thinking about moving to Colombia.  How long can you visit on passport before having to leave.

You can enter Colombia only on your passport.  You will receive a 60 day tourist visa that can be extended out four additional months renewing it at DAS one month at a time for a monthly charge of 68.700 COP deposited into the DAS Sudameris Bank account.  There is some paperwork that needs to be submitted, photos, and getting fingerprinted the first time.  Be sure that you apply for your extension(s) the week that your visa will expire.  If you apply late there is a fairly large fine.  Note that you can only stay a maximum of six months per year with a tourist visa.

There are other options for you to stay longer in Colombia.  One example is a student visa that will allow you to stay in Colombia for one year.  This visa can be renewed once for an additional year.  I believe that you will receive a temporary cedula with this type of visa.  In order to qualify for a student visa you need to be enrolled in a language school and attend classes at least ten hours per week.  If you are not inclined to pay for and attend these classes there are a number of schools that will give you the required paperwork to submit to DAS of course for a "fee".  You apply for a student visa in-country.

The other types of visas available are listed at the following link:

http://www.colhouston.org/servicios/visas.php

I would suggest that you not burn your bridges before moving to Colombia.  If I were you I would enter on a tourist visa and stay the maximum allowed time (6 months) in order to see if you like living there.  It isn't everyone's cup of tea and there are a number of differences between the two cultures that you will need to adjust to.  With this time in Colombia you will be able to make a more informed decision about going expat or not.

If I get married to a Colombian national, what is involved in obtaining dual-citizenship status?  I am a USA citizen.  If I go specifically to Colombia to get married, and marry, do I have to leave and return while paper work is being processed?  This isn't clear to me.

I'm not well versed in this area although you are able to have dual citizenship if married to a Colombia.  You did not provide enough background information but if you are planning on getting married in Colombia you will need to bring documents that includes birth certificates, divorce certificates if that applies.  Getting married in San Andres, under Colombian jurisdiction, is much easier.

Again, the same unsolicited advice...take your time in finding that one special lady.  You will undoubtedly meet many such women making a selection extremely difficult. 

  If I plan to leave the USA specifically with the intention to marry, do I need to obtain a visa first or simply visit on passport? 

Simply enter on your passport.

[william3rd]

You got all that out of me suggesting not to rush into it. The other option is of course he gets a visa and spends a few extra months with her. And then ties the knot. Now is that so bad?

"If you are going there to live why rush into marriage? Why not just get a visa and date or just stay engaged. "

That is not quite what you said-the area of emphasis is as I indicated above.

[Jamie]

Hello All,

Seeking general information.  I haven't been able to find answers to all of my questions by visiting Embassy web-sites.  Here goes...thinking about moving to Colombia.  How long can you visit on passport before having to leave.  If I get married to a Colombian national, what is involved in obtaining dual-citizenship status?  I am a USA citizen.  If I go specifically to Colombia to get married, and marry, do I have to leave and return while paper work is being processed?  This isn't clear to me.  If I plan to leave the USA specifically with the intention to marry, do I need to obtain a visa first or simply visit on passport?  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Hondo

You don’t need citizenship to stay in Colombia as long as you like. You can get a permanent residence after being married to a Colombian and living in Colombia for I believe 3 years not 2. You would have to apply for the spouse visa outside of Colombia which would be for 2 years and then reapply again for another 2 years. In-between your second spouse visa you can apply and receive a permanent residence all in one day.

[pablo]

An update on less requirements if marrying in San Andres.  I read the following on another forum.

"The law that allowed those relaxed standards was ruled unconstitutional late last year."

[Ray]

No commitment. . . so, what does she need you for? Sex? She can get that from her own men. .  Money?  higher lifestyle? So you are looking for a mistress and not a wife.

I have to agree with William on this one.

The guy didn't even say he was getting married but was only asking "what if" questions.

So why is bcc so anxious to talk him out getting married? You don't know him or his situation yet you jump at the chance to convince him not to get married? Just what is your motivation here anyway??

You don't think anyone should get married if they don't have to? You don't think you should have to marry your fiancee within 90 days of arrival?

Good call William!