Accepted into a Colombian university, language program, or postgraduate course? Any formal enrollment that goes beyond a standard tourist entry requires the Visitor (V) student visa. Here's exactly what's involved.
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The Colombian student visa is a Visitor (V) visa for foreigners enrolled in an accredited Colombian educational institution. Universities, language schools, vocational programs, exchange programs, and postgraduate courses all qualify, provided the institution is accredited by the relevant Colombian education authority.
The visa is granted for the duration of your course and is renewable as long as you remain enrolled. If you are from a visa-exempt country and your program is short, you may be able to study during a standard visa-free entry (up to 90 days, extendable to 180); anything longer, or any formal enrollment, requires the student visa.
Who This Visa Is For
The Colombia student visa is for foreigners who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a formal academic or training program at an accredited Colombian institution. Whether you need the student visa depends on your nationality and how long your program runs.
If you are from a visa-exempt country (the U.S., Canada, EU, and many others) and your program fits inside a 90-day visit (extendable to 180 days in a calendar year), you may be able to study without a student visa. You must still stay within your authorized time.
University degree programs, full academic years, postgraduate studies, longer language programs, and any formal enrollment that exceeds visa-free time require the Visitor (V) student visa. Granted for the duration of your course and renewable while you remain enrolled.
Full undergraduate and graduate programs at officially recognized Colombian universities.
Spanish language programs at registered language institutes; technical and technological institutions including SENA. Verify the institution's Ministry of Education registration first.
Already in Colombia on a tourist entry? If your program runs longer than your authorized visitor stay, you need a proper student visa before your entry permission expires. Don't wait until the last week.
Requirements
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. At least two blank pages required.
Core document for your application. Must be on institutional letterhead and include: institution's full name, your full name, program name, program start and end dates, and enrollment status. A generic acceptance email is not sufficient.
Most institutions provide this directly, often as part of the enrollment package. If not, we advise on how to obtain it.
Required for programs over six months. Issued within the past 90 days. U.S. applicants typically use an FBI background check. Apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Bank statements demonstrating you can cover both tuition and living expenses for the duration of your program.
Coverage valid in Colombia for the full duration of your program. Many Colombian universities offer student health plans — check whether your institution's plan meets the Cancillería's requirements.
A rental agreement, university housing confirmation, or similar document. Short-term Airbnb bookings are generally not accepted.
We guide you through preparing and validating every required document to help avoid delays or rejections.
Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and current Colombian immigration regulations.
We review every apostille, translation, and supporting document with you before filing — catching the issues that cause Cancillería to send the case back.
See how the process worksThe Process
We guide you through every step. No surprises, no confusing paperwork, no figuring it out on your own.
We review your program details — institution, program length, start date — to confirm whether your enrollment requires the Visitor (V) student visa or fits inside a visa-free entry, and to verify the institution qualifies.
We give you a specific checklist. We advise on what to request from your institution, how to apostille your criminal background check, and what financial documentation will be credible.
The enrollment letter is reviewed before filing to confirm it contains all required information. Missing a start date or program name is a common cause of rejection — we catch these gaps before submission.
We submit your complete application through the Cancillería portal. If the government requests clarification, we respond on your behalf.
Once approved, you receive your student visa electronically. You must register with Migración Colombia within 15 days of approval or arrival.
After arriving with your visa, apply for your Cédula de Extranjería through Migración Colombia. Required for V student visa holders staying longer than 90 days and essential for banking and formal contracts during your studies.
Why Work With Us
The student visa process is more detailed than most applicants expect — and the enrollment letter alone causes a significant percentage of rejections. Getting it right the first time means starting your program on time.
Licensed Colombian immigration attorneys — not document mills or visa agencies
We know exactly what the Cancillería expects on enrollment letters and institutional accreditation
Bilingual team: we communicate in English and handle all filings in Spanish
Fully virtual — we work with students applying from anywhere in the world
4.9 stars on Google · Trusted by 1,400+ clients
What Our Clients Say
"I had an excellent experience working with Natalia Torres from Colombian Visa Services. Her expertise was clear from the very first consultation, and she guided me through each stage of the visa process with patience and clarity. Natalia was always helpful, responsive, and thorough, and thanks to her support my visa was issued without any complications. Truly exceptional service."
Jeffrey Sutyla
Google Review
"I had an excellent experience with Colombia Visa Services. From the very first information session, they answered questions no one else could. Their process was super organized, with clear steps for uploading documents and helpful reminders to keep things moving. After submitting my visa application, I received weekly updates — something I really appreciated. I highly recommend them if you're applying for any Colombian visa."
Roberta Glaser
Google Review
"As experienced travellers who have to procure a visa for every country we visit, we found the Colombian application the trickiest to deal with by ourselves. We hired Colombian Visa Services for peace of mind and they delivered big time — answering all of our questions, providing specific instructions, and handling the submission for us. The company was efficient, professional, and communicated brilliantly. Highly recommend."
Vaughn
Google Review
"Very efficient and attentive company to help obtain your visa in Colombia. Personal and cordial service at every step in the process. You should not try to manage your own visa process unless you possess the knowledge that these lawyers possess. Highest recommendation!"
Brian Celce
Google Review
"This was the second time in two years that I used CVS for M type visa support. Nothing has changed my original opinions of the firm — I have been completely satisfied in their services and outcomes. Natalia was knowledgeable, professional, supportive, a good communicator and, importantly, always accessible when I had questions. I highly recommend their services."
J F
Google Review
"Colombian Visa Services is a top notch agency! They always stayed in contact and walked me through the process. Very professional and knowledgeable staff."
Donta Henson
Google Review
Take the qualifier or speak with our bilingual legal team before you apply.
Timeline & Costs
the Cancillería has 30 calendar days to decide a complete application. In practice, applications often take the full 30 days, and often uses the full window. Apply at least six to eight weeks before your program begins.
Issued for a maximum of 2 years, renewable while your program continues. Absence rule: you cannot be outside Colombia for more than 90 consecutive days without risking cancellation of the visa.
Study fee ~USD $16; issuance fee (upon approval) ~USD $51. Total: ~USD $67.
Approximately COP 294,000, paid to Migración Colombia after arrival.
Important to Know
Generally, the Colombian student visa does not authorize employment. Some exceptions may exist for on-campus positions, research assistantships, or part-time academic arrangements — but these are not guaranteed and should be confirmed before accepting any paid role.
If you are enrolled in a Colombian program and also earning income remotely from foreign clients or employers, you may have two separate visa situations to consider. The V-DN covers foreign-source remote income. Some students hold both statuses.
If Cancillería or Migración Colombia requests additional documentation, your attorney responds directly — no extra charges, no scrambling on your end.
FAQ
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