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Question on Mercosur or Andino Migrant visa for a citizen of Ecuador?

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Mr. Barley

When considering which visa facilitator in Colombia (with websites) possibly has the most experience with processing this type of visa application, I would guess that it is Expat Group since their default website is in Spanish and they have many people commenting on their blog posts in Spanish.  Also, while Jame's website lists the Mercosur visa as a visa that he processes, there is no mention of the Andino migrant visa which is included resolution 5477, so obviously he doesn't consider it a priority. 


One of the requirements of these two types of temporary M visas, is the following, which comes from the Expat Group website:


Letter of request:  Signed application letter explaining the purpose of temporary residence in Colombia and declaring economic responsibility and source of income.


I don't think either tourism or "hanging out" is an appropriate "purpose" for a letter of request.  Therefore, I need to come up with something substantive, particularly in light of the fact that after two years I could apply for a permanent R visa.


I would appreciate any facilitators experienced with these visas, or actual holders of this visa, sharing their opinion regarding a plausible "purpose" I could use in the letter of request.

Javier03824

@Mr. Barley


I've been living in Colombia for 3 years now with my Mercosur Visa. I applied with Expatgroup and I highly recommend them! They explained everything to me and got me approved within 2-3 weeks. I'am now applying for my residency here in Colombia and have contracted Expatgroup again for their help.

Heres an example of my letter that was sent with my M Visa application, hope it helps.


"I’am applying for a Colombian Mercosur Migrant Visa. I have completed the application form and provided supporting documents which include: Passport photo copies, passport picture and the apostilled New York State Criminal Record. I have citizenship in Ecuador and the United States Of America. I was born in Ecuador and lived there for 6 years before moving to New York City


Colombia has been like a second home to me.  Having been born and lived in Ecuador has made it easy to become acclimated with Colombia.  In the months that I’ve lived in the Colombia, I’ve traveled to many different cities and learned about the culture . Being Bi-lingual has helped me make connections with not just the locals but also other expatriates like myself.


What I love most about Colombia are the museums, the culture, the friendliness of the people, and the overwhelming natural scenery. My intentions with the M visa are to live, work and earn citizenship in Colombia. I will establish permanent residence within the country.


The months that I’ve lived in Colombia I’ve been financially responsible for myself and will always be financially responsible for myself. Since I’ve chosen to live away from popular expatriate locations I have established a home in Villavicencio with my friend among the locals. I assist my friend with half of the rent, utilities, and groceries.


I’am an educated individual with a High School diploma, some college credits and a Technical Certification in Hemodialysis. My work experience includes over 10+ years of customer service/sales, and call-center. I plan on continuing my career within the customer service/sales field in Colombia. I also plan to take advance or expert Spanish courses in order to perfect my Spanish speaking abilities.


Given the opportunity to live in Colombia would be a dream come true.

I hope this finds you well, and thank you for your consideration."


Sincerely,

Javier

Mr. Barley

@Javier03824 Nice! Thanks for sharing.

cccmedia

Dear Mr. Barley,


Given your recent post about how you passed the

Ecuador citizenshiup test with minimal conversational

ability, you might consider advancing in your

español education if that is compatible with the

type of visa you seek.


James Lindzey has just posted about how difficult

they're making the digital nomad visa, which he said

is good for just 180 days in a year.


cccmedia

Mr. Barley

Dear Mr. Barley,
Given your recent post about how you passed the
Ecuador citizenshiup test with minimal conversational
ability, you might consider advancing in your
español education if that is compatible with the
type of visa you seek.

James Lindzey has just posted about how difficult
they're making the digital nomad visa, which he said
is good for just 180 days in a year.

cccmedia
-@cccmedia


Thanks for the advise. Just as in Ecuador, when I extended my tourist stamp, obtained an investor's visa, acquired citizenship, and reclaimed control of my certificate of deposit used for my investor's visa, not to mention getting my birth certificate apostilled and mailed to me in Ecuador along with my FBI report, I intend to do everything myself.


However, I first need to set the foundation, which includes visiting as a tourist to demonstrate an interest in the country, along with showing that I comply with immigration laws, with timely exits from Colombia to Ecuador. Also, I need to do some U.S. tax planning by myself to minimize exposure to Colombian income taxes and possible EPS obligations. As James L. says on his website, "EPS insurance will not restrict your visa (initial visa), however, it may be expensive for certain people. "

Mr. Barley

One other thing I may do in "laying the foundation" before applying for the Mercosur or Andino Migrante visa is to make a relatively small investment in some kind of in a business/franchise in Colombia, where I basically don't have to do too much, and it isn't too risky. I would probably consult with the firm of Langdon about this first, however, since there are some things I wouldn't want to without a Lawyer. Also, Langdon seems to focusing on this part of his practice of late, judging by his Youtube videos.

robdubsky

**** are thieves. They wasted months of my time, did not comunícate well, and stole my money with no servicie.

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