Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am not a Colombian citizen; do I need a Colombian visa to work in the U.S. Embassy?
Yes. One of the eligibility requirements to be considered for an advertised position is to have the legal right to work in Colombia. Therefore, you must either have a residency visa or a work visa. Please note that the U.S. Embassy is not able to sponsor candidates for a Colombian residency or work visa. Further details about how to obtain a Colombian visa can be found at www.minrelext.gov.co
Do I need a United States visa to work in the U.S. Embassy?
No. It is not required.
Do I have to complete the application for employment form in English or Spanish?
It depends on the English Level requirement of the position for which you are applying. If the English level required is III (good working knowledge) or IV (fluent) the application must be completed in English. If the English level required is I (rudimentary knowledge) or II (limited knowledge) the application may be completed in Spanish.
Can I apply for ALL advertised positions?
To determine your eligibility and qualification for a position you must consider the following factors:
- OPEN TO – Make sure that you meet the eligibility category of the vacancy announcement. To determine the eligibility category, please read the “Who May Apply” link.
- Also you must be sure that you meet all the requirements listed on the vacancy announcement (i.e.: education, experience, language, knowledge and skills and abilities). Only applicants who meet ALL advertised requirements will be given further consideration.
Will the Embassy give me any feedback on the status of my application process?
No. The Human Resources Office will only contact applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and advertised qualifications. If you are not contacted within six weeks after the vacancy announcement’s closing date, please assume that you were not eligible.
If I am not selected for a position, can I continue applying for other positions?
Yes. A non selection is not a disqualifying factor for other available vacancies.
Will the Embassy inform me if I was not selected?
Only applicants who were unsuccessful in the interview will receive a reply in writing.
I was scheduled for an English test; will the Embassy pay for the test cost?
No. The applicant is responsible for all costs incurred with this Test.
If selected for a locally recruited position at the Embassy in Bogota or the branch office in Cartagena, will the Embassy pay for my family and me to relocate to the city of hire?
No. If selected for a locally recruited position at Bogota or Cartagena, you are responsible for the travel and all costs associated with the relocation to the city of hire.
I am a U.S. Citizen; will I get paid in U.S. dollars?
No. U.S. citizens are compensated according to the local compensation plan (pesos) and are subject to local labor Law and Taxes. U.S. citizens are also subject to U.S. taxes.
If I am selected for an Embassy position will I get paid in U.S. dollars?
An Ordinarily Resident (OR) is compensated according to the local compensation plan (pesos). An ordinarily resident is: A Colombian citizen, a foreign national or a US citizen who is locally resident; and, has legal, permanent resident status in Colombia; and, is subject to host country employment and tax laws.
A Non Ordinarily Resident (NOR) is compensated in U.S. dollars. A NOR is a U.S. Eligible Family Member (USEFM) or an Eligible Family Member (EFM). Please see the vacancy announcement for specific definitions of USEFM and EFM.
If a relative works in the Embassy, can I apply for a position in the Embassy?
Yes, if there are no nepotism or conflict of interests issues. Examples of nepotism or conflict of interest are: your relative is involved in the hiring decision of the advertised position, your relative supervises the advertised position, your relative occupies a position that is in the same line of authority of the advertised position.
Does the Embassy have “intermediaries” who receive the applications on behalf of the Embassy Human Resources Office?
No. All applications should be sent directly to the U.S. Embassy Human Resources Office.
Can I send the same application package for several positions?
It is highly recommended that you review your application package for each vacancy that you apply for. This is because you need to provide specific and comprehensive information on the advertised requirements, which are different for each advertised position.