Documents Required for Visa Application | Embassy of the United States Bogotá, Colombia

The following documents are required for all categories of non immigrant visas:

DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form. This is an online form. You will only need to bring your confirmation page to the Embassy at the time of interview. For more information on this form, please see our Frequently Asked Questions about the DS-160 page.
A photograph (See requirements on our How to Apply for a Visa page)
A Colombian national identity card (See requirements on our How to Apply for a Visa page)
For an applicant under the age of 14, an authenticated copy of his or her birth certificate (folio del Registro Civil de Nacimiento).

Note: For K type Visas (Fiancé(e) and certain spouses of a U.S. citizen, and their dependents), Applicants should go the following Web page in order to fill out the DS-156 EVAF form: http://evisaforms.state.gov/

Important Note: As a result of strict security procedures, some applications may require longer processing times. The application process cannot be accelerated, so you should not make final travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until/unless you receive your visa. Visa applicants should never assume that their application will be approved.

Please review the brief description of each visa classification in the first column of the below chart, choose the description that most closely matches your principal purpose of travel, and note which other documents are needed for the application. Also, click on the corresponding visa symbol in the second column in order to obtain detailed instructions on how to apply for that type of visa.

Visa Information Center for further instructions.

Visa Classification	Purpose of Travel	Additional Documents Required
A-1 A-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Head of State or Government, Ambassador, public minister, career diplomatic or consular officer assigned to the United States, and members of immediate family Foreign government officials on official business or employees of diplomatic or consular missions in the United States, and members of immediate family	A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.
A-3 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Attendant, servant, or personal employee of A-1 and A-2 classes, and members of immediate family	A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the A-3 page Note Verbale from the Foreign Ministry, Chief of Transportation Section of the United Nations, or the appropriate department in other international organizations, confirming the employment status of the employer. Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status. A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb) (Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)
B-1 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Domestic employee	A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the B-1 page) Evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the required salary and benefits as indicated in the employment contract. Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status. A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)
B-1/B-2 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Temporary Visitor for Business or Pleasure
C-1 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Alien in transit through the United States
C-1/D For more information on this visa classification please click here	Crew member (ship or aircraft)/transit	A letter or contract from your employer. Current and previous crew member books, if applicable.
C-3 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Foreign government officials, members of immediate family, attendant, servant, or personal employee in transit.	A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.
E-1 E-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Treaty trader, spouse and children Treaty investor, spouse and children	Completed Form DS-156E (PDF 587kb) All documentary or other evidence necessary to demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements for Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor status under 9 FAM 41.51. (PDF 242kb)(For more information see our E-1 page)
F-1 F-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Student (academic or language training program) Spouse or child of F-1	Form I-20A-B [Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students]. (For more information visit our F-1 page) Transcripts and diplomas from any previous institutions attended. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, etc. Financial evidence that shows you and/or your sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.
G-1 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Principal resident representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, his/her staff, and members of immediate family on long-term assignment	A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.
G-2 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Other representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, and members of immediate family on temporary assignment	A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.
G-4 For more information on this visa classification please click here	International organization officer or employee and members of immediate family	A request from the designated international organization that explains the purpose of travel.
G-5 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Attendant, servant, or personal employee of G-1, G-2, or G-4 class and members of immediate family	A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the G-5 page) Note Verbale from the Foreign Ministry confirming the employment status of the employer. Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status. A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDf 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)
H1-B H2-A H2-B H-3 H-4 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Temporary worker in a specialty occupation Temporary worker performing agricultural services unavailable in the United States Temporary worker performing non-agricultural services unavailable in the United States Industrial trainee Dependent of H1, H2 or H3	An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker). Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background. A signed form (PDF 139kb) saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)
I For more information on this visa classification please click here	Representative of foreign information media and dependents	Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background. A letter from the media organization (For more information please visit the I page) Press credential
J-1 J-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Exchange visitor Dependent of J-1	A Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) provided to you by your program sponsor. (For more information please visit the J-1 page) A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)
K For more information on this visa classification please click here	Fiancé(e) and certain spouses of a U.S. citizen, and their dependents	Applicants should go the following Web page in order to fill out the DS-156 EVAF form: http://evisaforms.state.gov/ The Immigrant Visa Unit handles K visas. Please contact this office for more information about these visa classifications.
L-1 L-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Intra-company transferee (executive, managerial, and specialized personnel continuing employment with an international firm or corporation) Dependent of L-1	An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker). Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background. Evidence of the existence of the Colombian and American companies (for example, tax documents, bank statements, articles of incorporation, Chamber of Commerce registrations, receipts for the purchase and sale of goods and services).
M-1 M-2 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Vocational student Dependent of M-1	Form I-20M-N [Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students]. Transcripts and diplomas from any previous institutions attended. Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, etc. Financial evidence that shows you and/or your sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.
O-1 O-2 O-3 For more information on these visa classifications please click here	Aliens with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics Aliens accompanying and assisting O-1 in a professional capacity Dependent of O-1 or O-2	An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker). Evidence of the work that qualifies you for the visa (for example, newspaper articles, medals or badges from competitions or events, photos from events, books or articles published).
P-1 P-3 P-4 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Athletes and entertainers for a specific competition or performance Artists and entertainers performing under a program that is culturally unique Dependent of P-1 or P-3	An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security. Evidence of the work that qualifies you for the visa (for example, newspaper articles, medals or badges from competitions or events, photos from events, books or articles published). Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background, such as a copy of your diploma.
R-1 R-2 For more information on this visa classification please click here	Religious worker Dependent of R-1	Under current regulations regarding R visas, the sponsoring religious organization in the United States must first file a Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS in the United States for all persons seeking an R-1. Please see our R-1 page for more information.

Visa Classification

Purpose of Travel

Additional Documents Required

A-1

A-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Head of State or Government, Ambassador, public minister, career diplomatic or consular officer assigned to the United States, and members of immediate family

Foreign government officials on official business or employees of diplomatic or consular missions in the United States, and members of immediate family

A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.

A-3

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Attendant, servant, or personal employee of A-1 and A-2 classes, and members of immediate family

A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the A-3 page
Note Verbale from the Foreign Ministry, Chief of Transportation Section of the United Nations, or the appropriate department in other international organizations, confirming the employment status of the employer.
Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status.
A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb) (Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)

B-1

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Domestic employee

A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the B-1 page)
Evidence of the employer’s ability to pay the required salary and benefits as indicated in the employment contract.
Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status.
A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)

B-1/B-2

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Temporary Visitor for Business or Pleasure

C-1

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Alien in transit through the United States

C-1/D

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Crew member (ship or aircraft)/transit

A letter or contract from your employer.
Current and previous crew member books, if applicable.

C-3

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Foreign government officials, members of immediate family, attendant, servant, or personal employee in transit.

A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.

E-1

E-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Treaty trader, spouse and children

Treaty investor, spouse and children

Completed Form DS-156E (PDF 587kb)
All documentary or other evidence necessary to demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements for Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor status under 9 FAM 41.51. (PDF 242kb)(For more information see our E-1 page)

F-1

F-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Student (academic or language training program)

Spouse or child of F-1

Form I-20A-B [Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students]. (For more information visit our F-1 page)
Transcripts and diplomas from any previous institutions attended.
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, etc.
Financial evidence that shows you and/or your sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.

G-1

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Principal resident representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, his/her staff, and members of immediate family on long-term assignment

A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.

G-2

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Other representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, and members of immediate family on temporary assignment

A diplomatic note from the sending government that explains the purpose of travel.

G-4

For more information on this visa classification please click here

International organization officer or employee and members of immediate family

A request from the designated international organization that explains the purpose of travel.

G-5

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Attendant, servant, or personal employee of G-1, G-2, or G-4 class and members of immediate family

A valid contract (For more information on specific contract requirements please visit the G-5 page)
Note Verbale from the Foreign Ministry confirming the employment status of the employer.
Copy of employer’s valid U.S. visa or evidence of the employer’s U.S. visa status.
A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDf 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)

H1-B

H2-A

H2-B

H-3

H-4

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Temporary worker in a specialty occupation

Temporary worker performing agricultural services unavailable in the United States

Temporary worker performing non-agricultural services unavailable in the United States

Industrial trainee

Dependent of H1, H2 or H3

An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security.
A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker).
Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background.
A signed form (PDF 139kb) saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)(Both the signature form and the pamphlet are available for download by clicking the links above.)

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Representative of foreign information media and dependents

Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background.
A letter from the media organization (For more information please visit the I page)
Press credential

J-1

J-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Exchange visitor

Dependent of J-1

A Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) provided to you by your program sponsor. (For more information please visit the J-1 page)
A signed form (PDF 139kb)saying that the applicant has read and understood the Rights and Protections pamphlet (PDF 252kb)

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Fiancé(e) and certain spouses of a U.S. citizen, and their dependents

Applicants should go the following Web page in order to fill out the DS-156 EVAF form: http://evisaforms.state.gov/

The Immigrant Visa Unit handles K visas. Please contact this office for more information about these visa classifications.

L-1

L-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Intra-company transferee (executive, managerial, and specialized personnel continuing employment with an international firm or corporation)

Dependent of L-1

An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security.
A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker).
Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background.
Evidence of the existence of the Colombian and American companies (for example, tax documents, bank statements, articles of incorporation, Chamber of Commerce registrations, receipts for the purchase and sale of goods and services).

M-1

M-2

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Vocational student

Dependent of M-1

Form I-20M-N [Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students].
Transcripts and diplomas from any previous institutions attended.
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, etc.
Financial evidence that shows you and/or your sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.

O-1

O-2

O-3

For more information on these visa classifications please click here

Aliens with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics

Aliens accompanying and assisting O-1 in a professional capacity

Dependent of O-1 or O-2

An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security.
A photocopy of the approved Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker). Evidence of the work that qualifies you for the visa (for example, newspaper articles, medals or badges from competitions or events, photos from events, books or articles published).

P-1

P-3

P-4

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Athletes and entertainers for a specific competition or performance

Artists and entertainers performing under a program that is culturally unique

Dependent of P-1 or P-3

An original Form I-797 approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security.
Evidence of the work that qualifies you for the visa (for example, newspaper articles, medals or badges from competitions or events, photos from events, books or articles published).
Evidence of your current employment, such as pay stubs, an employment letter, or work contract, and evidence of your educational background, such as a copy of your diploma.

R-1

R-2

For more information on this visa classification please click here

Religious worker

Dependent of R-1

Under current regulations regarding R visas, the sponsoring religious organization in the United States must first file a Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS in the United States for all persons seeking an R-1.
Please see our R-1 page for more information.