Student Visa (Visa V — Estudiante) — Colombia

The Visa V — Estudiante permits enrollment in an approved educational program in Colombia, including Spanish schools registered with SIET. You apply through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) and must prove admission and financial means before issuance.

Who It's For You qualify for the Visitor (V)

Student Visa if you've been accepted into a Colombian educational program. The program must be formally recognized, and Spanish language schools must hold SIET registration. You must provide:

• An official acceptance or enrollment certificate from the institution.
• Proof of financial solvency, usually shown as monthly means equal to about 10× SMMLV or equivalent financial support. This visa fits students pursuing structured academic or language study. It doesn't replace short-term tourist stays under Visa-Exempt Entry (Permiso de Turismo), which doesn't authorize formal enrollment in long-term academic programs. If you plan to work remotely for foreign clients instead of enrolling in classes, the Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales) may be more appropriate. Choose the visa category that matches your main purpose in Colombia. Important: Your application must clearly reflect study as your main activity in Colombia.

Types of Study Covered The Visa V

Estudiante covers enrollment in recognized Colombian educational programs. This includes academic programs and approved Spanish language courses. Eligible study typically includes:

• University or higher education programs.
• Technical or academic training programs.
• Spanish language courses offered by SIET-registered institutions. For academic programs, reduced visa fees apply according to the official fee table.
• Study Fee (Academic Programs): $16.
• Issuance Fee (Academic Programs): $21 If your program doesn't fall under an academic classification, confirm the correct fee category directly with the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería). Your admission letter must match the program type listed in your application. Inconsistent documentation can delay processing by the immigration authority.

Where to File & Download

You file your application with the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) using the official Form formulario-unico-visa platform. This is the required application channel for the Visa V — Estudiante. To apply: 1.2. Complete the formulario-unico-visa accurately and consistently with your supporting documents.

Upload your acceptance letter and proof of financial solvency. Use the most recent version of the form. The immigration authority updates forms and instructions periodically, and outdated versions can lead to rejection.

You must follow the official instructions for your student visa category and submit a complete application with supporting evidence. The immigration authority reviews each case individually, and approval is never automatic.

Download and

Review Instructions Start by locating the correct guidance for your student visa category through the immigration authority. Read the instructions before filling out any form. Focus on the eligibility requirements that apply to your situation. If you previously entered Colombia under Visa-Exempt Entry (Permiso de Turismo)

confirm that you meet the conditions to change or apply for a student visa. Don't confuse the student visa with other categories, such as the Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales). Each visa type has its own criteria and required evidence. Create a checklist based on the official instructions. Include:

• Required application form.
• Supporting documents.
• Signature requirements.
• Submission steps. Important: Filing a student visa application does not guarantee approval. The immigration authority decides each case based on the documents you provide.

Complete,

Sign and Prepare the Form Complete every required section of the Form formulario-unico-visa accurately. Don't leave mandatory fields blank. Use consistent information throughout the form. Your personal details, travel history, and study plans must match your supporting documents. Follow these steps: 1. Fill out all required sections. Review your answers for accuracy.

Sign the form where required. Prepare digital or physical copies as instructed. Check that your name, passport details, and contact information appear exactly as they do in your passport. Errors or inconsistencies can delay review or result in refusal. Warning: An incomplete or unsigned form can lead the immigration authority to reject your application without further review.

Submit with Required Evidence

Submit your completed formulario-unico-visa together with all required supporting documents. The immigration authority evaluates both the form and the evidence as a single application package. Prepare clear and legible copies of each required document. Organize them in the order listed in the official instructions to make review easier. Your submission package should include:

• The completed and signed application form.
• All required supporting evidence for your student category.
• Any additional documents specified in the official instructions. If you entered Colombia under Permiso de Turismo, ensure your current status aligns with your student visa request. The immigration authority will assess whether your circumstances support the visa category you selected.Check the official government source for current submission procedures and any applicable fees in USD ($).

You will pay two separate government charges for a Colombia student visa: a study fee and an issuance fee. Processing usually takes between 1 and 6 weeks after you submit a complete application through the official system.

Study Fee (Academic Programs)

The study fee for academic programs is $16 as of July 2026. You pay this amount when you submit your application through the online Form formulario-unico-visa system managed by the immigration authority. This fee applies to standard student visas for academic study. It doesn't cover other categories such as the Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales), which has its own fee structure.

• Study Fee (Academic Programs): $16 Pay the study fee before the immigration authority begins reviewing your file. If your application is incomplete, processing won't move forward until you correct the issue. Important: Always confirm the current amount inside the formulario-unico-visa system before you submit, as fees can change.

Issuance Fee and Regional Differences

If the immigration authority approves your application, you must pay an issuance fee of $21 to finalize the visa. Approval doesn't activate your visa until you complete this second payment. When you file from Europe or Cuba, the issuance fee is $17 instead of $21. The amount depends on where you submit your application.

You pay the issuance fee only after approval. If the authority refuses your application, you will not pay this second charge. Tourist entry does not require these visa fees but also does not authorize long-term academic study.

Typical Processing Timeline

The immigration authority typically processes a student visa in 1 to 6 weeks after you submit a complete application. The timeline starts only once you provide all required documents through the formulario-unico-visa system. Incomplete submissions delay review. The authority will pause processing until you upload missing documents or correct errors. You should plan your filing schedule carefully: 1. Gather all required documents before starting the application.

Submit the complete formulario-unico-visa. Monitor your account for status updates. Pay the issuance fee immediately after approval. Processing times can vary within the 1–6 week range. Apply well in advance of your program start date to avoid travel disruptions.