How to Get Proof of Pension for Colombia Retirement Visa?
A proof of pension is required when applying for Colombia retirement visa. You typically need to attach an apostille to your proof of pension. If you are a US citizen, then for federal pension purposes you would need proof of pension from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). This proof of pension is SSA Benefit Verification letter. If you are a Canadian citizen, then you would a need a proof of pension from Canadian Pension Plan.
For US citizens, the easiest method to get Benefit Verification letter is via the Social Security web site. To get this SSA Benefit Verification letter on this site, you will need to create an account. Go to Social Security website found here. On the left side of the SSA’s main home page click SIGNIN/UP.
Then click on my Social Security. Create an account, log in and go to your Benefit & Payment Details link found on the top menu bar. Then, click on this, and the middle of the page you will see “Get a Benefit Verification Letter.” Click on this link and it will open your SSA Benefit Verification letter, which you can then print.
After you have your SSA Benefit Verification you need to APOSTILLE for it to be used in Colombia.In the past, one way to verify this document was to get an apostille for this letter to use it inColombia. With legal messenger services, such as Visas by James consular messenger services, you may also get federal benefit letters certified at the American Embassy, as an alternative to the Federal apostille service.
Since the SSA Benefit Verification Letter is a federal document it can only get authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Here are the requirements for authentication of a federally issued documents.
- Must be executed by U.S. federal agencies
- Must include a legible signature of the official’s name, printed name and title, and seal of the agency
- Must be on agency letterhead
If your Benefit Verification Letter does not have a signature, then the U.S. Department of State will not attach an apostille to this letter. You can get the letter signed by an SSA officer at a local SSA office and then get an apostille.
