There is a thriving community of Colombians here that dates back to the 1970s. Many Colombians have come to Boston and the surrounding area to escape La Violencía, as well as to embrace all of the opportunities that Boston has to offer.
Most have settled in East Boston, sometimes called “Little Colombia.” Many Colombians began restaurants here, in addition to all sorts of other businesses. In mid-July, the community throws El Festival Colombiano, to celebrate Colombia’s Independence Day. Crafts, food, music, dance, and other cultural events help to bring the community together and to share it with the rest of the Boston population.
If you need help immigrating to MA from Colombia, contact Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. Giselle helps clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. She is bilingual (English & Spanish), and works with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact Giselle today to discuss your case, or read on to find out more about protecting your immigration status in the United States.
Pursing an Education
There are few places in the United States with better educational opportunities than Massachusetts. Here in Boston we have over 30 colleges and universities, including Ivies.
You can apply for a student visa, and I can help. Many students go on to find work here in greater Boston area and become lifelong residents or citizens of the state.
Finding Employment
The job market is strong here in Boston, offering opportunities in health care, education, technology and the service industry, as well as work at our booming Seaport district.
Once you find a job in Massachusetts, your employer can sponsor you for a visa. EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 workers are all eligible for green cards after meeting certain requirements.
Starting a Business
Nearly 10% of the Colombians in Boston are self-employed business owners. Their businesses are a vital part of the economy and community.
If you have the resources to start a business right away, then there are several classes of visa that might be available to you. Two of them offer a path to a green card, and eventual citizenship. You can let me know if you have plans to start a business and we’ll see if one of those visas is right for you.
The Consulate
The Consulate of Colombia in Boston is located at 31 St. James Avenue #960, and can be reached at (617) 536-6222.
The Consulate can help you renew your passport, replace lost or stolen documents, notarize documents that you’ll need for your visa application, and more.
Other Resources
There are many cultural and religious organizations in Boston that are devoted to helping Colombian immigrants sustain their culture. There are also organizations devoted to helping Colombian immigrants settle in, such as the East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (EBECC). It was founded to help immigrants and refugees learn English, navigate the public school system, and find jobs.
USCIS Processing Times in Boston
The local USCIS office takes 7 to 21 months to process most visa applications. It pays to make sure your visa application is done right the first time, that you’ve accounted for any issues that could create problems on your application, and that you’ve submitted enough evidence to make USCIS content.
I can help you with all of this, ensuring that your move to Massachusetts will be a successful one. Contact me to get help immigrating to Massachusetts today.