Yuki — a 22-year-old Japanese linguistics student — had been accepted to a two-year Spanish language and literature master's program at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá. Her acceptance letter arrived in March. Her program started in August. In the five months between those two dates, she navigated a documentation process that her Japanese university's international office had no guide for: the Colombian student visa (Visa M, subcategory "estudiante"), the Art. 11 medical plan requirement that Migración Colombia had added to the student visa requirements in 2022, and the timing question of whether to apply for the visa from Japan or arrive as a tourist and apply in-country. Her Colombian admissions contact answered one of those questions incorrectly — advising her to come on a tourist visa and convert in-country — which turned out to be technically possible but significantly more complicated and expensive than applying from Japan. Yuki arrived on a tourist visa, enrolled, and spent three weeks after classes started completing her student visa paperwork.
Colombia's student visa — a Visa Migrante (M) with the "estudiante" subcategory — is the correct immigration instrument for any foreign national enrolled in a full-time academic program at a recognized Colombian educational institution for more than six months. The tourist entry and conversion path works but is an administrative detour that most students would prefer to avoid. Understanding the timeline, the Art. 11 requirement, and the distinction between language courses (covered under different rules) and degree programs is the starting point.
for 6+ months full-time study
added to student visa 2022
2026 rate
after visa issuance
Who Needs a Student Visa vs. Who Doesn't
A foreign national enrolled in a formal degree program (bachelor's, master's, PhD, specialization) or a recognized vocational program at a Colombian accredited institution for more than six months needs a Visa M "estudiante." Short courses, language intensives, or programs under six months can generally be covered by a standard Visitor Visa (Visa V) or even a tourist entry for very short programs. The distinction matters because the M student visa requires an Art. 11 medical plan, which adds approximately USD 30–60/month to the cost of study, while the V tourist path does not. However, the V path limits you to 90 days (extendable once), creates no path to residency, and requires leaving Colombia to reset the counter — the M is the correct instrument for any genuine multi-year academic program.
The Art. 11 Requirement for Students
Since 2022, Migración Colombia has required that student visa (Visa M "estudiante") applicants present an Art. 11-compliant medical assistance plan as part of the application package. This is the same requirement that applies to Visa M workers and retirees. The plan must be issued by a Colombian-registered provider (or internationally registered with documented Colombian hospital network access) and must meet the minimum coverage standards of Res. 5477/2022. This requirement catches many students off guard, particularly those whose home country universities cover them with student insurance that doesn't meet the Colombian Art. 11 standard. Home country student health insurance is generally not accepted; a specific Art. 11 plan must be obtained.
Applying from Abroad vs. In-Country Conversion
The cleaner path is to apply for the student visa from your home country before travel, using the Migración Colombia digital portal. Required documents include: acceptance letter from the Colombian institution, proof of enrollment and program duration, valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity), Art. 11 medical plan certificate, proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor letter), and the applicable visa fee (USD 252 in 2026 for Visa M). Processing time: 10–30 days from complete application submission. The in-country conversion path — arriving on a tourist visa and converting to student visa — is possible but requires a physical appointment at a Migración Colombia office, queuing for the appointment slot, and the same documentation package. There is no cost difference but there is significant time and process difference.
From Visa to Cédula: The Next Step
Within 30 days of the student visa being issued and entering Colombia, the foreign student must apply for a cédula de extranjería at a Migración Colombia office. The cédula is the identity document used for all formal transactions in Colombia — bank account opening, signing a lease, SIM card registration, and access to university administrative services. The process takes 5–10 business days. Without the cédula, the foreign student is effectively using their passport for every transaction, which creates practical friction.
Working While Studying on a Student Visa
The Visa M "estudiante" does not automatically authorize paid employment in Colombia. A student who wants to work part-time legally needs a separate work authorization, which requires a different visa category or a formal internship arrangement documented through the Colombian institution. Unpaid academic internships or research roles within the university typically do not require additional authorization. Paid external work, freelance income, or formal employment requires either converting to or adding a work-authorized visa component.