U.S. Opens New Visa Appointments in Colombia: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá announced that starting February 18, more visa appointments will be available for those who have been waiting for over a year.

Through its official account on X, the Embassy reported:

“Starting February 18, we will open additional visa appointments for applicants who have been waiting for over a year. Check your email and follow the instructions. Remember, we are your official source for visa information.”

If you applied for your B1/B2 visa before February 18, 2024, you may be able to reschedule your appointment sooner.

How to Access These New Appointments?

The Embassy provided some recommendations for those who want to take advantage of this opportunity:

1. Check your email: You will receive a link to verify appointment availability.
2. Keep trying: If you don’t see available appointments, don’t worry. New slots open continuously.
3. Priority for those who have waited the longest: The Embassy will prioritize applicants who have been waiting for over a year.

Traveling to the U.S.: A Goal for Many Colombians

This year, many Colombians are looking to travel to the United States for work, study, or tourism. To do so, they must apply for a visa, the official document that allows entry and stay in the country for a specified period.

There are different types of visas:

• Non-immigrant visa: For those traveling temporarily for tourism, business, studies, or medical treatment.
• Immigrant visa: For those seeking to move permanently to the United States.

Interview Recommendations

If you are applying for a non-immigrant visa, the Embassy suggests the following:

• Bring your passport: During the appointment at the CAS (Applicant Service Center), a barcode sticker will be placed on the back of your passport. This document must be valid for at least six months.
• If you have a visa of the same category, bring it: You cannot have two visas of the same category at the same time. The consular officer will check if your previous visa has expired.

These measures aim to streamline the process and reduce wait times for those wishing to travel to the United States.