Do you need an outside sponsor to get a specific purpose visa?
by Tina
(Wisconsin, USA)
Hi. I'm writing from the United States, and I'm just curious of the requirements of obtaining a specific purpose visa. I'm not sure if you'll know the specifics, but I just thought I'd ask.
I'm moving to Bolivia early in 2011 and hoping to stay about a year. I'm not sure of what I'll be doing, but I will be living with my boyfriend in Santa Cruz. I plan on volunteering and possibly getting a job.
Do I need to have a volunteer organization to sponsor me and write a letter for my visa, even if I plan on supporting myself financially?
Any information you can give me would be great.
Thank you
Comments for
Do you need an outside sponsor to get a specific purpose visa?
does the letter need to be in spanish by: Anonymous
Yes, I think it does. Most consulates have translators who can do the translation for you. You could contact the consulate you are planning on using to ask if it is necessary for it to be in Spanish, and if so, if they can suggest one of their translators.
Oct 15, 2010
letter in Spanish? by: Anonymous
Does the letter of introduction for the specific purpose visa need to be written in Spanish??
Sep 02, 2010
Do you need an outside sponsor to get a specific purpose visa? by: BoliviaBella
You don't need a sponsor but you do have to show how you will support yourself while you live here. And having a letter from an organization you will volunteer for would not be a bad thing. You can do that when you apply for your specific purpose visa. You can send a letter of intent (it's required anyway) in which you explain that you plan to work on your own in Bolivia, what you plan to do, that you will ALSO volunteer, that you will be living with your boyfriend who will also be helping with bills, etc. They may ask you to show proof of monthly income or bank statements showing you'll have enough to live on. It depends on the consulate.
Since you plan to be self-employed here, ask them if you will be required to register your company in Bolivia (such as, open a sole proprietorship in Bolivia). It's important to know that because if you do, you will be liable for taxes in Bolivia (and you'll still have to file a tax return in the US too even if you're living and working here).
Additionally, if you plan to work in Bolivia (even if self-employed) you may need a work permit from the Ministry of Labor which, for Americans, costs $300. That is in addition to your residency.