Colombia Forum

DrewP
Joined 2014
Posts: 6

9 years ago

Moving to Colombia with criminal record

9 years ago

I am 19 and just finished my first year at university. The thing is, I despise living in the United States and cannot stay here for 3+ more years. The other thing is, I have a criminal record. I have 3 adult misdemeanors which all happened when I was 18 and cannot be removed from my record. Anyways, my plan is to work for about the next year and simultaneously complete a TEFL program in order to teach English. I realize that because of my record and the fact I don't have a degree, my options are limited. Honestly though, staying here is not an option. Colombia is my first choice. I already know that to get a work permit in Colombia one must submit a criminal background check. My question is, is it possible the authorities will let my 3 misdemeanors slide and give my the permit? What are my chances? If I do not have a chance, I feel as though one of my two viable backup plans would be Chile due to the visa loophole. However, a plane ticket to Santiago is rather expensive and so is living there. I would really need to hook a job in Santiago right away to survive. Otherwise, I am just going to say, "screw it" and hop on a plane to Cambodia, yes Cambodia, not Colombia. Anyways, I would appreciate any advice/expertise on moving to Colombia with a criminal record. Please do not try to convince me to stay in the U.S. and finish college.

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Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.